Meet Jamal Osagie | Artist, Photographer, and Videographer,

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamal Osagie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamal, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has been pivotal to my development not only as a photographer but as a creative all together. No-one has ever broken any barriers or accomplished anything extraordinary by NOT taking risks. Whether its shooting a new film stock, trying out a new camera, or even shooting at a sketchy location, risk taking is something that is ultimately inevitable for me. I’d say the biggest “risk” I’ve taken in life so far has been deciding to drop out of college. I originally majored in filmmaking then switched it to photography at the beginning of my second semester.

After shooting pretty frequently while in school I started to realize I was learning more about both mediums going out and actually doing the work. So towards the end of my second semester I decided it would be my last. It definitely was not an easy decision, but it was the best decision for me and I have absolutely no regrets of taking that risky jump.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While I practice other areas of art, at my core I am a photographer. I mainly shoot film, but I will shoot digital if I need to. Portrait photography is my area for sure however, I will take some landscape shots of things other than people If it catches my eye. I feel like what sets me apart from others is the intimacy I aim to imbue in my compositions. Portraits are already personal so while I’m up close I’m going to make sure there’s some type of feeling or emotion being portrayed.

I’d have to say I’m most proud of the shots I took at Freddie Gibbs’ show in Nashville last October. Those are without a doubt my favorite show shots I’ve taken. Having a song cover grace Lyrical Lemonade ($avvy’s “Calling It Quits”) and shooting the ‘Butterflies” song cover for Davie to name a few more. Honestly I’m really excited to just see where my journey takes me while traveling and collaborating with more artists/creatives along the way. How did I get to where I am today?

I feel like that implies that I’m currently at somewhere of significance right now within my art and I personally don’t feel like I’m there just yet. No big campaigns or Ads yet but that time will come soon enough I’m just enjoying the process right now. I will say though from the beginning of my photography journey to now has not been easy at all. learning 3 different formats have been exceptionable challenges, but enjoyable ones nonetheless. I overcome these challenges and new ones that arise everyday by just studying and ingesting as much knowledge as I can and applying it to my art.

Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned so far are: take risks, get out of your comfort zone, and practice all the time. Put in the man hours and dial all the way in. I want people to know that nothing is impossible and you have the power to shape your own destiny. There’s always more to come with me and my art so stay tapped into my website and social medias.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s a couple of dope places to visit in Nashville. I would take them to a couple of vintage spots I know. Go eat at Jack Brown’s. Visit Broadway somewhere along the visit. They’re going to have to try Slim & Husky’s while we’re in the city. Hit the First Art Museum and just see what the days call for. I could type up a laundry list of things to do but it really just depends on the person I’m with and the day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would definitely like to shout out my brother, mentor and longtime friend Skyye Turner. He is one of the reasons I got into photography in the first place and has helped me out of some of the darkest times in my life. Another mentor of mine Joseph Patrick has always helped me better understand the medium I’m in from both artistic and business aspects. Jonathan Cabral has played such an important role in my learning of videography and experimenting with my art all together. His work ethic and energy he has towards his craft alone has already rubbed off on me.

One of my closest friends and one of my usual models Fred Hodnett has always been super supportive and eager to get in-front of my camera. Not to mention he’s just a good person to talk to. Last but certainly not least my mom and my sister have always went above and beyond for me my whole life not mentioning them would be insane.

Website: https://osagievsn.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osagievsn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rudemon2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpL9OP9Y-Np4bYV0qYbpgVQ

Image Credits
Osagie