Nigerian born photographer, Tosin Akinyemiju is on a visual mission to bring more colour to our lives and we love it! Since beginning shooting professionally three (3) years ago, he holds strong interests in fashion, editorial, and lifestyle photography and has worked with several brands and top Nigerian models. Only 24 years old, Tosin has bagged a degree in Computer Science and also has a Master’s degree in Information Science. Merely looking at his pictures??we resonate with his creativity and can tell he is a highly motivated photographer with a keen eye for beauty.
SCHICK steps into his mind as we have a chat with him about his work, his attraction to the vibrancy of colours, and what’s in store for 2018. Enjoy
What has been your greatest accomplishment since you started photography?
“My greatest accomplishment has come in the way of my biggest job/client till date. Work I did for an international telecommunications brand. It felt truly fulfilling that such a brand would notice my work and choose to work with my style and creativity.”
We???ve noticed a prominent theme in your photography. Why does colour play a major role in your pictures?
“I’m naturally attracted to the vibrancy of colours. There’s nothing quite as expressive. The different tones, hues, intensities and emotions present in colours make them very powerful tools to express one???s self. I thoroughly enjoy working with colours. I honestly didn???t even notice they were becoming a theme, or pattern so to speak until people started mentioning to me. Lol.”
What are the challenges you have faced as a photographer?
“Sometimes, it can be daunting explaining why you see things the way you see them, to someone who doesn???t see things the same way ??? especially if they???re a client. Also, I love shooting on location. But then, finding interesting locations and getting permission to shoot in them, in this part of the world, is a major challenge. The processes, if any, are extremely tedious, and/or ridiculously expensive. Finally, on a lighter note, dealing with clients who find it difficult to pay up after services have been rendered. Lol. They make the business side of things a chore. “
What photographers inspire you, and why?
“A lot of photographers inspire me, largely because I see myself doing the kind of work they do, in a few years??? time. Giampaolo Sgura, Richard Avedon, Alexei Bazdarev, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Marie Baersch, Mario Sorrenti, and a couple more. I try to incorporate some elements of their work in mine.”
What tips and do you think every aspiring photographer should know?
“Don’t stop learning. There’s always an article or tutorial that will improve your skill. Constantly look at other photographer???s work, especially the ones that inspire you. Don???t be afraid, ask a lot of questions and practice as much as possible. Practice is controlled failure. Put out work consistently. It???s the best way to get people to see what you do.”
What projects do you have in store for 2018?
“I???ll pretty much just be doing a lot more collaborative work this year, with a lot of young creatives ??? stylists, designers, artists, and some more, and just look to make even more magic.”
Photography Courtesy:
Tosin Akinyemiju
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