We recently connected with Wuraola Olagbaju and have shared our conversation below.
Wuraola, 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?
For me keeping my creativity alive is a daily thing. I express it with almost every aspect of my life, from the style and color of my hair, to the way I dress and present myself. I guess you can say i’ve been a bit of a visionary since i came out the womb. I keep my creativity alive by staying curious, being disciplined, creating for myself and taking time to recharge when needed.
Curiosity fuels my desire to explore new ideas and perspectives, be it from books, art, nature, or even just everyday things. While creativity often thrives on spontaneity, setting aside dedicated time for artistic pursuits is crucial. Discipline provides a structure that encourages consistent exploration and experimentation. And while external recognition can be fulfilling, I prioritize creating for myself as well. This helps me make sure that my work remains a genuine expression of my ideas and passions. Ultimately, keeping my creativity alive is an ongoing commitment to nurturing my imaginative spirit, and finding joy in the process of bringing ideas to 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?
Hey there, lovely readers! My name is Wuraola Olagbaju aka Wu. I am an all round creative focused on photography! I have always been fascinated by the art of photography, but didn’t actually get into it till my senior year of high school. Now I have the luxury of capturing individuals and things through my lens. My work focuses on capturing moments through portraiture, lifestyle, fashion photography, and much more.
Curating and working on personal projects is exciting for me. Telling the stories of individuals through my lens holds a special place in my heart as a photographer. Through my work, I am able to provide representation and create a visual archives that celebrates the experiences, struggles and accomplishments of my community.
I do have a couple projects coming out in the next few weeks, so I am excited to share them with the world!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey as a photographer, three things that have been impactful to me is technical proficiency, risk-taking, and patience. I know a lot of photographers say this but developing a strong foundation in the technical aspects of photography is essential. When you understand concepts like exposure, composition, lighting, and camera settings having a lot of gear wouldn’t really matter. Risk taking is super important as a creative, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing the unknown really takes you far creatively and personally. And finally cultivating patience, this ensures that you give your ideas the space they need to fully develop.
If I was to give any advice for anyone starting their journey I would say: learn the basics, practice consistently, the more you practice the more you’ll refine your skills. Don’t hesitate to share your work with others and seek constructive feedback. Constructive criticism can offer fresh perspectives and guide your improvement. Study other photographers, this can help you understand different approaches to photography. But try not to compare, your journey is unique to you and wouldn’t be the same as others. Be patient with your progress, mastery takes time. Continue to stay curious, and continuously seek inspiration. Document your journey. Keep a visual diary of your progress, successes, and experiments. This can be a big source of motivation and a tool for self-reflection.
Remember that photography is a journey of self-expression and growth, don’t be afraid to push your boundaries. Your unique perspective is important and needed in the world
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, I believe that photography is a collaborative art. I’m always eager to connect and collaborate with fellow creatives who share a passion for visual storytelling and artistic expression. So If you’re a model, fellow photographer or even a artist of a different medium, reach out so we can bring our individual talents to the table and create some magic. Remember, collaboration is about mutual respect, shared creativity, and a willingness to blend our artistic visions. If you’re interested in working together you can connect with me via email or social media. Let’s discuss your ideas for collaboration and how our creative visions can align.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wurigo.net
- Instagram: wurigo
- Twitter: wurigo_
Image Credits
Models: @lydrock @keepswaglive @trishkennedy_ @prea_pproved @isthatkdubb @egypt_blessed @eliza_lila11
