Photography is one of the most intricate fields in art. the creativity it takes to capture out of the world moments, tell a story and instantly connect on an emotional level to a diverse audience, takes more than having a good eye for beauty or being interested in the art. the obsession, dedication, and love for the art is what brings both the photographer and his audience together.
For renowned beauty photographer Akinwumi (That throne Guy) the uniqueness in the beauty of humans is a masterpiece that should not be stifled. For nearly a decade of experience in photography and a recent degree in Film from one of the best film schools in the world; The New York Film Academy, Akinwumi has taken some of the best portraits to come out of Nigeria. He has graced us with alluring pictures of great minds on and off the fashion forte, some of his most famous muse in his most recent portraits are the likes ex beauty queen Agbani Darego, Tv personality and fashion influencer Denola Grey.
How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with his subjects to bring out their true self?
I believe it is very important. Without that connection, it will feel forced most of the time.
Locations and weather conditions seem to be a crucial aspect to a successful picture. How do you handle these unpredictable factors?
Unpredictable factors can’t exactly be helped. Best thing is to find a way to make it work, or wait till it passes.
Color vs. Black and White. Why one over the other, and is the photographic process different?
Personally, I’m more of a ‘color’ guy. I go about each process quite similarly though.
You studied at the New York film academy, tell us what the experience was like. Were you subject to racial discrimination? If yes tell us how you dealt with it.
it was an awesome experience. Racial discrimination? No. The school has a wide range of racial diversity
You have a diploma in film, but you are most famous for photography; Which are you more enthusiased to do? Do you see yourself going into film making full time? a brief synopsis of the film you shot while you were in New York.
photography is always going to be my first love, but film making is something i am also interested in. i look forward to making films in the nearest future but for now, i intend to stick to photography.
You used to be one of the few photographers who infused the art of nudity in their pictures, but you haven’t done that in a while.what brought about the change?
That was during my novice years in my career, when i wanted to explore different elements of the craft and find myself.
At what point did you realize you wanted to become a photographer. And how did you go about actualizing your dream?
I got into photography by chance. And a lot of people encouraged me, so I put in a lot of time/effort to grow in it; self study
Many renowned photographers consider digital manipulation as an abomination, do you agree with them? And do you use digital cameras as opposed to Film? And why do you use the type of camera you use?
I got into photography in its digital era. I don’t see it as an abomination but as an advancement. I use a digital camera. I use my camera because of its image quality and color handling
What is the influence of digital technology on your photography?
It is everything! Digital technology has made the art of photography less complicated and it has put the photographer in more control of the final cut of his portrait, a gift i believe photographers should be grateful for.
You take a lot of amazing pictures of people, but you rarely put out pictures of yourself, why?
This may sound unbelievable and crazy, but the honest truth is that i am camera shy. Whenever people ask why i rarely take pictures and i tell them why, they find it rather hard to believe. I’d rather be behind the camera, creating art, than be in front it as a muse.
Tell us about the man behind the lens; Akinwumi (that throne guy).
my life is pretty simple. I am the third of three kids, only boy. a graduate of Urban and regional planning at FUT Minna. A self taught photographer, film making graduate from NYFA and a lover or art and creativity.
