You need to think big to succeed —Akara Ogheneworo 

 

 

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Akara Ogheneworo is one of Nigeria’s leading wedding photographers. He speaks with TOYIN KOMOLAFE on why he dumped banking for photography, the challenges he faced when he started his business and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

WHAT challenges do you face being a wedding photographer?We have the same challenges that affect any other business in Nigeria, from the state of the economy and the structures therein, the state of infrastructure in the nation as well as insecurity.

I will mention a few, and key on this list will be exchange rate fluctuation. This makes reinvestment in equipment very difficult to plan and achieve. 

Easy access to funds to gear business is another major drawback as banks would rather lend to established big names than support new starts or SMEs due to the risks involved and the lack of a credit rating system to determine a good borrower.

The cultural inhibitions to partnerships in Nigeria is another thing to look at. Nigerians want to own a One million naira company a hundred percent, than own 3% of a billion naira company. Getting investors to come in to invest at reasonable rates and finance your dream is a bit difficult.

Who are your mentors?In photography, my mentors are Jerry Ghionis and Ben Chrisman, two great wedding photographers from Australia and USA. Tunji Sarumi is another Nigerian I admire, I love the way he shoots. Generally, I am excited about the lives of Sam Adeyemi of Day Star and Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre.

As you can see, I do not have one single person I will call a mentor, I choose people whom I can study and learn from according to their strengths and even from a distance.

Did you ever feel like quitting?Who does not? I have however come to realise people feel like quitting when a major breakthrough is coming their way. 

What would you say was the turning point in your career? The day I decided to have a blog was the day my photography career changed. I see people in business without online presence and I wonder how they survive. With globalisation, you are reaching the entire world when you are on the internet. It also means you have to step up your game and that challenge can make you better and it did for me. 

What motivates/inspires you?The thought that it is within me to achieve all I desire is a huge motivator. The knowledge that God has placed it all in me and I just need to understand how to walk His rules and paths and His instructions and look at His manual for my life is a huge inspiration. It tells me success is mine to cultivate and harvest. It tells me that success is not anyone’s to give to me, it is mine to take. 

What was the best advice you were given?Work hard. Pray at all times. Be different!

What do you think you should have done differently? NOTHING! Hindsight is funny, it makes you think you are wiser than you are. Foresight is everything. It makes me see what I will be without any doubt. I do not look back. I see the future.  

How did you start your photography business?I decided to learn it as a hobby. I realised I was very good at it and resigned my former employment and here we are. I was in paid employment and I used my salary to buy most of  the equipment I started with. So before I resigned, the structure required for me to succeed was on ground already. 

What were you doing prior to starting up?I was working as a Continuous Improvement Officer in a new generation bank. 

Where do you see your business in five years?The plan is to be shooting weddings on the African continent constantly as a Top African Wedding Photographer. This year, we have entered into the phase of that plan. 

If you were not into photography, what would you be doing?I would be doing photography. 

Photography has not prevented me from doing anything else I want to do. I have all the time in the world as a photographer to do whatever I choose to do.

Advice for youthsThink Big! Start Thinking Now! Work Hard! Start Working Now!! Get Better! Start Getting Better Now! Read Wide! Read Wider!! Seek Advice and use the advice as it affects your uniqueness. There are universal principles but individual applications. Find how to use a principle for your individualism. There is no one rule that fits them all. You were created to be  unique. Let your interpretation of the law be according to your uniqueness. Wisdom comes from dissent. Do not be afraid to say no when you have a better opinion. Argue your point if it makes sense to you. Your position only adds to the body of knowledge.