Photography Is A Lifelong Journey- Ibrahim Maiyaki

My passion is in showcasing the interesting aspects of my country Nigeria and other places I visit

TMG> Give us a brief background about yourself

Ibrahim》I studied Information Technology and went on to study Business Management. In the course of my 30-year post graduation journey, I have undertaken a number of ventures in the food and property development industries.

I am married with children and I have 4 surviving siblings.

TMG> Maiyaki Photography has piqued many people's interest with amazing sceneries of different places. What exactly made you delve into photography and when did your love for capturing images start?

Ibrahim》I was actually encouraged by my younger sister, Maimuna who is a very skilled portrait photographer. She encouraged me to watch YouTube content on various types of photography and camera gear. I soon became hooked.

TMG> What was your career path initially and is photography something you are into full time?

Ibrahim》My career started in IT, selling computer systems and networking.

TMG> What positions have you previously held before going into photography?

Ibrahim》I have always been an entrepreneur

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

Ibrahim》I was privileged to attend a photography for beginners course in 2014 organized by Mr. Azi Reza who at that time was running a very successful photography business in downtown Dubai. After that, I took an amazing course on Rooftop, Night photography and Post processing organized by 2 of Dubai's very famous photographers – Daniel Chung and Danny Eid. It may interest you to know that Danny Eid went on to be the official photographer of the just concluded Dubai Expo 2020. Thereafter, I took the full photography course at Shaw Academy in the UK and then jumped into all sorts of photography books and podcast subscriptions

TMG> What motivates you to continue taking pictures- (is it economic, political, intellectual or emotional reasons?

Ibrahim》My inspiration is purely intellectual and self-development

TMG> Which photographers influenced you and how did they shape your thinking about photography?

Ibrahim》The photographers who have influenced me the most include Tony and Chelsea Northrup (a husband and wife duo) and Scott Kelby. These photographers have written amazing books on many photography genres and have YouTube channels providing great free content to this day.

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

Ibrahim》I try to tell stories with my work. I am passionate about showing the interesting aspects of my country Nigeria, my adopted country UAE and other places I visit.

TMG> You are well- travelled. Have any of your travels been just for the purpose of photography?

Ibrahim》Oh yes. I undertook 3 solo trips to Cape Town, Ethiopia and Zanzibar between 2019 and 2020, just before the pandemic just to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. Interestingly, back in 2018, two photographers from London, who I never met before, contacted me via Facebook, telling me that they had never been to Dubai and asked if we could do a photo shoot at the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque. They came and we had a lovely photography experience.

TMG> How do you get the person, place or thing that is in front of the camera onto the film, chip or paper in just the way you want?(i.e Methods of photography)

Ibrahim》A large part of my training had to do with composition and post processing. These make up the secret sauce that go into making the images for me. As regards the output, I try to use reputable photo printing services found around Dubai.

TMG> How do you get paid to do what you want to do with your photography or is it just for fun/hobby?

Ibrahim》My photography has always been a hobby

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

Ibrahim》Over time, you meet other enthusiasts and professionals whom you find are more than happy to support and help tackle difficult challenges. I am pleased to say that I have friends like that.

TMG> What challenges do you encounter in photography and how do you handle them?

Ibrahim》The major challenge for photographers has always been the high cost of acquiring new gear. Cameras, lenses and accessories are quite expensive, especially when you factor in the global recession and currency devaluation.

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

Ibrahim》I am still a student of photography. However, my daughter has developed an interest and I am giving her the support she needs

TMG> Tell us about an accomplishment that you are most proud of in your career(or photography).

Ibrahim》My greatest joy is in seeing my work hanging on walls. There are a few of my images that stand out and I feel very fortunate to have created them.

TMG> Tell us 3 things that you consider to be your strengths in photography?

Ibrahim》I would say my strengths are in having nice gear, a fair amount of knowledge and opportunity of travelling.

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

Ibrahim》Photography is a lifelong journey. I have much to learn, especially in post processing

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

Ibrahim》Our greatest modern day risk is safety and security. It is increasingly difficult going about with photography gear in most parts of the world, especially Nigeria. My only means of managing risk is getting insured and not go out too far.

TMG> What way can you encourage youths not to depend on government for jobs but to be self-dependent?

Ibrahim》There are many ways to monetize photography these days. They can engage in product photography, documentary production or wedding photography.

TMG> Do you socialise and what's your favourite way of socialising?

Ibrahim》Not much to be honest.

The Images Below Are Some Of Ibrahim's Work: