Professional Photographers have been encouraged to see themselves as being in a noble profession and do their work with confidence and joy.
Stating this was the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako while giving his remarks at the Workshop for Professional Photographers in Ogun State, organized by the International Centre for Professional Development (ICPD), FUNAAB in collaboration with Ake Pinnakle Trestle, Abeokuta.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Professor Lateef Sanni advised the photographers to do what they do very well, saying that they must not see other professions as being superior to them.
He enjoined the older photographers to be good mentors to the younger ones in order to impact their experience and value to them. The Vice-Chancellor who acknowledged being happy among the photographers, added that there should be exchange of ideas between them so that they can tap knowledge from each other.
Stating the vision and mission of photographers at the Workshop, Mr. Femi Odutan of Phemmy Studio and team leader, Ake Pinnakle Trestle said that their vision is to bridge the gap between the old photographers and the new and upcoming ones.
He noted that both photographers have something to offer one another, saying that while the older ones impact their wealth of experience, the younger ones will expose them to the new technological tools and methods of working.
While their mission is to retain the glory of the profession and let people know that great photographers are in Ogun State, saying that there is no need importing photographers from outside the state when having big events, he added.
Delivering a lecture titled “Photography Transformation: Old and Modern Approach” the Guest Speaker, Mr. Seun Akisanmi disclosed that there is need for photographers to know the ethics, rules and regulations guiding the profession, he noted that though the world is changing technologically, the equipment in use is still the same, and techniques as the old, adding that one must have a good knowledge of the past in order to create a great future.
The Guest Speaker encouraged the photographers to do away with “African time” and always get to work before the commencement of events in order to study and get acquainted with the environment.
Corroborating the Guest Speaker, the President, Ogun State Professional Photographers and Video Association of Nigeria, Asiwaju Segun Obilaye charged photographers to always take their work seriously like people in other professions.
Mr. Obilaye advised the youths to take photography alongside their academic pursuit, adding that many photo journalists are making waves around the world. He also appreciated the University for giving the platform to host the Workshop.
Speaking at the Workshop, the Centre Manager, Mr. Lawrence Kazeem appreciated all the participants present, he advised them to partner with the Centre so that ICPD will advertise them to the world, saying that they should invite their colleagues to also partner with the Centre in order to be more empowered and self reliant.
The Centre Manager noted that so many professional photographers have taken to the street as “Okada” riders, which according to him has resulted to untimely death for many of them.
He charged them to forget about riding motorbike (Okada) and concentrate on their profession which is lucrative and more honourable.
The Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS) FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Adewumi was present to talk about entrepreneurship and CENTS to the participant.
The highpoint of the event is the presentation of certificates and exhibition of some professional art work.
