The Nigerian photography industry is about to take a new turn as all roads leads to the Business of Photography Conference at Landmark Event Center, Lagos on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. In preparation for the marked evet, we speak to the man behind it all and the man behind the lens, celebrated photographer, Kola Oshalusi.
The Business of Photography Conference is aimed at bringing Photographers, photography manufacturing and servicing companies as well as photography retail businesses together under one roof to discuss, learn, exhibit, sell and buy everything photography. In recent times the need to efficiently monetize the photography industry and define its future as a major part of the current and future national revenue generation sector has become more important.
The conference seeks to address the evolution of the photography sector from a business perspective and discuss a way forward as a means of charting a proper course for the future.
It promises to be an exciting and engaging event as there are lots of activities planned for the day.
The 12hour event is set start at 9am and end at 9pm. The conference would feature five segments; the Opening, the Conversation (panel session), Break out time (master classes), Cocktails/Networking and Exhibition. During the conversation segment, attendees would have the opportunity to listen to and chat with award winning Nigerian photographers about the future of photography in Nigeria.
There would also be master classes where photographers learn certain set skills from the industry’s best hands. An exhibition area would also be set aside where attendees can buy and sell everything that has to do with photography.
The grand ambition is to establish ‘Business of Photography’ as an annually held gathering of photography stakeholders, with attendees including creatives, investors, equipment manufacturers, retailers and buyers of creative work.
Interview with Kola Oshalusi
Which area of photography will you say is most challenging for you?
Well, every area of photography has its challenges. I am focused on about 5 professional disciplines where i have honed my skills over time, but beyond that, I would say the business and management part as well as creating a more sustainable business enterprise.
Can mobile photography get to a level where you don't need the services of a professional for good images?
We would have to wait and see what the future holds but definitely a professional will always be a professional. You don't discredit or cast away a fashion designer because you have a mobile sewing machine or a lawyer because the law and constitution is readily available online.
Some are born with the eye, some earn it, but you need the eye as well as the mind.
How expensive is photography?
Photography is quite expensive as all other professions mostly because of evolution in technology and a need to acquire fresh insight and skills.
Tell us some of your memorable moments as a photographer?
Every moment for me is memorable. Every story is different depends on how you view it. There definitely some isolated moments, but every-time I pick up my gear, each story has a different twist.
Back in the day great photos were taking with Analog cameras with no computer to edit them, what's your take on this?
Evolution is eminent, but with it also comes the ease of doing things which is the basis of evolution and technology, but it must take away the need to acquire the right knowledge and skill set.
What do you see photography doing in the future?
In the nearest future I see photography telling stories and preserving history as well as creating the most sustainable and largest service and skill employing industry. Also changing the way we view art as a discipline.
To attend the event, register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-business-of-photography-conference-2018-tickets-43295523075?aff=eac2
For sponsorship and Exhibition enquires: roseline@businessofphotography.net
For Media enquiries: ydagency@yettyd.com
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