Photography Is A Language More Universal Than Words- Aminu Muhammad Ogaji

Aminu Muhammad Ogaji, CEO Ogaji Photography is a professional Photographer which takes him to different parts of Northern Nigeria, especially Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria. He talks about his passion, challenges and future plans in photography.

TMG>Tell us about your background?

Aminu>I had my Primary education at Dadin Kowa Private School, Jos Plateau State then I proceeded for my secondary education at Air Force Military School Jos (AFMS). I'm currently undergoing my Undergraduate program in Land Survey and Geo-Informatics at AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA.

TMG> Why the interest in photography?

Aminu> Actually what got me into photography was that I really love pictures and my friends don’t know how to capture me the way I want but I capture them better than what they expected.

TMG> Where and how were you trained? Did you go to professional school to learn photography and what credentials did you earn through the program?

Aminu> I didn’t go to a photography school or take any course. I learnt from a senior of mine, Abduljabar Gali (Optical_voyager) but mostly I picked up tips through YouTube videos.

TMG> What motivates you to continue taking pictures economically, politically, intellectually or emotionally?

 

Aminu> Reviews from family and friends keep me going because when I'm capturing a client, their smiles say a lot.

TMG> Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path?

Aminu> Optical_Voyager is my major influencer because he always says, “Photography is about capturing souls, and not just smiles”.

TMG> Exactly what do you want to say with your photographs, and how do you actually get your photographs to do that?

Aminu> I want to say a lot with my photographs. Photography is a language more universal than words, so when people look at my photographs, I want them to have this particular feeling you get when you read a line of a poem twice.

TMG> How do you get the person, place or thing that is in front of the camera onto the film just the way you want?

Aminu> It’s very simple; I just put my eye and heart on the same axis and then 'Boom'! I get what I want.

TMG> In case of problems, how do you manage? Do you seek for help from another professional?

Aminu> Yes, in cases where I encounter difficulty or problems, I look for professionals or sometimes use the internet.

TMG> What are your challenges and how do you intend to handle them?

Aminu> My major challenge mostly is school work and then of course, MONEY! And with the school work, I try my best to do things at the right time because Time management is key.

TMG> Give us an example of someone you have trained or mentored. Where did they start and where are they now?

Aminu> I haven’t trained anyone yet because I'm still undergoing training too.

TMG> Describe to us a problem you had with a customer and how you handled it.

Aminu> I had a photoshoot with a particular lady not knowing she expected her pictures almost immediately for her birthday. She kept on calling and calling, saying all sort of things but you know, as the saying goes, “Your Clients/customers are always Right” I had to go out of my comfort zone to make her happy.

TMG> Tell us something you would like to learn or improve upon as a photographer?

Aminu> I would really like to improve more on my creativity.

TMG> How do you manage risk, in terms of damages or loss?

Aminu> I try my possible best to avoid damages but sometimes, some things just happen, so I just go with the flow.

TMG> What way can you encourage other youths to be self dependent?

Aminu> I want to tell the youths out there that a comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing grows there so get up and work and never depend on anyone.

TMG> Do you socialise and when? 

Aminu> I socialize a lot at every single opportunity.