Today we’d like to introduce you to Ike Nwankwo.
Ike, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, it all started for me when I went with some friends to my first convention ever which was Momocon 2014. Since I was pretty much new to the scene and what not, I would just casually walk around using my phone to take pictures of the cosplays that I liked. It was definitely a fun exercise for me and I was totally looking forward to doing it again. As time went on, I would eventually start going to other conventions such as Seishun Con, AWA (Anime Weekend Atlanta) & DragonCon. I was still using my phone taking pictures but after each con I went to, I would make an album on Facebook and upload the pictures I took then I would share them in the group pages for that con. I mainly got pretty good feedback on them but it wasn’t until both AWA & DragonCon of 2017 when I really got some good feedback on my pictures. I had a good amount of people saying they liked the picture I took even though it was phone quality.
I remember it like it was yesterday but after I had got home from AWA and upload my stuff, a couple of hours had gone by. I was sitting in my room looking back at all the feedback I was getting and it was really nice. Then, I thought to myself and said, “What if I took this a bit more serious?” As I was thinking about this, my sister was walking by so I decided to ask her and see what she thought about, Once I told her I remember her saying and I quote, “Why not, its either you go big or go home.” After she said that, I was like she’s right. So, then and there, on October 3rd of 2017, I made the account known as Rebirth Photography on Instagram and Facebook. Since I was serious about doing this I knew that I would have to upgrade from using my phone and get a DSLR camera. So, I did some research as well as ask other photographers on a camera good for beginners and I ended up getting the Nikon D3400. I would look up videos on how to use and also practicing using it on family members. Fast-forwarding a bit but after a while, I decided to upgrade once more to the Nikon D7100 because of feeling really conformable with my previous one. To wrap it up, I would say that I got to where I am due to starving to improve not only my page but my photography skill as well. I would also try to break out of my comfort zone as well as become more sociable and outgoing as possible because, to me, I felt like it’s important to do so.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh nah, it definitely wasn’t always a smooth road for me. At one point, I kinda wanted to call it quits and give up. If I’m being honest, it was kinda due to feeling like I wasn’t really seeing my page grow as I had hope as well as not getting a lot of likes on my post. Eventually, I told myself that it shouldn’t matter how much likes I get because it should be about having fun doing it and not stressing over it. Sure, getting likes is nice and all but it’s irrelevant if that’s all that matter.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rebirth Photography story. Tell us more about it.
As I said before, I officially started Rebirth Photography on October 3rd of 2017 and I mainly focus on cosplay photography. I do have plans to branch out and do other types of photography but all will depend on me when I choose to stop being lazy and push myself to make it happen.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Well, I don’t know if it’s luck or not but I am grateful that it seems like I’m more recognized for my work by more people compared to last year.
Pricing:
- Rates for shoots: $50 for 30 minutes or $70 for 1 hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/rebirth_photography
- Email: oRebirthz@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebirth_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebirthPhotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rebirth_Photos?s=09
Image Credit:
Alita: https://www.instagram.com/battleangelcosplay.gif/
Ken Kaneki: https://www.instagram.com/_gluttonous/
Chompette: https://www.instagram.com/dragonlordcosplays/
Miles Morales: https://www.instagram.com/infamousblack0/
K/DA Kai’sa: https://www.instagram.com/_sarand/
Monokuma & Junko: https://www.instagram.com/echo_cosplay/ & https://www.instagram.com/hannahvictoriacosplay/
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