With the lockdown in Lagos, Nigeria partially lifted, B.O.P’s Ufana Ishoyor got the chance to sit with Yagazie Eguare, Founder of Gazmadu Studios to talk about her childhood, early attraction, journey in photography and her vision for the photo Industry in Nigeria… Enjoy.
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- Kindly Introduce Yourself?
My name is Yagazie Eguare, I’m a Portraits and Weddings Photographer, an Educator, Lead Photographer at Gazmadu Studios and Mother of Two.
- How was growing up like?
Growing up was much fun. I am the second child in a family of five children. I remember growing up as being a lot of fun, having a full house, sharing almost everything with my siblings and really being influenced by my immediate elder sister. Even though I was quiet, I loved exploring life as a whole and I believed (still do) that to fully live, you shouldn’t just be good at one thing. I was good with my academics, loved dancing so naturally, I joined a dancing group, I loved sports so I matched + played football, loved leadership so I took the prefect role assigned to me in primary school. I left Primary school a little unprepared and wasn’t prepared for what life would mean in secondary school especially boarding school. My mental state in the beginning years of my primary school had, had a huge effect on my academics, who I was and the things I did. So secondary school life really changed me till it felt like I’d forgotten who I was. By the time I got to SS1/SS2 I began to wake up and speak to myself to remember who I’d been before secondary school and that if I succeeded so well then, I could do it again. My entire mindset changed and that completely changed everything, resulting in me doing better for the last two years of Senior Secondary School. After that, I promised myself that I would do so much better in university and true to that; my University days in Imo State University were some of the best years of my life. I LIVED!, in every sense of the word. I did very well in my academics – Optometry, I explored my social life and I took up significant leadership positions as they came.
- What’s your educational background?
I attended Mercy Primary School, Umuahia, Abia State then moved on to Federal Government Girls College in Owerri, Imo State University. Finally, I got my degree from Imo State University, Owerri, where I graduated as a Doctor of Optometry
- How did you start Photography?
It might come off as cheesy but I’d say Photography found me. My connection to photography as a whole started while I was a young girl. I would always see my Dad’s camera and be extremely fascinated by it. I loved watching him take pictures and also loved going to the studio where I’d just stare at pictures in wonder. Soon afterward, I always wanted to be the one to take everyone’s picture or document moments happening at home. I was 11 when a relative asked what I wanted and I remember screaming CAMERA! So when my sister and I eventually got it, it meant everything to me. The first time I traveled to the UK I saved up all my pocket money at the time and bought my very first KODAK camera. The joy I felt at that moment was indescribable. With no knowledge about the process of photography, I simply explored and enjoy every moment by myself. Despite all the love and connection to photography, “Becoming a Photographer” was never something I’d considered mostly because I didn’t know ‘successful photographers’ at the time that I could take up as role models. The encounters I had with photographers were the ones who hustled on street sides and some studios and they didn’t really portray the potentials that I now know photography holds. While concluding my study as an Optometrist, I had a strong conviction that I was NEVER going to practice the craft beyond NYSC. All I was certain of past that point was I would come to Lagos for my internship because I knew the city held everything I wanted. Also, a major goal before coming was that I was going to use that opportunity to learn more about what then wasn’t more than a hobby. Soon after, I and a friend registered for the TFESS Photography workshop hosted by a team of talented Nigerian photographers with the likes of Kelechi Amadi Obi, Obi Somto, Isaac Emokpae, Body Lawson, etc. and after that training, my entire perspective changed; My love and connection to photography made more sense and I made the active decision to become a Photographer.
- Was it just a hobby or did you from the onset want to take it as a career?
At first, it was a hobby but post my realization that this was all I wanted to do; I started making decisions that eventually birth a career and the business it is today.
- What type of Photography do you do?
I am a Portraits & Wedding Photographer.
- Where/Who do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my greatest inspiration from GOD, who is at the very center of my being. My life’s journey and my family also hugely inspire me and finally, I also draw inspiration for great artists, who just so happen to be my colleagues and a couple of others who paved the way for me from within the African continent and beyond with the likes of; TY BELLO, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Henry Nwaeze (Big-H), Emmanuel Oyeleke, Aham Ibeleme, Lexash, Wani Olatunde, Bob Pixels, Mofe Bamuyiwa, August Udoh, Bernard Kalu being at the fore and others like Joey L, Sue Bryce, Annie Leibovitz , Jeremy Cowart, Platon amongst others supporting from beyond the continental barrier.
- So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the Business of Photography like?
My highest points as a photographer have been defining my work, finding purpose, and serving God through my work while also impacting lives and being in a position to connect with a lot of people.
- What challenges do you face and what steps do you take in overcoming these challenges?
Challenges are the major contributors to my entire process. I’d say some of them are; finding myself as an artist, unboxing myself from labels put on me by other people, growing my photography and business as a standard organization whilst building a team (this is still an on-going challenge we are conquering) and maintaining a level of balance between life’s purpose and demands, family and business.
- In the Coming Years, where do you see the photography in Nigeria?
EXPLOSIVE!!!! Literally, I see Africa taking over and leading in Global art creation while owning more of their power and excelling in it. So the future is super exciting and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.
- What’s your opinion on the effects of the Corona Virus on the Photo Industry?
I think it’s one of the best things that has happened to us. It offered everyone an equal opportunity to slow down, learn, expand their knowledge, and become better. I know this most definitely isn’t the case for everyone but belief system is arched in the knowledge that everything works together for my good so my mindset towards this is somewhat different.
- Any last words?
THANK YOU BOPNetworks FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY STORY. KEEP INSPIRING THE WORLD
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Yagazie Eguare is the Lead Photographer and Founder of Gazmadu Studios, a Photography company based in Lagos, Nigeria. She’s an educator, a mentor, and a mother. You can follow her on Instagram here or Gazmadu Studios here.
