24th March, 2015
By Bukola Adedeji
What inspired your decision to become a photographer; was it born out of passion or necessity?
I have always loved taking pictures and so it was a natural choice for me when I decided to be an entrepreneur. After I graduated from the university where I studied Biochemistry, I proceeded for my Youth Service Programme. Upon completion of my NYSC programme I got married. My husband played a significant role in my decision to be an entrepreneur. He counselled and encouraged me to be an entrepreneur and I then chose photography out of passion.
What is your area of specialization?
Maternity, newborn, baby and children photography
Why did you decide to carve a niche for yourself in the industry?
I have always believed that ‘You cannot be everything to everybody’. As much it is good for a photographer to be able to undertake different assignments it is also necessary to be known as authority in an area of photography. In western societies we have some photographers who are specialists in wedding photography, travel photography, children photography, school photography, etc. In Nigeria, we also have those who specialize, but a vast majority, maybe due to economic considerations wants to be seen as those who can do ‘all photography jobs’. I started photography initially covering weddings and events; with time I discovered my passion flair for maternity, baby and children photography.
Did you have to train professionally?
I have had training in photography in general, maternity and baby photography as a specialization and training in entrepreneurship.
My journey into photography started when I attended the Daystar Skill Acquisition Programme (D-SAP) in Photography run by Daystar Christian Centre in 2010 and continued my training programme with Quartz Fotography, a Lagos-based photography outfit in the same year. These formed the foundation for my general knowledge of professional photography.
I have also received training by some of the world’s best known names in the area of baby and maternity photography. Recently I was in the United States to attend a photography conference and I had the opportunity to be trained by Kelly Brown, a world authority in Baby and Maternity Photography. I also attended Newborn Photography training by Susy Martinez Photography, a Las Vegas, USA, based photography business.
I am a graduate of the Creative Enterprise Programme (CEP) run by the British Council and also hold a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management (CEM) offered by EDC, Pan–Atlantic University. I am a recipient of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Scholarship Programme.
Some businesses are viewed as male dominated, how have you been able to overcome such challenges especially convincing clients that you can do the job?
As a child, photography was viewed as a male dominated industry, but now we have a lot of females who are in the photography business. For me, the creativity and quality behind my photographs have given me credibility and assurance for clients that I can deliver on assignments. Satisfied clients have been my greatest source of advertising and promotion.
Photography is also becoming a very viable industry, what makes your brand unique?
My brand is unique because I have been able to carve a niche and establish my expertise as a Maternity, Newborn, Baby and Children Photographer. I am happy to say that M12 Photography is a reference brand for this genre of photography.
One Of The Major Challenges For Most Start-Ups Is Funding, How Did You Raise Funds For Your Business?
Initial startup funds for my business came from my husband. As business started and the client base grew, funds came from income received from the business.
What technologies should any professional photographer be abreast with to stay in business?
A professional photographer has to be up to date with photography equipment such as cameras, lenses, accessories etc. He or she must also be up to date with current photo editing software. It can be done by reading industry magazines, attending photography conferences and expos and networking with professional colleagues.
In what ways do you think the government can boost entrepreneurship in Nigeria, especially for women
In order to boost entrepreneurship it must start with educating Nigerians that we cannot all work in an office as paid employees. Entrepreneurship training should start from the schools. It should be part of the school curriculum starting from at least the secondary school. Members of the Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should, during their service year undergo entrepreneurship training in theory and practice. This way, they will have options of either starting a business or looking for paid employment, unlike the current situation where they finish the youth service scheme and roam the streets and offices looking for 8am-5pm office jobs.
Also the government at Federal, State and Local Government level should create more vocational and skill acquisition centres.
In the area of funding, governments should introduce grants or micro-credit schemes where female entrepreneurs or male entrepreneurs can have access to SME funding at zero or low interest rates. For female existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, they should be encouraged and supported by provision of materials and equipment to start-up or grow their businesses thereby helping them to contribute their own quota to the development of their society.
What are your top 5 business nuggets?
•If the Plan Doesn’t Work, Change the Plan, But Never the Goal.
•If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it. You must love what you do.
•The Customer is King
•Recognize that the world needs more Entrepreneurs. Everyone is counting on you
•A satisfied customer is your best brand advocate
As a fempreneur, how do you create a balance between work and family?
I have been able to maintain a good balance with my work and family. My work has not in any way affected negatively my duties as a wife to my husband and a mother to my child. I have a very supportive husband.
What is your definition of a fempreneur
A Fempreneur is a female who has been able to identify a business for which she has a passion and required skills to start and grow into an acceptable brand in the market. She is someone who has a vision to build a successful business that will last for generations. She sees herself as someone who is contributing positively to the socio-economic development of her family and her country. She understands that personal training and re-training in her line of business and in business management in general is very important in building a successful business. She serves as role model, mentor and inspiration to other aspiring or existing female entrepreneurs.