Yetunde Ayeni Babaeko is the Lead Photographer at Camara Studios Photography and Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko Photography, an exhibitor at the 2018 Business of Photography Conference and a fine art photographer. B.O.P got the chance to sit with her and get her journey into photography and the challenges she faces.
- Kindly Introduce Yourself
My name is Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko and I am a photographer, mother and wife. I run my own photo studio called Camara-Studios and YAB Photography. YAB Photography produces fine art photography work and shows in photo exhibitions.
- How was growing up like?
I grew up in a remote town in Germany. So my upbringing was very protected. I also had hardly any idea about Nigeria.
- What’s your educational background?
I did all my schooling in Germany. After A-levels I attended photography school and graduated in 2003 majoring in advertising photography.
- How did you start Photography?
Is started photography inspired by my grandfather but trained by seasoned photographers in the advertising industry in Germany.
- Was it just a hobby or did you from the onset want to take it as a career?
Photography was a career choice for me.
- What type of Photography do you do?
Now I practice advertising and fine art photography. But at Camara-Studios we also cover events, photograph families and do standard portraits.
- Where/Who do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from the everyday contradictions going on in Nigeria. The underbellies of Lagos are always a photogenic subject. Once you put this in contrast with the wealth and beauty of this country and its people, you have created a conversation piece. But I also get inspired by techniques of other photographers. Therefor magazines and the internet hold a never-ending pool of ideas.
- So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the Business of Photography like?
My high points surface every time I finish a body of work for a solo exhibition.
- What’s your perception of the Nigerian Imaging Industry currently?
The Image and photography industry are tightly connected to the economic situation of the country. As the people are getting prepared to make their budget savings, photography will be the first service that will not be regarded as totally necessary. Though the photographers are finally being more respected as integral part of the media industry hiring professional photographers has turned more into a luxury venture.
- What challenges do you face and what steps do you take in overcoming these challenges?
My biggest challenge has always been equipment. As an advertising photographer you need to work with a whole range of different equipment. And no photographer can own it all. Abroad you can borrow equipment, which you can hardly do over here.
And then of course there are infrastructural challenges in Nigeria like lack of electricity and traffic.
- Any Advice for Beginner Photographers?
Start with the equipment you have and invest more money on educating yourself on great image making.
- Any last words?
A big thank you to B.O.P for organizing this event and reminding us that no man and no photographer is an island. If we want the industry to grow we need to learn how to share knowledge and experiences.
You can connect with Yetunde Babaeko on Instagram by clicking here, Camara Studios or visit her website here.
