I know! The year started 58 day ago...


LOL! So, February is my birth month, and that means for a 'PROcrastinator' [because I put the PRO in that word] like me, I get to, more like decide to start the year a whole month later than everybody. I guess I can get away with that because February isn't so far into the year like March or April or October. Haha!

So... HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS :)

I really hope and pray that we all find some joy amidst the chaos that we're already having to deal with between the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine clash.


Last year, I started a tradition which I really hope to keep up for as long as I can handle a camera.

It is one where I get to showcase myself as model, creative planner and director, stylist, makeup artist, photographer and editor all in one through the art of SELF PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY.


Let's take a look at last year's images...

[Location: My basement]

Before we look at this year's images...


Some of you sent in a few questions about me and my photography business...


Screenshots from Instagram

Answers coming right up after you feast on these breathtakingly-but- life-giving-gorgeous-sumptuous- okay! snap out of it, Mina :D


Here are this year's images...

P.S: The set with the ankara print [By "House Of Kene"] was shot by me at Ivori Studios Mississauga. The rest of the photos were shot in my basement.

Alright! Let's get into the Q & A...

Q: What inspired you to venture into photography?


Okay, quick story time!

Before I purchased my first camera [Canon Rebel sl2] in 2019, I would take photos of my friends after every Sunday service, using my smartphone.

Just seeing the joy and smiles on their faces each time we land a killer shot, or their comments after I send them the edited photos gave me so much satisfaction.

I also did a lot of self portraits, landscapes and nature shots using my Samsung S8+ and each time I posted the photos on social media, they got the hype.

I woke up one day - May 17, 2019 , I walked into the Best Buy store in Windsor, and I came out with my first camera. A very spontaneous buy that I do not regret. I did photography as a hobby [a very expensive one LOL] and did not decide to go "pro" until late last year, after much support and 'ginger' from my friends and family.


Q: WHAT INSPIREs you to continue in the journey?


The same things that made me start: Bringing smiles to people's faces, the fulfilment that comes from creating/documenting beauty, preserving memories.

There's something that Yagazie from Gazmadu Studios said recently that I have now added to my short list:

"As a photographer, you solve a lot of problems with the work that you do. You render an important part in the society".

I am very big on preserving memories, and I believe everyone deserves great pictures, if not for anything, to be able to relive moments they hold dear.

So, I take my job very seriously as it is one of my many contributions to the society :)

Q: HOW DID YOU LEARN TO TAKE SUCH GREAT PICTURES?


I never went to school for this.

I just started taking playing around with my camera until stuff started making sense. Lol! I do not recommend this for anyone starting out... especially professionally. However, one thing I can say about my journey is that I have never put my camera down. I am always shooting something or someone - paid or unpaid. My friends will testify to this; I show up everywhere with my camera :D

Also, as I have progressed in my journey, and having met other amazing photographers and creatives, my work as well as my creative eye has been influenced greatly.

Instagram and the internet in general presents great inspiration and insight as I scroll through daily.

My images aren't where I want them to be yet but I am most certain that they are way better than when I first started... which is no surprise really.

The more you shoot, the more you get better at it.


Q: HOW LONG IS YOUR TYPICAL SESSION? YOUR PICTURES ARE DOPE.


First of all, THANK YOU FOR THE COMPLIMENT! I really think they are dope too.

On an average, a typical sessions lasts about an hour and a half, especially if we are not shooting in a studio.

However, depending on the type of session and what it entails, we budget and plan for the time needed to bring your vision to life.


Q: DO YOU EVER DO COLLABORATIONS?


YES!

Send me a DM or email with your idea and if I like it, we'll shoot it.


Q: WHEN DID YOU REALIZE PHOTOGRAPHY WAS YOUR THING?


Hmm... I didn't start out thinking it was my thing. This could be why I did it as a hobby for so long and struggled to transition to pro.

But now, I'm starting to think it's my thing.

I'm the happiest when I'm doing all things photography.


Q: WILL YOU EVER TRY OUT ADVERTISEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY?


Never say never, Lol!

I'm always open to trying new things.

I sometimes delve into other kinds of photography though I'm majorly a lifestyle and portrait photographer. So, yeah, I can definitely give it a try.

Send an email if you've got a project you want us to work on.


Q: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL INSPIRED TO SHOOT?


I'm rarely ever at this point.

I wish I could get you into my headspace/mind so you can see all the ideas that I haven't found the time or resources to create.

However, I do know that I sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome and may feel like throwing the whole thing away. In those moments, I go through my past works especially WINNIE's branding shoot for www.raisingwonders.ca [You should totally check it out].

It was my first ever branding shoot and it is always the drug that I need to snap out of imposter syndrome.

I also find that the worries of doing business can also take a way from the fun of just creating. This is why I am intentional about doing fun, creative shoots just for the fun of it, and without the pressure of failing a client that's paid you their hard-earned money.

Do you get?!!


Q: WHO HELPS YOU BEHIND THE SCENES?


BTS while shooting [a paid job] is not joke!!!!!

Thankfully, my dear friend, Seyitan helps me with some badass videos.

Please, send her dollars whenever you see her, LOL!

She also helps with reel ideas because left to me, I "reelly" do not care about the Instagram algorithm. I'm too lazy for that -___-


Q: ARE YOU A WOMAN OF FAITH?


100% YES!

I am very bold and loud about my belief in Christ Jesus as the only way to God. I'm all about expressing the unconditional love of Christ to everyone I come across. There's so much hate and darkness in the world, and it's my earnest desire that everyone that I interact with [whether we work together o not] encounters the light [Jesus] that I carry.


Q: IS YOUR BUSINESS REGISTERED?


Not yet but I am working on it.


Q: DO YOU DO LOCATION SHOOTS? HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO TRAVEL?


Yes, I do location shoots.

I am willing to travel as far as your pocket is willing to travel *wink wink*

Just let me know on time and we can make the necessary arrangements for us to meet and work together in whatever country or city.


Q: advice for anyone looking to go be a photographer as well?


Three things:

  1. Yassssss boo! Do it!
  2. Knowledge is the best investment. Take courses; Get a mentor, if you can.
  3. Start creating with what you have.

There's this quote, "It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument".

YOU ARE THE ASSET!

While it is great to have the best gear, do not underestimate your capabilities with whatever you can afford at the moment. And if you really wanna start with the best gear, I hope you have started saving up cos these things ain't cheap.


That's all for the Q & A... and the end of this journal entry.

Whew!

Till next time... hopefully soon :)

More picture? Yes, Please!