We recently connected with Ezeomo Akhirome and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ezeomo, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from my dad, who has always been an inspiration to me. Growing up, he worked tirelessly to provide for our family and ensure that we had a comfortable life. His dedication to his work started in Nigeria, where he served as a Managing Director for the French Petroleum Company Total and later for Cumberland. Despite long hours and the challenges of the job, he always persevered and remained committed to his work.
When we moved to the United States, my dad faced a new set of challenges. Despite his vast experience and two master’s degrees, he struggled to find work in his field and was forced to start as a Walmart cashier. However, he didn’t let this setback discourage him. Instead, he used it as an opportunity to learn more about the American corporate world and figure out how to navigate it.
Through his persistence and hard work, my dad eventually landed a job with the Georgia Department of Human Resources, where he continued to excel and get promoted. Watching him go through these struggles and always persevere with the highest level of integrity made a lasting impression on me.
As a result, I knew from a young age that I wanted to embody his mindset and work ethic. I learned the value of hard work, dedication, and persistence from my dad, and I continue to carry these traits with me in all aspects of my life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi there, I’m Ezzy, and I’m a photographer based in Atlanta. My journey in photography began in the most unexpected way – during a trip to Peru in 2016. I purchased a Nikon D3200 camera to take pictures of Machu Picchu, but it sat in its box unopened for months until a friend’s wedding in August. That’s when I decided to play around with the camera’s features and see what I could do.
Surprisingly, I found myself envisioning myself as the photographer hired for the wedding and started capturing the moment. It wasn’t until later that the bride realized I wasn’t the actual hired photographer, and that’s when it hit me – maybe I had a natural talent for photography.
From that moment on, I started getting inquiries from people who wanted me to do their wedding or engagement shoots. I continued to learn and improve, and over time, I discovered a passion for portrait photography. There’s something so special about being able to capture someone’s unique personality and story in a single image.
But I’m not just a portrait photographer. I’m also expanding my services to include headshots for corporate employees and clients in the creative industry, such as models, artists, and actors. I love being able to help people present themselves in the best possible light.
And now, I’m taking my brand to the next level with the launch of an online print shop featuring T-shirts and hoodies with my logo and creative renditions of it. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, and I’m excited to partner with The T-Shirt Lady & Son to bring this project to life.
For me, photography is more than just a job – it’s a way of connecting with people and telling their stories through my lens. If you’re looking for a photographer who will go above and beyond to capture your special moments, I’d love to work with you.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I reflect on my journey as a photographer and think about the qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful, I realize that they’re the same things that have been driving me to achieve all of my life goals. First and foremost, I’m an inquisitive person who loves to learn. I’m passionate when delving into certain topics or ideas that pique my interest. I avidly pursue interests til I become a functioning amateur, and eventually an advanced practitioner. My curiosity drives me to constantly seek out new knowledge and perspectives.
Secondly, I’m tenacious. When I become interested in something, it’s incredibly difficult for me to let it go until I’ve satisfied my curiosity and feel comfortable with my level of knowledge on the subject. I’m driven to push past obstacles until I’ve achieved my goals or I am comfortable with the level of expertise I possess.
Lastly, I would say that I’m a kind person. I believe in being kind to myself and to others. I’m kind to myself by being patient and compassionate in my train of thought and taking care of myself physically and mentally. And I’m kind to others because I find joy in being a light during someone’s day, especially during their darkest times.
If you’re starting out as a photographer, my advice to you would be to remember that becoming an expert in anything requires dedication and effort. Whether you learn from trial and error or invest in a seasoned professional photographer to guide you, don’t be afraid to spend time and resources on acquiring knowledge and gear. Photography is not a cheap business to start, but it’s worth it if it’s something you’re passionate about.
Lastly, don’t forget to be yourself throughout the process, even after you’ve achieved success. Your unique perspective and personality are what make your work special and authentic. Trust in yourself and your abilities, and never stop learning and growing.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Certainly! As a photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, including actors, c-suite employees, and artists. While each client is unique, there are certain characteristics that I appreciate in all of them.
For actors, I love working with clients who are willing to get into character and really embody the persona they are portraying. It’s also helpful when actors are familiar with their best angles and can give me feedback on their preferred poses and expressions.
When working with c-suite employees, I appreciate clients who are professional, punctual, and well-prepared for the shoot. They often have a clear idea of how they want to present themselves and their company, which helps me to create images that align with their brand and messaging.
For artists, I love clients who are creative, expressive, and willing to push boundaries. They often have unique ideas and concepts that require more experimentation and collaboration to bring to life.
Regardless of the type of client, I appreciate those who are respectful, communicative, and willing to collaborate with me to create something truly special. This often involves discussing their vision for the shoot, as well as providing feedback and input throughout the process.
Overall, an ideal client for me is someone who is passionate, open-minded, and collaborative, regardless of their profession or background. I love working with clients who are invested in creating something truly unique and memorable, and who are willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.echoalphamedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echo_alpha_media/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/echo-alpha-media/
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