The 54th – Hello, Becky! It’s great to have you here. How are you today? Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background and where you’re from?

Becky Awo Likita – Hi, I’m doing well, thank you. My name is Becky Awo Likita, and I’m originally from Nasarawa State but currently based in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. I come from a family of three children, and I work as a trained teacher. In addition to my profession, I have a deep passion for photography. I love exploring new places, meeting new people, and trying different foods and fruits.

The 54th – That’s wonderful, Becky. It’s always fascinating to hear about the diverse backgrounds and interests of photographers. Speaking of which, when did you first discover your interest in photography, and when did you realize that you wanted to pursue it seriously and professionally?

Becky Awo Likita – I first discovered my interest in photography back in 2017 after I met the first female photographer I had ever encountered. Her work inspired me and made me believe that I could do it too. It’s interesting because, growing up, I never really enjoyed being in front of the camera, but now I find joy in capturing moments of other people and places. I realized that I wanted to pursue photography seriously in 2019, and in 2020, I decided to take it up full time. Since then, I have been thoroughly enjoying the process.

The 54th – That’s a remarkable journey, Becky. It’s incredible how we can discover our passions and talents later in life. Now, as a photographer, what do you try to explore through your work?

Becky Awo Likita – Through my work as a photographer, I aim to explore the beauty that surrounds us. Whether it’s nature, landscapes, or people, I want to capture what makes each place or person unique. I believe there’s a story behind everything and everyone, and my goal is to tell those stories through my photographs.

The 54th – That’s a beautiful approach, Becky. Exploring the uniqueness and stories behind people and places is a powerful way to create meaningful and captivating imagery. What motivates you to create?

Becky Awo Likita – I find motivation in many things. People and their stories are a great source of inspiration for me. Music also plays a significant role in fueling my creativity. The combination of music and the energy of other creatives pushes me to create and capture images that evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact.

The 54th – That’s wonderful to hear, Becky. It’s always inspiring when different art forms come together to enhance creativity. Now, when you first started your photography journey, what was the gear you used?

Becky Awo Likita – When I first started my photography journey, I used a Nikon camera with a fixed lens that could be detached. It was a simple setup, but it allowed me to begin exploring the world of photography.

The 54th – That’s a great start, Becky. It’s impressive to see how much you can achieve with the right equipment and determination. What gear do you currently use to create your images?

Becky Awo Likita – Currently, I don’t own any gear of my own, but I have had the opportunity to work with various cameras, such as the Canon 700D, 60D, Canon R, Nikon, and more. I particularly enjoy working with Canon cameras.

The 54th – That’s fantastic, Becky. It’s great to have the chance to experiment with different camera models and find the ones that suit your style and preferences. Now, did you learn photography on your own, or did you receive guidance from someone?

Becky Awo Likita – I didn’t learn photography on my own. I had the opportunity to learn from both an institution and an individual. Their guidance and mentorship played a significant role in shaping my skills and approach as a photographer.

The 54th – Does music play an important role for you when shooting. Does it help in capturing the emotions you seek?

Becky Awo Likita – Absolutely. I have a deep love for music, and it often serves as a great source of inspiration for me. Music plays an essential role during my photo shoots.

The 54th – It’s fascinating to see how music can enhance the creative process and evoke specific emotions. Now, moving on, do you ever find yourself criticizing your own work?

Becky Awo Likita – Yes, I do criticize my own work. There are times when I feel that the pictures may not be worthy of being seen by others. However, I believe that a bad picture is the one you refuse to take.

The 54th – That’s a valuable perspective. Let’s talk about your post-processing and editing process. Can you describe your approach to maintaining the natural look and feel of the scenes you capture? Which software do you use for editing?

Becky Awo Likita – I prefer to keep things simple, so I primarily use Lightroom and Photoshop for my editing process. Before I even start shooting, I visualize how I want the final outcome to look in my head. This helps me maintain a clear vision during the editing process and ensures that the final result stays true to the natural look and feel of the scenes I captured.

The 54th – That’s a thoughtful approach to maintaining the authenticity of your photographs. Now, let’s discuss your passion for nature and landscape photography. What draws you to this genre, and why do you find it compelling?

Becky Awo Likita – Nature and landscape photography captivate me because of their inherent beauty. In Nigeria, this genre may not be widely recognized as a lucrative field, but it holds a sense of tranquility and peace. Exploring different places and capturing their natural essence brings me joy and allows me to share the beauty of these landscapes with others.

The 54th – It’s wonderful to see your appreciation for the beauty of nature and your desire to showcase it through your work. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in nature and landscape photography? Do you attend workshops or engage with photography communities?

Becky Awo Likita – Staying up-to-date is vital, and I achieve this by watching videos, studying the works of other photographers, and continuously learning from them. I have attended a few workshops, and I actively participate in photography communities. It’s a constant process of learning and developing myself as a photographer.

The 54th – Continuous learning is key in any creative field. Are there any photographers or creatives who have greatly influenced your work?

Becky Awo Likita – There are numerous photographers and creatives who have greatly influenced me. I draw inspiration from both national and international artists, carefully studying their works and incorporating elements that resonate with my own artistic vision.

The 54th – It’s evident that you value the wisdom and inspiration passed down by established photographers. As you carve out your path in the photography and creative industry, how do you differentiate yourself?

Becky Awo Likita – I carve out my path by embracing simplicity in my art and striving to be different. It’s undoubtedly a challenging process, but I take it one step at a time.

The 54th – That determination to stand out and bring something unique to the table is commendable. Along your creative journey, what skills have you had to improve and develop?

Becky Awo Likita – Throughout my creative journey, I have had to improve my skills in capturing good photographs, refining my editing techniques, and building quality relationships with people. I also continuously work on the skill of storytelling through my images.

The 54th – Building relationships and storytelling are essential aspects of photography. When working with clients, how do you ensure that their vision is accurately represented in the photos?

Becky Awo Likita – Communication is key when working with clients. I start by asking them about their vision or ideas, and I make sure they feel comfortable expressing their desires. Sometimes, I also provide them with ideas to choose from. The collaborative process ensures that their vision is accurately represented in the final photos.

The 54th – Collaboration and open communication are vital for a successful client-photographer relationship. How do you handle difficult lighting situations during your shoots?

Becky Awo Likita – When faced with challenging lighting situations, I turn to photographers who are more experienced or watch instructional videos for guidance. While I haven’t encountered such situations frequently, I believe that staying calm, seeking advice, and being adaptable are essential in finding solutions.

The 54th – That’s a pragmatic approach to handling challenging lighting scenarios. To stay current with photography technology and trends, what steps do you take?

Becky Awo Likita – I watch videos and tutorials to stay updated with the latest photography technology and trends. However, I also focus on maintaining a simple and natural approach to my work. While I’m not against technological advancements, I strive to keep my photography grounded in its simplicity.

The 54th – How do you ensure that you are delivering the highest-quality photos to your clients?

Becky Awo Likita – I sometimes ask them what quality they want their work and how they want it. Sometimes I save my work on the highest quality. I shoot raw so it gives me the leaveage to save my work in high quality.

The 54th – Is there something specific you aim to achieve in the world of photography?

Becky Awo Likita – My goal is to change the narrative of Nigeria through my work. I want to showcase the beauty of our environment, culture, and lifestyle, transcending boundaries and sharing our stories with the world. I want my work to be recognized and remembered, leaving a lasting impact.

The 54th – That’s a powerful aspiration, Becky. Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring photographers starting their own creative journey?

Becky Awo Likita – My advice would be to build genuine and quality relationships, be open to continuous learning, and serve others through your art. Embrace the journey, stay humble, and never stop exploring and refining your craft.

Her contact information

Instagram – @renni_stories

Twitter – @renniphotograph