Hey everyone, this is Oluwatimilehin Helen, lifestyle editor at OYOGist.com, and I’m pleased to introduce to you our esteemed guest, Opeyemi Olabiyi.
Opeyemi Olabiyi, fondly known as BiyiOpeyemi Photography, is a Crop Production Technology graduate from the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan. In less than 5 years of practicing photography, Opeyemi has created for himself a very conspicuous niche in the photography market in Nigeria.
In this interview with OYOGist.com he shares his amazing success story.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Opeyemi Olabiyi. I am a photographer and the CEO of Biyi Opeyemi Photography Studio.
What made you take interest in photography?
Photography for me started as a teenager because I’d always admired artworks around me just because there’s a story behind each piece. This ignited in me the will to learn photography as a way of documenting life events and it has been an adventurous and fulfilling journey so far.
Why are you passionate about photography?
My passion lies in creating visual arts through my lens. Photography is the universal language that speaks to the heart. Every shot taken gives a totally different view of how beautiful the world is, at a particular time and place. Photography is a blessing to mankind because it defeats time, keeps the present memory and holds a moment in history for future generations, to be a witness to events either good or bad. I am more passionate about documenting life happenings which includes: naming ceremony, birthday, weddings and burials.
Did you study photography in school?
No. I studied Crop Production Technology at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan.
What kind of pictures do you take and what types won’t you ever be found taking?
I take all kinds of pictures except nude photographs because it is against my faith.
How did your family react when you decided to be a full-time photographer?
Like I said earlier, photography was just a hobby prior to my graduation from school. I decided not to join the millions of unemployed Nigerians by venturing into Fulltime Photography. My mum wanted me to find a white-collar job which was not forthcoming. My major drive to settle for Photography was doing what I love and achieving financial stability.
Which major project would you say changed your career?
When I launched the Biyiopeyemi Photography Academy in January, I knew in my spirit that I was building a legacy for myself.
What were your challenges starting up and making a name for yourself?
Digital Photography is quite expensive, so for me at the early stage of my business, sourcing for capital by applying for bank loans was quite difficult despite the high-interest rate. Another challenge I had was growing my brand. I had to learn how to apply a diverse marketing strategy to reach my target market.
Are there still challenges now that BiyiOpeyemi has become a name to reckon with in photography?
Competition is a challenge, so I’m focused on exploiting untapped areas in the industry and collaborating with like-minded businesses to get to the pinnacle of my career.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I watch several educational videos on YouTube to update my knowledge, improve my skills and sharpen my sense of creativity. This is essential to remaining relevant.
What experts in your field or others do you desire to work with?
There are so many experts in the industry whose work I admire. They are: The Great Kelechi Amadi Obi, TY Bello, Tranzformer Photography and Imagefaculty to mention a few.
Where do you see Biyi Opeyemi Photography in 5 years?
I envision Biyiopeyemi Photography being the most reliable official brand for big firms in Africa to work with and I also see myself leading a team of the best Event photographers in Southwestern Nigeria.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, finally what advice do you have for youths looking to do something with their talents?
My sincere advice for every youth is to put your mind, intellect and soul into all you find your hands doing. Evident in me who was once unemployed now an employer of labour.
Thank you Oyogist.com for giving me the privilege to feature in today’s article.
See more of BiyiOpeyemi Photography’s works below:
Follow BiyiOpeyemi photography on Instagram
Editor: I hope you all enjoyed this piece and learning more about Opeyemi and his wonderful works. Keep reading OYOGist.com for more entertaining and interesting content.
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14 comments
Baddest Event Photographer of our time. Well done Sir
Baddest Event Photographer of our time. Well done Sir
I Love his style
Well-done bro
Thumb up
You are doing well
So good at what he does and he never plays with his work….more knowledge dear
You are the best baba
Great!…
More grace to you!
Awesome, Opebiyi to the world!
Wonderful, Opebiyi more achievement dear
He’s very creative at what he does and gives total customer satisfaction. Very reliable and highly professional.
Congrats Sir
He’s quite talented and good at what he does. Kudos!
Best Photographer of the year
Perfect….I mean perfect
How can we locate your studio in Ibadan