Meet AKINSOLA AKINYODE | Photographer

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

Hi AKINSOLA, why did you pursue a creative career?
I know many will say this is a general statement, but I have always had a passion for photography since I was a kid, I got my first camera from my uncle, which got stolen after a while, which i am still mad about by the way, although I graduated as a biochemist and later decided I wanted to be a doctor.

I chose this path because you have the capacity to design lives and there is no limit to the places I can go, the ideas I can develop, the people I get to meet. Altogether if I become a doctor, I get to make people feel better and still get to capture some unique images of some incredible talented people all over the world. It is also immensely fun doing what I love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I remember starting out, I knew how much I love to play with colours, colourful events such as concerts where I get to tell stories with just the lights is one of my many proud and exciting moments. The excitement of the next gig, learning new experiences, moments always different from the previous. Furthermore, how embarking the adventures have itinerary, but you never know what you’ll come across. Which makes my art relatable and distinct, the power behind my photography is that it is un-staged. The moments are authentic and demonstrate genuine emotions and reactions.

However, no matter how long you’ve been shooting, there’s always been a kind of base level of stress that hangs in the background for every photographer, just out of sight. It’s one of those things that’s always there, even if you don’t notice it off course it comes from the uncertainty of the job. The stress, planning, and amount of work you need to do are immense.

What I do to minimise or have some calculated control is to prepare for shoot day. It’s an essential part of how I manage myself, for example, I make sure I have a designated point of contact and that is to understand that they’re responsible for communicating any important information to myself, ask the individual all necessary questions, have my equipment checklist, and the secrets of getting incredible shots is having the experience and meticulous approach as easy and stress-free as possible and enjoying every moment.

Meanwhile, with the preparation for shoot day, I put in constant work to my craft by learning and relearning because in a competitive industry you must give your clients the value of the services you are rendering and majorly, I get referrals from previous clients.

Finally, AKINSHOTIT as a bespoke photography service taking photographs is more than a profession. It’s a true lifelong passion. We love to capture real moments and frame images in an interesting and unique way. Specifically tailored to meet each client’s preferences and needs, we render range of customised services such as Portraits, Documentary, Beauty photography and Events to build a solution that matches your plans and wishes perfectly. it’s designed to be simple and flexible, the adjustable structure fits ideally to any size and type of event, whether big or small so basically if you can see it, we can photograph it, we passionate about photography.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy having my best friend over. We start off my going to the Art gallery (Nike Art Gallery Lekki) on a Monday because less crowdy, so we enjoy every bit of the experience on Tuesday we would go for salsa classes at Rhapsody’s Ikeja a chance to socialise and learn how to dance salsa. Meanwhile one of the exciting to do on a Wednesday in my city Lagos will be ‘Pasta Wednesdays’ at 343 degrees restaurant Victoria Island to enjoy a different cuisine.

Thursday if we not partied out, we over to Lekki Art market/museum get in touch with some culture, see some creative arts and take some abstract photography. The environment there is so laid back and lots of creative energy.

Now my favourite day of the week TGIF lol we start off at a pre drinks spot called

‘The Cabin’ and hit the club later several to choose from so we make a choice depending on our mood.

The beach on Saturdays or a private island where we can enjoy nature
Sundays are free days, but we can visit the conservation centre where we have the longest canopy walk…. In summary lots of positive vibes and never a dull moment in Lagos City Nigeria.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would give thanks to God for making it possible for me to be here today. A special shout out to my family for their constant support, my biggest fans also recognising their resilience through some challenging times during my starting out as a photographer. Thank you for making me feel supported, loved, and cared for.

Biggest Shout out to Teslim Adisa and Miracle Chukwu, I got my first Gig through them, it’s been quite a journey. You both have always been extremely supportive. I will always be thankful to you both.

Shoutout to Shody the Turnup King, for always supporting me and constantly mentioning my name in places I thought I would never get to. I want to say it loud that your existence is invaluable to me, and I appreciate everything thanks bro.

Finally, to all that have stood Infront of my lens, to each client I have encountered Thank you for entrusting me to share in your memories, its truly humbling and I am honoured to have been a part your story sincerely.

Website: https://akinsolaakinyode.wixsite.com/akinsolaakinyode-1

Instagram: www.instagram.com/akinshotit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akinsola-akinyode-8b54a3152/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AKINSHOTIT

Facebook: www.facebook.com/akinsola.akinyode