19th August, 2016
Photographers from all parts of Lagos State on Friday joined their counterparts the world over to celebrate the 4th World Photography Day at the National Theatre, Iganmu.
They displayed their cameras ranging from the sophisticated ones to toys as well as some of their albums for the public.
Yemi Royal-Akala, a professional photographer and the convener of the 4th World Photography Day said that the theme of the day was, “Border Line”.
According to him, “The annual event is meant to celebrate photography as a paid job and not just a picture-taking scheme.
“And this year’s theme celebrates the ability of photographers to capture the reality of societies all over the globe.
“We are delighted to be part of the World International Photography Day because it opens up a common platform where professionals and amateurs meet to strengthen the profession,” he said.
He called for the restructuring photography so that it would enhance the profession and boost the welfare of practitioners.
Royal-Akala said that to commemorate the day, photographers had to embark on a street walk from the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) at the National Theatre to Ajegunle community.
He said that they chose to commemorate the day at Ajegunle because it had been described as a slum but had over the years produced responsible people in all spheres of life.
He said that the profession had survived on personal efforts but would do better if it had a parent body that could control the affairs of photographers in the country.
“Over time, photography has not been seen as viable work like other professions but now people are beginning to photographers seriously following individual’s commitments to it.
“You can imagine what our impacts will be if we have a recognised body that can coordinate us and oversee our operations and is able to source funds for us, we will rule the world.
“We have two major photography associations which are the Lagos State Professional Photographers Association (LASPPAN) as well as the Photo Journalist Association of Nigeria (PJAN) but they are not coordinated,” he said.
Folorunsho Oluwatayo, President, Lagos State Professional Photographers Association (LASPPAN), pleaded with the government to protect their rights by enacting laws and policies in line with international photography standards.
“The government has too much financial burdens but the intervention of brands will propel sectors that are lagging behind to gain grounds and begin to employ more people,’’ he said.
He also called on corporate organisations to fund photography events and exhibitions to promote the profession.
Another professional photography, Ope Ogunnoki, said that the still-picture industry is lagging behind in the country due to lack of exposure from people.
“The profession is deemed as a hobby and not a means to make a living and pays bills.
“If we can change the perspective of the general public about the profession, it will go a long way in transforming the industry.
“The practitioners will make a living out of it and will impact positively on the image on the country as well as boost its internally generated revenue(IGR),” she said.