”PHOTOGRAPHY IS HOW I EXPRESS MY SELF AND CREATIVITY” BOP INTERVIEWS AKINRELERE AYODAMOPE

Akinrelere Ayodamope popularly known as SAFE PHOTOGRAPHY is a portrait, event, and fashion photographer based in Nigeria. He is also a Civil Engineering graduate from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta.

• KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF?

Hello, my name is Akinrelere Ayodamope, a graduate of Civil Engineering and a photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria. I am from the Yoruba tribe and I’m from Ondo State.

• WHAT WAS GROWING UP LIKE FOR YOU?

I am the last born of three guys so growing was quite memorable especially the company of my brothers. Along the line, I took notice of my likeness of art and creativity as a form of self-expression and I keyed into it.

• WHAT’S YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?

I have a BEng in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

• WHAT GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARE YOU INTO?

I am into portrait photography but at times, I branch into events and fashion.

• WHAT DOES PHOTOGRAPHY MEAN TO YOU?

Photography as an art is  how I express myself and my creativity

• HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

I remember sitting at New Hall in Unilag one day, taking out my phone and photographing a flower that sprang up from a crack in the concrete pavement of the floor, from then on I got intrigued and knew I wanted to be a professional doing that. So wildlife and nature photography would certainly be a niche I’d love to branch into when the time is right.

• WHERE/WHO DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

I am inspired by art and natural elements in our society.

• WHAT MAKES A GOOD PICTURE STAND OUT FROM THE AVERAGE?

Composition, framing, lighting are the major elements that make good photography.

• WHOSE WORK HAS INFLUENCED YOU MOST?

Emmanuel Oyeleke, Elearnornodey, Bighstudios, Felix Kunze, and Sue Bryce.

• SO FAR WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR HIGHEST POINT AS A PHOTOGRAPHER AND HOW IS THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY FOR YOU?

Well, so far, so good I have had exciting memories shooting different personalities, nevertheless, I draw my satisfaction from the feedback I get from the people I shoot, seeing the glow in their faces when I show them their photographs is amazing.

• AS A PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNGER PHOTOGRAPHERS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN PORTRAIT OR ANY GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY

You can achieve anything you want through consistency, discipline, and creativity.

• WHERE DO YOU SEE PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE IMAGING INDUSTRY IN THE COMING YEARS?

I see a huge development. Every day, technology breaks a rule we once believed in. I really can’t predict what it’ll be like in the future but I aim to be a part of it.

• ANY LAST WORDS?

You only live once, so live life to the fullest and be nice to people.

To know more about Safe photography and his amazing images, visit his page on Instagram @ SAFE (@safephotography)