We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samuel Ojo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Samuel, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
To me, creativity is the yin-yang balance between staying true to your individuality and pushing beyond your limits. I keep my creativity alive by remaining authentic, taking risks in my creative process, and constantly learning from others. Also, living in a city like New York fuels my creativity as well—there’s inspiration everywhere. From the countless creatives carving out their own paths to the spontaneous interactions you have on the street, the city always offers something new. Whenever I hit a creative slump and can’t find inspiration within, New York never fails to provide it for me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
About me – I go by Ojoptics (Pronounced Ojo Optics, Ojo for short), and I’m a photographer and creative director, born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in New York City. Creative expression and photography have always been a part of my life, thanks to my family. My parents were photographers, and my siblings were involved in dance, singing, modeling, drawing, and architecture. Surrounded by creativity, I naturally found my own path through photography while at Williams College. Studying photography from a liberal arts and academic perspective shaped the way I engage with my work—encouraging me to think both literally and abstractly, to explore the deeper stories behind images, and to understand the responsibility that comes with being a photographer.
With Ojoptics, I focus on highlighting individuality, showcasing authenticity, and telling unique stories. I explore these ideas through fashion, street style, portrait, and conceptual photography. I’m constantly amazed by how diverse and unique people are—yet our shared experiences often act as a universal language that connects and unites us.
Through my work, I collaborate with brands and individuals to explore their identities and bring them to life through my lens. Ultimately, my goal is to steward the gifts God has given me and share them with the world—capturing not just images, but meaning.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are discipline, self-reflection, and outspokenness/self-advocacy.
1) Discipline is a key differentiator that can accelerate your growth and success. A lack of discipline can make you unreliable and prevent you from mastering your craft. It’s essential to build discipline through consistent routines and systems of accountability.
2) Self-reflection is crucial in a creative journey. There will be moments that make you question your value or challenge what you stand for. Taking time to reflect on your progress, struggles, and growth helps solidify your identity. It makes it easier to navigate imposter syndrome and stay grounded in your “why.”
3) Self-advocacy—because closed mouths don’t get fed. Many of the opportunities I’ve received came not just from being in the right place at the right time, but from speaking up at those moments. Self-advocacy is vital. You can strengthen this skill by sharing your work, engaging with your community, and reaching out to people you admire or want to learn from. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always open to partnerships and collaborations. On the fashion side, I’m interested in working with apparel brands, designers, and stylists to bring concepts to life. As a creative director and photographer, I love being involved in the full process—from ideation to execution and editing.
When it comes to conceptual photography, I’m passionate about creating photo series that explore themes and tell compelling stories. I’d love to collaborate with creatives across all disciplines who have a strong vision—whether you’re a filmmaker, playwright, model, stylist, or beyond.
If you’re interested in working together, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or connect with me on Instagram at @Ojoptics. My website is launching soon, so keep an eye out for that as well!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ojoptics/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ojoptics
Image Credits
Photo 1: Model: Gamze Kececi (IG: @therealgamze)
Photo 2: Model: Cassie (IG: @viacassie), Brand: Freemind.US (@freemind.us)
Photo 3: Model: Thai Richards (IG: @daddyshango_), Brand: Mena (@_madebymena)
Photo 6: Model: Jafreisy Portes (IG: @jafreisyportes)
Photo 8: Model: Sarah Ocul (Signed to DMM Management | Ig: @sarahocul_)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
