At a young age, Ifedayo Omoleye, a psychology student of Obafemi Awolowo Univeristy, Ile Ife has tapped into the world of entrepreneurship and it doesn’t appear he would be stopping anytime soon. First, it was his love for beautiful images and then his desire to play around cameras. Today, @Ifedayo.x has found a way of living his dream even though he is studying for a degree. Now a student entrepreneur, Ifedayo Omoleye is one of the most talented photographers on his campus. He is a commercial and fashion photographer. Take a walk with us in this interview as we fix the lens on Ifedayo’s amazing journey as a student entrepreneur.
Are you self-taught or did you learn photography?
Photography is an art, a unique form of art. Like any form of art, it’s capable of overwhelmingly captivating. And it got to me. I’ve always been an art fanatic innately but it remained unexpressed as a result of my ties to the sciences. That said, I needed a form of art/creativity to get me off my everyday challenges and here comes photography. I’m 95% self-taught. The 5% is credited to the studios I paid when I was desperate to learn. Unfortunately, I can’t point at one thing I learned there. Learning photography is a conscious process; no one would open your brain and put knowledge in it. There are many platforms where photography can be learned these days. YouTube being the single most powerful, then we have blogs and photography communities on the internet; lots of them.
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Is there any link between your course of study and photography?
I am a Psychology student. Yes, there are links. Psychology is undoubtedly a science of human behavior. The uniqueness of a picture can reflect the person’s feelings, thoughts, self-confidence etc. Photography in connection with Psychology can actively reflect the soul and thoughts of the person being photographed.
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So where does your interest lie, in your studies or in photography?
That’s a funny question. In both actually. After school, I’ll be left with photography. But for now, school is more important. Most of my works are during the weekend. Classes end on Thursdays for me most times. So I have 3 full days to focus on business. Also, at times, my photo sessions are in the evening, since I normally don’t have classes late in the day, I run both successfully.
What are the challenges you face as a student who also has a photography business running?
There are a couple. For instance, during exams or test periods, I seem to get lots of business offers than in any other time during the school calendar. It’s always hard turning down potentially lucrative deals but it is what it is, school is more important anyway. At least, for now. Another is funding, gears and all. But it’s all coming together and it’s just a matter of time.
How do you stay creative, considering the fact that there are many photographers out there these days?
I’m always motivated. Always looking to learn. Always looking for mood boards. Since photography is something I really really like, it’s very easy staying motivated and trying to get better.
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What’s the role of social media in growing your business and which of the social networks work most for you?
Social media is very very important. It can pick you up from the comfort of your room and put you in places far away. And photography is a show and tell business. Also, since most social media platforms give the privilege of reaching huge audiences, it’s a perfect opportunity to show your works to the world. I use Instagram the most.
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Who are the people you look up to in the photography industry?
This is probably my favorite question to answer. There are lots; Dani Diamond, Lindsay Adler, Julia Kuzmenko, Obi Somto, Bayo Omoboriowo, Clay Cook, Eleanor Goodey, TY Bello, Tope Horpload, Lara Jade, Prince Meyson, Jide Odukoya, Brandon Woefel and a couple others.
What’s your favorite all time quote?
‘Be yourself, everyone else is already taken’ – Oscar Wilde
‘If you can make it through the night, there’s a brighter day’ – Tupac Amaru Shakur
