5 minutes with Rotimi Okungbaye – INTERVIEW

5 minutes with Rotimi Okungbaye – INTERVIEW

I earlier interviewed a makeup artist on my blog and I am sure by now you are wondering who I will interview next. Well seat back, get a glass of drink as I take you through the inspiring story of a photographer who has been able to build himself and make good use of his talents.
Rotimi is an upcoming events photographer who presently works with ANDELA, read his interview below;

Question: Introduce yourself

Answer: I am Oluwarotimi Okungbaye, a photographer and media enthusiast. I love meeting people, I love music and I am a Christian. I am very passionate about photography and how it is a tool to tell stories. I’m a lifelong learner (or I think I am)

Question: Who do people say you are?

Answer: Chai! This is really tough, I don’t really know and I don’t want to sound proud. I am sure some people might see me as nice, cool, friendly, lovely, smart, handsome (babyface things), funny, kind, single pringle, cheerleader, loud, lover of life, Child of God (I can’t sly myself)

Question: Why Photography?

Answer: I started photography in 2015 after graduating from the University. This was because I was looking for a job prior to NYSC but didn’t get one. I already had an interest in photography before leaving school, so I just looked for a way to learn more. I had friends who were photographers in school and I really admired them and Bayo Omoboriowo was a great motivation too. I went for TEDxGbagada in 2015 and I met with Bayo, he talked about his journey and this made me become more interested in photography.

My Elder brother was really supportive and he got me tutorial videos from creativelive.com and this was how I learnt photography. I didn’t attend a photography school, I learnt online and this was really tough and also amazing. I didn’t have a camera but my cousin had a fantastic one and I kept using it to practice and work on myself. I used this same practice to photograph events and I got paid. One person who also made me learn more and understand a lot about photography is Kenneth Nwanchi of Kentucker Photography; he was always taking me with him for his shoots and this made me learn more. I was ready to climb on the shoulders of giants so that I could see more and Ken helped me.

Photography is a unique skill and it takes a lot to be world class or very brilliant. I am not as brilliant as people make me look but I am working hard to learn from people and also improve my photography.

You become world class by doing, by practicing, by consistently practicing. Without all these, world class remains far away”

Question: What is the best part of being a Photographer?

Answer: This question has different answers from all photographers, for me; being appreciated and respected for your job or a particular project you worked on. Being paid well for a great job and seeing people referencing you for a fantastic shot you took. For example, seeing your work on a billboard or on TV, give every photographer joy. When your pictures go viral and people reference you, you get excited and you are proud of yourself. In Nigeria, people are just getting better in appreciating Togs (Photographers), in years to come, it will better and people (Family & Friends) will appreciate better.

 

Answer: People motivate me, amazing photographers motivate me. People being excellent about their work or business motivates me a lot. People defying the odds in achieving their goals motivate me. Excellence motivates me and I have decided to be Excellent in all I do.

Question: How many books and conferences did you read and attend last year?

Answer: I didn’t read a lot of books last year, the habit of reading is one I am still building. I have a lot of books to read in my shelf but I find it difficult. I read more articles than books last year, I am really working on it and I hope this year is better. I attended a lot conferences last year, paid and free conferences. I actually can’t count but I attended a lot, I met people and also built friendships from them too. This year won’t be an exemption too, I will be attending a lot of conferences.

Question: Why the goal to post everyday on Medium?

Answer: This is actually funny; my friend posted on Medium every day of the year 2016, so I decided to post too. I did it to challenge myself, I did it to write more. I am not an excellent writer but I try to write some good stuff. I write Photo Stories, a lot of poems and very fun stories. Most of my posts aren’t about photography, I just wanted to work on myself and see if this habit will stay or if I was going to fail. It has been going very well and I look to the remaining days of the year.

Question:  What is the story behind your new job?

Answer: I am a Media & Tech Enthusiast and a photographer. There was an opportunity in Andela for a Media Intern and friends sent me the link to apply and I applied gladly!Andela is one company I have always admired even before I got in, I stalked them online and read about the great things they were doing in Africa. When the opportunity came up, I didn’t want to lose it. The recruitment process was not easy but I am grateful I got in. Andela is a StartUp that is harder to get in than Harvard, so I gave my best at the interviews and I am really excited I got in. There is a lot to improve on and much more to learn there, I am excited about the opportunity and I am really grateful I found a home at Andela.

Question: Describe your job in One word

Answer: AWESOME

Question: What is your encouragement to Photographers and other media persons?

Answer: Keep learning and own your learning, we become better by learning. Be optimistic about learning and about becoming a better photographer, attend conferences and photo walks to help you improve. Let your works speak for you, strive to be excellent in your deliveries.

Question: Any Additions?

Answer: I am grateful for the opportunity, my story isn’t complete yet. I am still grinding and striving for excellence, my Success Story is still in drafts. You have an awesome blog and keep doing what you do, cheers!

Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: Rotimi Okungbaye

Twitter: @rotimiokungbaye

Instagram: @rotimiokungbaye

Snapchat: @rotimiokungbaye

Email: rotimi.okungbaye@andela.com

 

“What motivates you?”

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43 Comments

  1. Rudolph

    Quite an inspiring interview here. ??

    1. thefisayo

      Thanks Rudolph

  2. ese

    Nyc one?

    1. thefisayo

      Thanks dear

  3. Awesome! I love his spirit! Amazing guy!
    Thank you Fisayo for sharing his story with the world.

    1. thefisayo

      I’m happy I did, thanks Daniel ??

    2. Thank you very much DTA, you are one of the people who has got my back day & night. I love you dearly, bro.

  4. Awwwwww???
    My most interesting read today!!
    @Rotimi I love your drive and zeal for excellence and your work is absolutely stunning.
    Keep on going!!✨
    More and more grace

    1. Awwww.. My darling Rubie, thank you very much.
      Bless you ?❤️

  5. The picture of the food got me hungry ?.
    Great interview! He seems like a great guy

    1. Lmao… Yes, he is a great guy. Hahaha

  6. Lilian Umosen

    Awwn this inspires…
    Proud of you both!!

    1. thefisayo

      Thank you Lilian!

    2. Awwwww… Thank you very much Lilian.

  7. Leke Awojulu

    Thank you Fisayo for sharing. More power to you both

    1. thefisayo

      Thank you dear

    2. Thank you very much Leke.

  8. Busayo

    Awesome! This would definitely inspire lots of people

    1. Awwww.. Thank you Busayo. Bless you.

  9. Awwwwww.. Thank you for sharing my story, this is awesome.
    Keep being awesome!

  10. Rukky

    Simplicity,
    He has a lot coming his way
    Great interview.

    1. thefisayo

      Thank you Rukky

    2. Awwwww… Simplicity!
      Thanks Rukky.

  11. Adebayo Ajayi

    Rotimi, well done. Your enthusiasm about life is really commendable. Keep blazing the trail.

    1. Awww… Egbon Bayo, thank you very much. Thanks for being someone I could look up to.
      Cheers!

  12. Mfonobong Willie

    Reading habit is also one I’m building on. Big ups Rotimi you’re doing a good work for yourself. See the way you’re replying everybody you’re such a humble guy.

    Fisayo great work you’re doing on the blog.

    God bless you both.

    1. thefisayo

      Thank you Willie!

    2. Wow.. Thank you very much Willie. I really appreciate this, God bless you.

  13. Lola Sho

    Nice interview Fisayo.
    Rotimi with the good job Fisayo has done here I don’t think I’ll have to have that follow up chat with you for now, I have learnt a whole lot already about what makes you tick and plan to put some into work.

    1. thefisayo

      Thank you Lola!

    2. Wow… Lola, thank you very much. I am still available for any chat, cheers!

  14. wale

    Wow!! Congrats to him!

    Nice one FISAYO!

    1. thefisayo

      Thank you!

    2. Thank you very much Wale.

  15. This is amazing. Nice work Rotimi. More grace

    And Fisayo, you are doing an amazing job

    1. thefisayo

      Thank you dear.

    2. Thank you very much Mosimabale, I love your name.

  16. […] To study extra about Rotimi and his work, learn his interview with TheFisayo. […]

  17. thefisayo

    Thank you dear ??

  18. […] 5 MINUTES WITH ROTIMI OKUNGBAYE – INTERVIEW […]

  19. Wow!!! So Touching. Tanx for sharing your experiences.it shows that hard work and determination pays off… Tanx for inspiring me@Thefisayo,and Mr Rotimi..Tank u… You woke up the sleeping giant in me… Tank u.

    1. thefisayo

      You are very much welcome Oladele!
      I’m glad you were inspired.

  20. […] 5 MINUETS WITH ROTIMI OKUNGBAYE […]

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