Joan Yakubu
It was indeed a good way to mark Nigeria’s Independence, as Richblitz Sports, in collaboration with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos branch, organised, “A Day Photography Training, ” in Lagos State.
A professional photographer, Modo Victor, narrated how he became a photojournalist and why he chose photography as a profession.
His words: “Photography gives detailed information about an event beyond words. Photography shows what words cannot describe.”
While encouraging young people to embrace photography, Victor said: “There are a lot of spaces in the world of photography. Take Nigeria for instance; there are places that need to be explored. There are so many beautiful places in this country yet to be explored. Photography can highlight the beauty of our country.”
A Sports photojournalist, Femi Adebesin-Kuti, said: “I have lots of photographs, which I had been keeping for years. This platform today actually made me to go through them. I’m glad to share my knowledge. So far in the world of photojournalism, I have been able to achieve a lot. At first, as a young person, I was not really encouraged, especially after I told my family that I wanted to go into photography. My advice is that young people should find passion in photography and then other things will follow. Most importantly, they should be diligent in whatever they do in life.”
A photojournalist from New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr Suleiman Hussain, spoke on how a photographer could secure his pictures so as to avoid fruitless efforts.
He cited examples of how he lost some good pictures due to his lack of knowledge on how to properly secure his works.
He said: “A photojournalist should take note of his environment before taking photographs, because it will save him or her from a lot of troubles.”
A participant, Mr. Arase Uyi, said: “I’m glad I attended this training; it was not a waste of my time. I can apply everything I learnt today to my studies as a Mass Communication student. I look forward to practicing photojournalism. And thanks to the organisers.”
Miss. Justina Aniefiok, convener of the event, said: “I had to leave everything behind so that I could get the best. I am not at my best yet, but I’m getting there. The journey has not been easy, but as a young person, I have learnt to put my emotions behind me and strife for the best.”
First Published 2019
