Today we’d like to introduce you to Adachukwu Obi-Okoye.
Hi Adachukwu, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story began in 2017 during my gap year. I was really bored and I loved make-up at the time so I picked up my little android phone and started to make videos. I slowly graduated to using a cheap point and shoot that I bought from offer up. It was fun and I loved it. I would take the point-and-shoot everywhere with me and took pictures of everything. It was so fascinating to me that I could freeze a moment and carry it with me everywhere. That pictures always had a story to tell and to me, that was so crazy. I knew that I loved pictures but I didn’t think I loved taking it for other people. I would always watch videos on YouTube about how to get into photography and how to take pictures and all its components. Jessica Kobesi was a big channel for me. I somehow never had the courage to actually start. Fast forward to 2018 and I am in college.
By the end of my first semester, I had used all of my savings to buy the Canon rebel t7i camera that I currently use. I couldn’t wait to use it so I went out with my friends and had a day of taking pictures. Unfortunately, I cannot say that after that day out, It was up from there. I actually put my camera in storage and didn’t really use it. I really wanted to but I told myself that I was busy and I had to wait till after college to do this thing that I loved. I came up with so many excuses for why I couldn’t be a photographer so for more than three years, I didn’t use my camera. And then in 2022, as I was laying in bed watching another Jessica Kobesi video, I decided that I wanted to go back to photography. I knew that I had a love for it. I knew that it was something that was an expression of me and a way to show love, fulfillment, fun and creativity. I texted a friend of mine that was graduating, bought a new lens with my last saving and the rest is history.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it has been a road full of ups and downs. The struggle ranges from comparison and imposter syndrome to standing out and people not taking you seriously. In the field, there are so many amazing photographers so it’s really easy to get lost in the sea of comparison and the things that they are doing better than me. I’m currently working on that by looking at how far I’ve come but it’s still hard to do. Another struggle would be imposter syndrome. In this field, everything is perspective but most poses have been done and sometimes in trying to stand out, I end up feeling like I’m copying someone because there is no way that I’m good at taking pictures and editing, there is no way that I’m a natural. I can’t believe that things are going well and that people actually like my pictures but I hope with time, that syndrome goes away. Something that goes in line with that is not knowing my monetary worth. The business is expensive and it was really hard to set a price for people because I was not sure that I was ready. It was really a slippery slope but I finally convinced myself to start small with pricing. People also make pricing hard because they will sometimes belittle the job with no idea the work that goes into it and explaining it is a struggle in itself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer currently based in Dahlonega North Georgia. I mostly specialize in couples and portrait photography. I am currently trying to break into the wedding and concert field. I am known for couples photography. I am most proud of being able to showcase the pure joy and feelings of my couples through their pictures. What sets me apart? I think that question is really hard. I’m not exactly sure as I try hard to be unique in different ways. How I conduct my business. Right from the start, I want my relationship with a client to be that of friendship not just business. Another thing is the atmosphere of my sessions which are fun and friendly! My motto is to go crazy and have fun while I act as your paparazzi and finally, my editing style. My editing style is a mix of airy and moody and it’s really flexible so I’m excited to see it evolve
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My one advise would be just start. I know everyone says this but truly it’s the thing to do. Once you start and you love it it’s only up from there. Another thing is patience. The whole journey is a journey of waiting. Everyone’s journey is so different so don’t compare yourself to someone who has been doing it for more years than you. This is a career where experience is the best teacher. So enjoy the experience and be open to all the fun things that you will learn from this career! One more thing, invest in the business part of this career. Listen to podcasts, do your research, take a sales class. Love the business because once you figure that out, everything will be a lot smoother.
Pricing:
- Portraits start at $60
- Couples start at $100
- Elopements start at $250
- Weddings start at $500
- Family start at $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://photosbyadachukwu.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/photosbyadachukwu
