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Listening to Burna Boy – Science

It’s a beautiful Friday morning and today we have here with us Azuka Ogwu.

APH – Introduce I yourself to us, What’s your name? Where are you from and where did you grow up?

Azuka Ogwu – “Thank you for having me. My name is Ogwu Azuka David, I’m a Nigerian from Delta state, I was born and brought up in the city of Zaria, Kaduna State.

APH – I love your name Azuka Ogwu, I am also from Delta state, Nigeria. You are a photographer, you make a living as a photographer and looking at your Instagram page it seems you have a style you always portray. Tell us about this, how would you describe your style in photography?

Azuka Ogwu – “Well, amongst the many styles of photography, I would say my photography comes from the drawers of Fine Art, storytelling and deep thoughts of making portraits”.

APH – “In that sense you always try to make your photos tell a story. I love that. With the years you’ve spent as a photographer what is that one thing you wish you knew when you started taking pictures”.

Azuka Ogwu – “Hmmmm… the one thing I wish I knew was that I wish I found light when I first started taking pictures!!! “Light” I mean understanding the mode, conduct and business of photography”.

APH – Okay. How did you get good at photography?

Azuka Ogwu – “It’s a simple story actually get comfortable let me tell you. Growing up, I’ve always loved Art!!! I started off this Art journey from joining the drama group in my church. Then later starting dancing with a dance group and for so many years I danced with them. Still on the Art level, i furthered my university learning and went for Theatre Art (I can dance and act) so I fit in well. It was there I found photography and I followed it knowing deep down in me that I can do something with this Art. It’s 10+ years now and I’m still loving and very much passionate about what I do”.

APH – A talented Photographer, a good dancer and also an actor. Leave a little talent for the rest of us Azuka !! (Laughs). I have to ask, there has been this debate over and over on if the type of gear matter so Azuka Do you think the type of gear matters?

Azuka Ogwu – “ Well this issue of the photographer and his gear has been a long argument!!! But this is my take… the gear does not make you a photographer if it does everyone who uses an iPhone should be called a photographer. But let me balance it here. Your gear can only enhance the knowledge you have on photography”.

APH – What gear do you use?

Azuka Ogwu – “I’m a Canon photographer”.

APH – That’s nice. Which lens is your favorite? Why?

Azuka Ogwu – (Smiles) “The 50mm 1.2 is so dear to my heart”.

APH – Hmmm seems like the 50mm lens is the love of your life. When you go out to shoot, do you take any essential items other than a camera and lens?

Azuka Ogwu – “Of course I do!! As little as a water bottle can be, it can become very important when shooing. I most times just throw a lot of stuff inside boot and move”.

APH – Out of all your photos, which one is your favorite? Why?

Azuka Ogwu – “Ahhhh I love all my pictures!!!”

APH – You love all your pictures!!?? Oh come on you’ve got to have at one favorite but anyways Whose work has influenced you most?

Azuka Ogwu – “I’ve been influenced by the works of many photographers!!! Just to mention a few; Sir Kelechi Amadi Obi, Ma TY Bello, Sir Henri Cartier-Bresson, Uncle Big H and fabulous Banji”.

APH – Where is your studio located or where are you based?

Azuka Ogwu – “For now, I’m freelancing as I newly relocated to the city of Abuja. Working on getting my own space by Gods grace in 2023. So I’m based in Abuja. Over the years I’ve gained some level of mastery and speed so in less than 15min, I can create a full studio setup in a living room. And through the aid of good relationships, there are some photo studios in and around the city of Abuja I can walk in and have my photo sessions with clients”.

APH – How do you come up with such amazing concepts for your photos? Is there a mood you to be in to channel out your artistic side?

Azuka Ogwu – “I get inspired by many things such as people, poetry, music and just by looking at other pictures to learn better. But truth be told, most of the ideas come from prayer and my quiet time with my self. Cause as a photographer, you must possess the ability to stay with your self and drive deep into your mind”.

APH – Do you ever get insecured or should dissatisfied with a particular shoot?

Azuka Ogwu – “Lol yes now!!! I’m human, flesh water and blood. Such things must come but we don’t stay there…”

APH – Is there something you really want to achieve in the world of photography?

Azuka Ogwu – “Hmmmm if I become the world’s best photographer, well that’s a good thing!!! But more importantly, I want to use my gift of taking pictures to give Glory to God, tell my own part of this story and when I’m gone, let the name Azuka Ogwu be written on the sands of time so others after me can use my work as case study or a path way to finding their own light”.

APH – I love that. Do you ever turn down jobs? If yes, why?

Azuka Ogwu – “Why not if not!!! If the time frame for the job is to short, I may have to turn it down. If we don’t agree in terms of pay for the job and other modalities involving the job, l’ll turn it down. Hmmm “Aunty if u don’t like my work or you feel I should shoot you like one picture you saw on IG and it was taken in UK but you are in Kano, ahhh I go turn am down”. Cause sometimes clients can turn you to what you are not and in that way you become hooked. You can’t go to Amala joint asking for shawarma lol!!! If you came to me, you must have seen my work and what you stand to get”.

APH – You definitely know your worth. I respect that. So far has it been easy being a photographer in your country?

Azuka Ogwu – “Life has its up and downs but we still keep strong. Photography is no child’s play and you have to go the extra mile + another mile to keep your game. But in all, to God be all the Glory for he grants us grace to tell our every day story in bits”.

APH – God seems to be your pillar in everything you do. Do you have any advice to any one starting out as a photographer?

Azuka Ogwu – “There is no such thing as one day, I wish to be better!!! So start from where you are, with what you have. Take steps one after the other but make them bold.
Don’t stop learning, find mentors, look for who has gotten to where you are going… follow his steps, add your style and keep shooting”.