There’s no boredom in photography – Jessica

Tell us a bit about your love for what you do. I love being a makeup artist, the art of transformation, the joyful appraisal of my models and the longing to have such moments captured forever led me into the world of photography. From the Rajesh Place for Photography in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, I […]

Tell us a bit about your love for what you do.
I love being a makeup artist, the art of transformation, the joyful appraisal of my models and the longing to have such moments captured forever led me into the world of photography. From the Rajesh Place for Photography in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, I bagged a diploma in Studio and Portrait Photography.  Over time, as technology evolves so does the practice.  New equipment spring up every day to make the practice more alive and interesting, not necessarily easier but speedier. Notwithstanding, I love the transformations.

What are you favourite shots to capture?
I enjoy capturing portraits. There is a lot of story and details in portraiture that I enjoy narrating through the lens of my camera.  I work alone mostly. With my camera, lights, models, I am set for action! Another thing I enjoy doing are studio photo shoots. I am able to work around themes like beauty in plain white backgrounds. Another angle to photography I thoroughly enjoy is taking pre-wedding shots. Its real live fun that! Having to direct two different individuals who will become husband and wife in a photo session where they become modelling partners. Although it is not in my place, but I kind of get a sneak peek into the future marriages from the way couples act during photo shoots. Trust me it is fun!

What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Boarding school! (Laughter)  Federal Government Girls’ College Benin City. How can I ever forget the memory of my first attempt at life on my own as a child, having to live with different people with different backgrounds and cultures? I’ll choose to do it again and even better, given the opportunity.
You have also worked as a banker. In all that you have done, which have you most dreaded?
That would be being a marketer in the bank. Though it was fun sometimes, but, it takes away sleep and peace of mind. A few are lucky, but I wasn’t.

Has it crossed your mind to quit makeup or photography?
You won’t believe it, but I made an attempt to quit my beautiful world of makeup and photography but first I decided to call an ex-trainee to do me a makeup and photo shoot right there in my studio where she was trained. I had never had anyone fix my makeup until that day. When she was done and I saw my pictures were great, I wept, and I repented because when I get paid to work and my customers go … oh Jessica, you are wonderful …oh Jessica, I look so beautiful …oh Jessica, I love my pictures …oh Jessica, you have great eyes for pictures …oh Jessica you are a great teacher… oh Jessica, thank you … oh Jessica…, I got so used to the compliments that I stopped believing them. But when she was done, I called on another one of my ex-trainee and another one after that. I felt really blessed. Most of all I felt really inspired to continue in this profession. I felt the need to learn more, so I can teach more and get inspired more from time to time.

What is your most embarrassing and recurring episode shooting photographs?
I’ve never really had one except when a full grown man starts shouting camera woman in a tone that suggests that the profession is made for men and you shouldn’t be in it.
 
Why photography?
I love the art of makeup, I sincerely do, but nothing beats capturing the moment! Moments that are once in a lifetime come and go, I love such moments, I love to be the one capturing those moments that you hold dear. I did a promo one time ‘TRAP YOUR YOUTH IN A PORTRAIT’. It was just my way of saying photography can make everything last forever.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?
What! A lot! My models as I refer to my customers, love my work a lot. Because I mostly do portrait photography, I get to see my works on song album covers, on the internet, in newspapers, magazines, and on signposts. Customers usually come to me for specific purposes and we always achieve every aim. But the most memorable was when I first worked for Modupe Ozolua and she sent a broadcast message appreciating and advertising me to her blackberry messenger contacts.

How would you describe the life of a photographer?
The life of a Photographer is far too busy to be called lonely or boring! When the celebration ends, that’s when the work begins, from selection- editing- printing- album production- enlargement is a long chain that takes time.

What excites you about photography?
The fact that before you save up for and purchase the latest equipment in this ever evolving world of photo technology, the newer version with an upgraded system will be out, so you just can’t have it all. Firstly, I love the fact that it is my work, it is my responsibility and I can control most of it, so things almost always turn out right at least 98% of the time.

What is the most misconception about photographers?
A lot of people still think that photographers are hungry. I used to think that, so I don’t blame them. In those days, most photographers where in it for the money, but these days most of us are in it for passion and then of cause, the money!

In what ways do you think Nigerian photographers can be supported?
In the international scene, photography is a discipline that comes with respect and money. Photography is art. Art and originality do not come cheap so should not be treated in that light. Photographers want to be paid so Nigerians can support us by respecting us and paying cash.

What is your dream project?
To train and empower a minimum of 5,000 unemployed graduates nationwide. Although the count is still low, it is one step at a time. So I am using this medium to call upon well-meaning Nigerians to support this dream.

Who are three photographers you’d like to be compared to?
My initial response would have been, I don’t want to be compared to anyone, I just want an opportunity to be the best that I can be, but then, it felt really good when I photographed Princess Modupe Ozolua and she said to me that her friend said to her that she’s been photographed by Kelechi Amadi again. That felt really good! Or when I walk into an event with my camera and people start to whisper that’s another T.Y. Bello. So the three photographers include Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Nigel Barker and T. Y. Bello.

What is your favourite or most inspirational place in Nigeria and in the world?
My favourite place in Nigeria would be Abuja because it’s like a roof where all the most civilized Nigerians come together. In the world, my most inspirational place would be China! Reason is simple: how can a country make everything? Original or fake, but everything!

Professionally, what’s your goal?
To have an Exotique Portrait sitting in every home.

What are two things you always have around you?
My camera and my makeup box.