Interview Series (Episode 5)

         Let Your Passion Drive You - Emmy

                          Emmanuel Akpa

 (Head Photographer, Emmy Akpa Studios, Jos)

Welcome to the 5th episode of Chat With temidada, we are glad to have you our esteemed readers again this week.

With us today is a seasoned photographer, one of the leading figures in the photography industry in Jos and Nigeria at large. Join me as I welcome @emmy_akpa.

Can we please meet you?

Emmy Akpa: Hi Temidada!

My name is Emmanuel Akpa

The head photographer at Emmy Akpa Studios based in Jos Nigeria. I am also an accountant based on my academic qualification.

Why did you choose photography?

Emmy Akpa: This question is tricky,

but I will say I fell in love with the art because it was always something I was  passionate about right from the beginning even while I was in the higher institution.

Growing up, what was your ambition before going into photography?

Emmy Akpa: Before going into photography I studied acounting in my university level and I am still an accountant.

So how was it like for you when starting photography?

Emmy Akpa: Honestly it was very challenging I must say, basically saving to buy one equipment or the other to getting people to trust you with their portraits and to getting people to trust you with their weddings. It has been a very challenging journey but notwithstanding I give all thanks to God for his grace.

Any challenge from family putting into consideration what you studied in school?

Emmy Akpa: My family have been the best support system since the spinal cord.

School was a bit of a challenge at the time because I could not travel for jobs so by implication I lost money each time I had to travel outside Jos. Accounting is a very demanding profession and so it was very difficult to combine it with any other profession. So during my undergraduate period I just used to do photography in a very small way which later metamorphosed into what I have today.

So when did you start photography?

Emmy Akpa: I started photogrpahy fully in November 11th, 2014.

How has been photography since you started?

Emmy Akpa: Every profession has its own ups and downs because nothing good comes easy but to say the least of it, doing photography full time has been great and we keep learning everyday and hoping to be greater than where we are now.

What are the projets you have worked on since?

Emmy Akpa: I have done some individual and collaborative projects over the years you can look them up on my instagram page. One of the recent project I just finished was tagged "Shades of Africa". This was actually inspired by the african woman. It shows the beauty in Africa and pictured through the woman because women are unique.

What can you say about photography business in Nigeria?

Emmy Akpa: I feel it is a blessed industry in this country because there are many creatives doing great stuff everywhere. It is a industry that gives room for all professionals to soar once you are dedicated. It gives room for all practioners to have their own clients without causing any problem and it is a space where there are different niche and which allows everyone to thrive.

For those aspiring to go into the business and are scared, what will be your advice to them?

Emmy Akpa: Stay focused, know that nothing good come easy, you need to be dedicated and keep improving. Photography is large and wide, so you need to tighten your girdle and work. You will have to win the hearts of your clients and this cannot be achieved by a mediocre, so keep working hard and smart; trust the process and be hopeful for the future.

What are the future projects you have in mind?

Emmy Akpa: They’re still in my head I haven’t quite given them names, but expect something great in the nearest future.

What are the 5 things you expect to see in your brand in the next 5 years?

Emmy Akpa:

More branches 

Impact more lives 

Create mind blowing images 

Be recognized worldwide 

Become a household name.

What are your advice to the youth of this generation?

Emmy Akpa: They Should never Give Up!

Thank you for being on the show today, we are glad to have you.

Tip: Impacting lives should be a priority, living counts when we touch lives with whatever we do.

Catch up with our guest on Instagram @emmy_akpa.

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