Seyi Body Lawson is a force to reckon with in the Nigerian Photography Industry. A Photographer, Film-maker and Educator with over two decades of experience are his rear; We sat down to have a chat with the Drone Master to find out how he got into photography and what his take of the photo industry in Nigeria.
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- Kindly Introduce Yourself;
My name is Seyi Body-Lawson but most people simply call me Body. I am a professional photographer, a film director, a drone pilot and an entrepreneur with over 25 years’ experience.
- How was growing up like?
My Childhood was great. I can’t go into specifics but I had a very good upbringing and had the love of a wonderful family.
- What’s your educational background?
I had my early years of primary education at Corona School, Victoria Island, then moved to FGCL Ijanikin. Then bagged a B.SC in Estate Management from the University of Lagos and finally, a Diploma in film-making from the New York Film Academy, New York, USA.
- How did you start Photography?
I somewhat started in 1994 immediately after graduating from FGCL, Ijanikin just before UNILAG and I’ve been shooting ever since.
- Was it just a hobby or did you from the onset want to take it as a career?
It started as a hobby and a desire to be financially independent. I had tried being a horticulturist, an artist and even a farmer. I was successful in them but then a photographer in church increased his charge for bad quality prints and I decided to learn and raise the standard of the profession to change the industry and that was how my journey started. I successfully raised the bar and it’s been great ever since.
- What type of Photography do you do?
Well, I started up as an all-rounder, doing all major types of photography and I was fairly good at them so I started teaching at my School of Photography; Portraiture, Weddings, Architecture, Fashion and Food photography were my specialty until I was tagged a Wedding Photographer for revolutionizing that industry sector in Nigeria. Now, I do mostly Architectural, Landscape, Aerial photography while also shooting short documentary films.
- Where/Who do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from no-one else but God and also the things around me.
- So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the Business of Photography like?
Working for the President of Nigeria amongst other things. Also getting recognition for the impact I have made on profession of photography and the imaging industry in Nigeria.
The business of photography is great, the ability to keep improving and reinventing ones’ self unto excellence and service delivery. Creating multiple streams of income within the photography industry by working smarter rather than harder is key to increasing profitability and recognition.
- Being an Aerial Photographer, explain your process and things you do differently when on Assignment?
Understanding and researching the assignment is the vital. It is also rudimental to do all necessary equipment test and have multiple charged batteries. I always try to secure a good, comfortable safe location to operate from and commence at a time of the day when the weather is awesome to suit the assignment on hand. Creativity and Perspective will also come in hand to make your work stand out. I incorporate into my process angles, perspective, colors, lines and shapes to produce the best result possible.
- What challenges do you face and what steps do you take in overcoming these challenges?
Security is always top on the list. I try to always visit the location prior to the shoot to secure a good, safe location to operate from. It’s good to operate from a house or a fenced area, or close to a security post. Also, I always have an ID Card handy with some small loose ‘thank you change’ and tips.
- In the Coming Years, where do you see the photography in Nigeria?
Complete specialization; Different genre of photography will emerge with photographers specialising in them. Obviously with the aid of technology, We’d get to see smaller, more quiet high resolution drones, cameras, lighting equipments and editing tools to create unique stunning imagery. Also larger, wider variety of indigenous imagery for sale and lease.
- What’s your opinion on the effects of the Corona Virus on Photo Industry?
It’s massive and affecting everyone on a different level with levels being dependent on the genre of photography you practice. With an end to social contact, Photographers that do weddings, portraiture, social events are currently jobless and since the bulk of photographers fall in this bracket, the Nigeria Imaging sphere is taking a big hit and it is affecting even those who deal with prints and sales of photo related equipment. On the other-hand, photographers doing landscape, still life, documentary and fine art photography are having a fill day with their hands full.
- Any last words?
These are uncertain times and going forward, there might never be another time like this so seize the opportunity; dig in, clean the house, learn a lot through online tutorials, books, free instalive training, build your capacity, create stock photographs for the future, plan and execute your personal art projects, write a book… In essence, create something that will outlive you for your children and children’s children.
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Seyi Body-Lawson is a Photographer and Drone Pilot. Husband and Father, He is the Lead Creative at Body Lawson Studios. You can connect with him on Instagram here.
