Lagos is the Epicenter of the Corona Virus in Nigeria and this in turn is affecting various systems in the photography ecosystem. Maintaining the right social distance, We sat and had a chat with Onome Ejeta, Photographer and Owner of Camera Joint, a camera store in the heart of Lagos on how she got into the photography business, how the virus is affecting business and how the industry can grow post COVID 19… Enjoy.
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- Kindly Introduce Yourself?
My Name is Onome Ejeta, I am a trained Nurse and the Lead Executive at Camera Joint, a service brand with the singular goal of bringing quality photo equipment to photographers across Nigeria.
- What’s your educational background?
I am a trained Nurse with a B.Nsc from the prestigious Ebonyi State University.
- How did you get into the Photography Business?
It’s quite a story how I sort of stumbled into photography. I always knew I wanted to be super productive and do something fulfilling and refreshing and I guess that was the key notion I held while moving into the Business Of Photography. I ask God for directions because I knew I was definitely not going to practice Nursing after graduation from the University. I like the nursing craft but it was really what I pictured myself doing and then as fate would have it, one day, I worked into a business center and saw they had a small photo studio on the other side of the office with really beautiful portraits hanging on the wall and I felt my heart melt away with love while I looked at the images. I visited the again the next day, acknowledged my love for the images and promptly made a decision to establish an organization with a semblance to their and that was where my journey began. I made my first ever photograph with my phone (Nokia E63) and had it printed and delivered. From there, it grew and my passion was for business outside the skill craft of photography was strategic in building a strong business within the photography industry and that is what Camera Joint has come to become
- How’s the Business of Photography like?
There is so Much Untapped Resources in the Imaging industry especially here in Nigeria. that is yet to be Harness. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many amazing photographers and industry leaders in the country and beyond which in turn has made it easy to extend our brand’s reach across Nigeria and Africa. I’ve come to understand that the key to growth is building partnership where both parties mutually benefit from each other.
- What challenges does the Nigerian Imaging Industry face and what steps do you suggest photographers take in overcoming these challenges?
It’s sad that as a nation, we do not have professional systems and structures in place for growth in the photography industry. It’s an “every photographer for himself” set-up so if a beginner wants to come into the industry, there are no pointers to help him or her grow. Until we have systems and structures professionally set up, the industry will keep running on individual strength. My suggestion is that photographers and photo related business come together and build some kind of professional platform in partnership with Government.
- Being Someone actively involved with relating with camera brands and photographers, is there a way the Government can partner to build the industry?
Partnership with Government cannot be under emphasized and is indeed necessary to run whatever structures and systems that would be put in place. Just like the New York Film Academy, if Government can support the industry by contributing educational institutions and monetary assist schemes then there’s most likely going to be an even faster growth rate which would also reflect greatly on the national economy.
- What is Camera Joint?
We are a One-stop Photography Online store that prides herself in providing Quality and Excellence in Service Delivery.
- What’s your opinion on the effects of the Corona Virus on Photo industry?
No One was prepared for the current effects of the corona virus on society and the photo industry. There’s been tremendous loss but I believe we can learn from the losses and evolve the industry to better serve people post the pandemic. Photographers and Creatives in general would have to come up with better ways to bridge the waters that the post COVID-19 crisis will bring but I believe that together, we can overcome.
- Any last words?
Passion is Key to building any business. When You experience setbacks, Passion is what keeps you going. As for Photographers, It’s not only enough to learn the photo skills but it’s also super important to learn how to run the business and marketing side of the craft so that you stay relevant even in changing tides.
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Onome Ejeta is a Photographer at Studio B2B and is the CEO of Camera Joint, a Photography Store based out of Lagos, Nigeria. You can connect with them on Instagram by clicking here or visit their website here.
