For five years, Olabisi Oyewole has run Upgrade Photography, a photography business, in Ilorin, Kwara State. In this encounter with Correspondent, Olamide Bakare, he narrates his journey into the world of photography and the role of training in achieving success in the profession

Olabisi Oyewole may not come across to many as someone whose forte revolves around photography but seeing him handle a camera tells much about his love for the art.

For this photographer, passion is the one factor that stands him out of the crowd. The fulcrum of his thriving business is the ability to tailor his service to suit clients without taking away from his art and professionalism. Aside from that, Oyewole has remained true to his commitment to do a thorough job, no matter the charge or class of the customer.

"I pay special premium to ensure that all my clients get value for their money. I don't underestimate the worth of any of them because you never can tell who can give you a job translating into a big break," he said.

Even though he has only spent five years on the job, his works speak for him. A look through his portfolio elicits admiration. He said: "I have done quite lot within this limited time. Each time people get to see the pictures or events I have handled, they marvel at the quality of the pictures."

Explaining how he came into photography and what his job entails, Oyewole said that he was involved in all aspects of photography and a great part of what he knows about the profession was learnt through self-help.

He said: "Photography is our business but we are into event photography, portrait photography, children and baby photography as well as videography, as it relates to events generally.

"Having been into photography for four years, I started with a point-and-shoot in church, from where I developed a passion for photography and now it is a profession. I am actually a self-taught person, and I have been able to meet some wonderful professional photographers who added a few things and put me through. With the help of the Internet, I made use of available materials both in videos and e-books that I studied rigorously and practised.

"I started with a loan from a brother and a friend, and some savings, to buy my first camera and from there things began to take shape."

One of Oyewole's goals is to remain on top of the business, hence he has embraced learning as an important part of his job: "The driving force behind my work is to be the best in whatever I do; and so I opened up myself to criticism from my senior colleagues anytime I had the opportunity to sit down with them or had an encounter with them. There were a couple of good photographers around me and I studied how they did their work and tried it.

"I started photography not as a full-time job but got interested along the line. Thereafter, it turned into a passion."

Asked if his reason for delving into photography was his joblessness, Oyewole admitted that even though it was among the reasons, the need to fulfill a passion motivated him.

"It is partly as a result of not getting a job, but I won't say it is entirely as a result of joblessness," he said.

On his beginning as a photographer, Oyewole said: "My initial capital was around N150,000. I got my first camera with other accessories around that price," and after five years, without any regrets, he is of the opinion that, despite the challenges, things will get better.

"The challenges so far have been the expensive nature of photography equipment and there are a few people or companies that are into equipment leasing.

"Another challenge is that of a shortage of training and seminars. I have been to seminars in Lagos, on two occasions, which were organised by Seun Akinsanmi (NIPHEC 2013 and 2014) but those were crash programmes; if you want to undertake an extensive training you will need nothing less than N200,000.

"It also takes time to create a brand for yourself, so it is difficult to actually put a good price on your work because there are many amateurs in this field who are ready to do the same work for a quarter of the price you quoted for a client."

Oyewole believes he made a good decision choosing photography over other professions: "I never taught I took a wrong decision because I am aware of what I have been called to be and believe God ordered my step. As at now the worth of the business is N850,000.

"My expectation in the next five years is to be a known brand in event photography, especially wedding photography."

The photography entrepreneur also opined that for business to thrive, government ought to offer assistance, especially to small business owners.

He said: "Government can do a lot for those starting small-scale businesses in terms of financing, because that is the main issue. It needs to provide funds that will not be too burdensome for repayment."

Advising intending entrepreneurs, Oyewole urged them to remain focused on their goals, because it is only through tenacity that their goals can be achieved. He also reminded them to ensure that they get, at least, a little training in whatever they intend to venture into.

"Training is very important. Because if you don't know what you are doing how will you distinguish yourself from amateurs in your field? Also, be committed, dedicated and stay on it till people know you for what you do.

"Mentorship also plays a big role in whatever business or profession you are doing, to learn from them, not to make the same mistakes they made and to have access to advice and sometimes business opportunities," he said.