Boluwatife Johnson also known as LED is a Portrait, Nature, Product, Lifestyle, and Event photographer based in Nigeria. Boluwatife is also a 500 level student of Medicine at Babcock University. He’s a firm lover of God and strongly believes God is involved and has been involved in art.
- KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF?
My name is Boluwatife Johnson. I am a firm lover of God, my family, friends, medicine, and photography. My photography name is ‘LED’ not L.E.D (as per lights or screen).
- WHAT WAS GROWING UP LIKE FOR YOU?
Growing up was full of love and support from family and friends. Learning and instilling values that make me who I am today.
- WHAT’S YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?
All through primary and secondary school, I’ve been geared towards the sciences with a love of art by the side. I never knew how to express that art side until photography came along.
Currently, I am a 500 level medical student at Babcock University. About this time next year, I’ll be a medical doctor.
- WHAT GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARE YOU INTO?
Portrait, Nature, Product, Lifestyle and Event photography
- HOW WILL YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
There isn’t a particular style I’d describe my photos with because at the moment, I am still defining that for myself. I’d just say they are usually a bit warm.
- WHAT DOES PHOTOGRAPHY MEAN TO YOU?
Photography holds an important place in my life because I’m able to capture the beauty God created and that is why I take pictures. To remind me that God is the master artist and let people know that there’s beauty everywhere even in the messiest of situations.
- HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?
It’s an interesting story really. You know how people have various talents in singing, dancing, acting, etc. I didn’t really have one to call my own, especially to worship God with. I asked God to show me what I could do. I joined a church in school (HOKC) in my 200 level and got led (wink wink) to pick up a camera. I realized that, that in itself is a ministry. From there I watched tutorials online, got mentored by a really good friend of mine (His name is Martin), and just kept practicing and photographing things I loved.
- WHERE/WHO DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
Actually, I get inspired by a lot of things. A word from God or the Bible, works of art from other photographers, an abstract idea that could be expressed in an image, nature itself as an inspiration.
- WHAT MAKES A GOOD PICTURE STAND OUT FROM THE AVERAGE?
I believe a good picture is subjective. Interpretation and a meaningful story play important roles in what defines a good image. However, speaking objectively, light plays a key role. Being able to make good use of light will differentiate an alright image from a great one. This is something I am still trying to learn. The other important thing is your mind. Gear is important but if you don’t have ideas or ways of carrying out your ideas, you won’t get meaningful pictures. Your phone alone can get great images with stories behind them if your mind is in the right place.
- WHOSE WORK HAS INFLUENCED YOU MOST?
I’ve been influenced by Martin Meremikwu (Photography name is Still), my friend Lanre (Lensography), and a whole host of photographers I admire online. They include Sean Tucker, TY Bello, fabulous Banji just to name a few.
- WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER TO YOU?
I think it’s the joy it brings, to myself, the person being photographed and people who see the pictures and also being able to share an inspiring story. The smile it brings is just different, you know.
- AS A PHOTOGRAPHER WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN PORTRAIT OR ANY GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY?
I’m still learning for myself but the advice I’d give is to be LED by God on where you should go and how you should go about it. Always be willing to grow even in challenges (lack of gear or something), practice, don’t force yourself, and don’t give up. Always remember to create for yourself and not the audience. Derive joy from putting your ideas into reality.
- WHERE DO YOU SEE PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE IMAGING INDUSTRY IN THE COMING YEARS?
It will keep growing. More and more people are joining making this community bigger and more creative.
- ANY LAST WORDS?
Trust God in the process of making art. He is the master artist. The Ultimate Creative.
To check Boluwatife amazing works check him on Instagram @ LED (@i.amled)
