Away from all the tips and tricks, to meeting amazing photographers who are making a difference in their circles, our high-flying photographer of the week is a proper professional who has built himself from the ground up. His career is still blossoming, and he shares his journey, so far, with me.
I love your space. It is comfortable. I’m sure your clients really enjoy shooting here.
Yeah, they do. I try as much as possible to prioritize client comfort alongside being as professional as possible.
That is what we like to hear. Let’s get straight into it, chief. Introduce yourself.
My name is Akinola Ibrahim Ayinde a.k.a. Tublackimagery. I’m a creative wedding, portrait, lifestyle, and event photographer.
Great. How did you get into the business, and how long have you been a photographer?
It’s been four years officially [since I] have been on this journey. My love for photography started way back in 2011 where I used to be a photo lab printer. I did that for couple of years before I went for my Ordinary Diploma (OND) in Math and Statistics at Yaba College of Technology [Lagos, Nigeria] from 2012 to 2015.
After my internship with Leadway Assurance and Guaranty Trust Bank, and a four-month relief contract stint with Eco bank, I delved into photography fully.
What made me delve into photography fully was that it took me four months to get a placement for internship [with Leadway Assurance and later Guaranty Trust Bank], so I decided to invest more in my potentials rather than credentials, at that moment.
I jettisoned my Higher National Diploma (HND), which I can do anytime, and started learning photography. I attended several exhibitions on photography including Nikon exhibition and Elo photos academy.
Fast forward to 2017 when I join Klala Photography and Films, that’s where I learnt the practical aspect of photography. I was also able to showcase my skills because there was a platform there for such.
In January 2021, I left Klala and started Tublackimagery and, so far, so good. I have been doing well for myself since then. Not fantastically well, though [because] it’s been challenging but I keep pushing hard and trusting the process. Alhamdulillah for the gradual growth.
Beautiful and inspiring story! I can tell you really want this, and I want it for you too. Now tell me, what does photography mean to you?
Photography [to me] is art and a way of expressing one’s abstract idea into reality. Photography is life. I don’t think there is a place in the world that photography is not essential to them. I stand to be corrected, though. So, shout out to every photographer out there. We’re doing a great job.