#22 Steveman_shotz: On winning his first camera during a contest and his dream to become the official photographer to the president

I started with mobile phone photography at the age of 16. I won my first camera at the age of 17... My biggest dream is to become the official photographer to the president

Oct 21, 2022

Hi, Thank you for joining us for today’s episode of StudentsWhoCreate Interview. Our Student Creative for today is a student of The Federal Polytechnic, Ede studying Electrical Engineering. He is a photographer who started out as a mobile phone photographer and got to win his first camera during a contest with the intention of going fully into photojournalism and documentary photography after his diploma. How did he get started with photography? What is the biggest challenge he faces as a student creative? How does he navigate this challenge? What was the pivotal moment for him in his journey as a photographer? What drives and keeps him going? Read and enjoy!!!

Hi, Thank you for speaking with us. Can we meet you?

My name is Oladejo Stephen also known as Steveman_shotz. I am currently a student at The Federal Polytechnic, Ede studying Electrical Engineering.

I am 18 years old and a photographer. I started out as a mobile phone photographer and had one of my photographs auctioned in London last year. I intend to go fully into photojournalism and documentary photography once I am done with the program I am currently running in school.

Interesting!!! How did you get into photography?

I found my passion for photography at the age of 15 after I lost my dad. I started with mobile phone photography at the age of 16 years old. I won my first camera during a contest at the age of 17. I started photography by taking photos with my friend’s phone because I didn’t even have a good phone at the time. After about a year of taking and editing photos with my friend’s phone, my mom got me a second-hand phone that I started to use. After about 4 months of taking pictures consistently, I entered in for a competition and won a camera.

After my dad’s death, my mom encouraged my siblings and me to acquire a skill that we can make money with when we get to school but I didn’t have anything I was doing at the time. I love football but knew I couldn't play it professionally so I turned to photography because I used to edit pictures for people on the phone. My mom initially wanted me to learn tailoring or barbing because those were the things readily available and accessible in my area.

At first, I used to help people edit pictures but then, my friends asked me why I wasn't taking pictures too. So on Sundays, they would ask me to take their photos after church and through that, I fell in love with photography. In the beginning, it was funny because I am the second child and most of my dad's family are educated and work as lecturers so my picking up photography felt strange. By the time I really discovered that this was what I really wanted to do, I had already gained admission to study electrical engineering so I have to complete it.

Also, I got into photography to make money and to support my mom financially. The first time I made money from a contest, I gave it to my mom which made her see that I was really passionate about it. She then advised and encouraged me to keep at it.

What has the journey been like since you started?

It has been great. I stopped going to secondary school and started attending tutorials after I lost my dad because my mom could not afford it, so when I found photography, I found passion in it and even started to make money from it, so I would say it has been great.

How have you been able to combine school with photography?

I can't bring my camera to school because of the fear that it may attract attention and get stolen because my school is in a rural area so I don’t take my camera with me to school. I only get to use my camera when I get home. I usually jot and note down my ideas in a book or in my notepad so I only get to work on them when I get back home. I work on these ideas anytime I am at home and gradually post them on IG when I am back in school. Basically, I focus on schoolwork when school is in session and focus on photography when I am at home. I plan to do this until I finish my diploma after which I will then focus on photography full-time.

What are some of the challenges you face as a student photographer?

The biggest challenge I have right now is not having the gears and tools I really want.

How have you been able to navigate this challenge?

As a creative, I always have to find a way to execute the ideas I have with the things I have available. For example, in a case where I should have used a zoom lens to take the picture I want to take, I have to get close to take the picture.

Is there a community for photographers in your school?

No, most people here are cameramen.

What is your creative process like? How do you go about executing your ideas?

As I mentioned earlier, I jot and note down ideas as they come because I get ideas anytime and anywhere. Once I get and pick the idea I want to work on, I would go over it to see how to execute it and make it better. After I get a proper grasp of how I want to execute it, I go ahead to execute it and then share it on my social media platforms.

What are the tools you use currently?

I currently use a Nikon D3500 Camera and a Reflector.

How would you describe the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on you and your work as a creative?

I tell people the lockdown gave me an edge. I just resumed school 2 weeks before the pandemic broke out, after which we were asked to go back home. I was at home during the whole break and I had the whole time to work on my ideas and share the photos on Instagram. I was also able to win the camera during this period because I had time to shoot and take the photo I used to enter in for the contest.

Have you ever felt like quitting?

I have never thought of quitting though I sometimes experience creative block but I never think of quitting.

What are your proudest projects?

The balloon burst is one of my favourites because it went viral on Twitter. I was happy about it and it boosted my confidence.

I also love the one I took in the market with some market sellers.

I also love the one I did about believe.

How do you stay creative? What keeps you creating?

I usually have ideas written so I always have things I want to work on. Also, I go through the comments on my previous post to see what people have said and these comments keep me going and motivated to keep creating.

What do you do for fun? How do you relax when you're not actively creating?

I play football and hang out with my friends.

Who are the people that inspire you?

My biggest dream is to be the official photographer to the president so I am inspired by Bayo Omoboriowo and Tolani Alli.

I am also inspired by Kapstudiosng, Jordikoalitic, Amazing Klef, Ty Bello, Mayor Otu, Kashope and Kelechi Amadiobi.

Who are the creatives you would love to work or collaborate with on a project?

I would love to work with Jordikoalitic, Steve Harvey, Ayra Star, Dj Cuppy and Korty EO.

What brands would you love to work with?

UNICEF, Nikon, Save The Children and Canon.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in their photography journey?

Be passionate and consistent. Consistency is key as it can help you stand out in the sea of photographers out there. Also, work with what you have, work with the people and things around you. Start with taking pictures of your friends.

Who would you like us to interview next?

QingTheCreator

How can people reach you?

I am Steveman_shotz on all social media platforms. You can connect with me on IG and Twitter. You can also reach me via stevemanshotz@gmail.com

Thank you for sharing with us!!!

Takeaway Nugget: Be passionate and consistent. Consistency is key. Work with what you have. Work with the people and things around you. Start with taking pictures of your friends.

Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share the story

See you next time!!!

StudentsWhoCreate