Meet Timothy Oluwatoni-Uyiosa Kolade, a 200 Level Student Of The Department of Aquaculture And Fisheries Management, University Of Ibadan. He's a Street/Outdoor Photographer, He loves playing Video games, drawing and plays the drum.
Unibadan Efiwe had an interview with Toni the Photographer and Below is the Full Interview
Tell Us About You, Your Family Background?
I am Timothy Oluwatoni-Uyiosa Kolade, I am Ibadan born. From Oyo state, but i also have Edo blood.I am the last born, we are just 2 boys tho. Spent about half of my life in Enugu state before relocating back to Ib when I was about 10. I'm a 200 Level Student Of the Department Of Aquaculture And Fisheries Management, University Of Ibadan
What Does Photography Mean to You?
To me photography is like art. Its like painting or drawing. Its about me expressing myself to the World.
What do You think makes a memorable Street Photograph?
To me, I think great model/models, good environment, type of light You want to use then definitely the right lens.
What were the difficulties You encountered first starting Street Photography?
One major difficulty I encountered was people keeping to time, either the model is late or the Make-Up Artiste is late and then I would just come not knowing that a shoot that should be by 4pm will start by 7pm and I would not have brought enough light for an evening shoot.
Who are some of Your favorite classic Photographers, and How did they influence You?
Fabulous banji has been a great influence for me. He is not yet a household name but His style is unique. He is into outdoor photography and the way He works with light is wonderful. Kelechi amadiobi has also been an influence on me, dedicated His whole life to photography and He is a major success in Nigerian Photography. He is also part of my Photography influence.
In UI, Paul Aniekan is one of the few Photographers I really do respect. His use of light, it's wonderful.
When You are out shooting—How much of it is instinctual versus planned?
I have never really plan for a shoot. I rely basically on my instinct that's what I believe is real art.
How has Social Media played a role in Your Photography?
Social media especially IG has been a big plus to the photography industry as it's a platform to showcase our art to the World. It has gotten me a lot of jobs too.
Why do You take Photos?
When I started photography I basically learnt it for leisure never planned to go into it professionally.
Then all of a sudden I couldn't go a week without taking a picture. I fell in love with d shutter sound, the Models, the Joy I put on people's face.
So basically I take photos to make myself happy.
What is the most challenging part about being a Photographer for You?
Like I said earlier, Time. I hate the fact that people fail to keep with time. Another challenge has been how to combine Academics and Photograph because sometimes classes and shoots would clash. I'm Still working on that tho.
Describe Your photographic style? How did You develop Your Style?
I Am more into outdoor Photography. I have always loved the originality of the green grass and the tarred roads and paint peeling of walls at the background of a picture. It brings out its originality.
What was Your scariest moment as a Photographer?
Scariest moment. Hmmm. Its has gotta be my first photo shoot. I Was scared that I would probably take horrible pictures or that I would probably forget how to take pictures, but it turned out OK and I had loads of fun. Ever since then my confidence has been on the rise.
Describe a typical day in the life of Toni The Photographer?
Typical day, on a normal busy day, I would have my first shoot of the day by 9am. Probably finish around 11am. Go to my crib, rest, eat. Will have to be at another shoot from 2 pm, by there around 1.45pm, they would probably just start make up by 2pm.
By 3/4pm I start shooting. By 5/6 I should be through. But sometimes shoots run into 7/8 pm, Get to my hostel around 9. Rest for a while, then I have to start copying my pictures for that day and the editing begins.
What is Your Best Photography tip?
My photograpy tip is light. The difference between a good photograph and a master piece all comes down to how you use the light around you either Natural or artificial.
Among the gadgets that You own, is there something that You wish You hadn’t bought? Why?
There is no gadget that I own now that I wish I hadn't bought, everything I have is relevant.
In the field, What are your settings?
On a normal shot, Aperture – 1.8 ; ISO – 1600; White Balance - Manual ;Focus – Manual/Auto - 50mm ;Image Format – RAW/JPEG - JPEG
How do You educate Yourself to take better Pictures?
I have a personal Photographer mentor who has been into photography for quite a while then I also watch loads and loads of YouTube videos.
Among Your Works, which One is Your Favorite? Why?
I can't say I have a personal favorite picture but there are quite a few that stand out.
What One question nobody has ever asked You—that You wish they asked You?
One question nobody has asked me is do I see myself as a fulltime photographer in the next 10years. The answer is probably no. I'm planning to go fully into cinematography soon. Music videos, movies who knows.
Aside from Photography, What else are You really good at?
Aside from Photography. I draw and I play the drum.
What do You do during Leisure?
Most times, I play video games, watch football, listen to music, draw
Any Words/ Advice You Have For Other Photographers?
My Word for Other Photographers is that the stage is big enough for all of us. I believe we can learn from each other as each person has something to order some.
Tags:
Exclusive Interviews