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Photography By Gbangbala Oluwasegun Samson

Portrait and fashion photographer Gbangbala Oluwasegun Samson talks about revealing the inner life of a subject, the art scene in Abuja, and learning more about photography everyday.

Abuja, Nigeria

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

I stayed at home for a year before I gained admission to the University. Staying at home made me bored so I decided to learn photography.

I've always loved anime, books, poems, music and painting while growing up which made me to read about artists from the Renaissance period.

I stopped at some point because I lost interest in many things which made people who knew me as a photographer to ask me if I still create images.

The lockdown reignited the lost spark in me. So 2020, I took a leap of faith and I've never looked back.

What have you learned along the way?

Constant research has helped me a lot in my journey. I spend time on Pinterest, YouTube and reading books in other to keep my mind's eyes open.

I take time to ask questions from different people on how to boost my craft and keep me inspired.

As a creative you should always strive to learn everyday. It's not bad to ask for advice from people that are more versed in your kind of art. Never assume you know all. Most people feel asking questions will make them look stupid and they tend to get stuck in their quicksand of doubt. The keyword is "STAY INSPIRED"

How would you describe your style? What makes your perspective unique and different?

Just as the name implies "FINE ART" I'd describe my style as fine art (beautiful art). The ability to make pictures look like paintings is something that should be studied. What makes my perspective unique and different is that I don't like being boxed to a particular style of photography. I strive to touch other phases of photography. I do fashion photography also. Also, my use of browns (especially in the studio) in creating an image and how I've been working on perfecting brown tones on my images gives me a unique perspective.

What do you love most about portrait photography? Why does it inspire you?

What I love about portrait photography is it's ability to reveal the inner life of a subject. Adding a personalized style to a subject to make it stand out gives me all the inspiration I need from portrait photography.

What is your process of a typical portrait session?

My process of a typical portrait session has to do with

Planning your shoot

Knowing your subject

Knowing your environment

Take your time: You shouldn't be tensed up during a shoot.

Enjoy yourself and have fun.

Tell the story behind one of your images.

There's this piece I created during the lockdown. It's a dark model with a crown. The fun fact about the image was that it wasn't a planned shoot.

I was in the studio working on an image when the model (who is also a photographer) came and discussed with about the shoot.

We didn't have all the props for the shoot but still decided to do the shoot that day.

The shoot was fun and it was worth every second of our time.

What is it like being a photographer and artist in Abuja, Nigeria?

Being a photographer in Abuja has granted me the grace to shape my art positively. Abuja is a place where one an artist can tell his story anywhere. The different cultures in Abuja has the ability to make an artist diversify in art.

Unlike before where most photographers only wanted to show their retouching skills which made their creative skills recessive, now everyone wants to show how creative they are and I can boldly say fine art photography is gradually becoming celebrated in the Abuja art scene because the works of photographers like Big H, Fabolous Banji, Dipsyphotography, Khaleedgraphy are being celebrated in this part of the country and these are very big photographers in Abuja.

Who are some artists in the Abuja art scene that you love working with and/or admire ?

The artist In the Abuja art scene that I admire and love working with are many but I'll mention this few ones

Dipsyphotography

Farid world

Kothegrapher

Winner Kelvin

Dhavito Pixel

Fantea Fantastic

Elijah James

Conceptual David(a cinematographer)

H graphix (a graphic designer)

These few creatives has helped to shape my art and style in various ways.

What kind of brands or celebrities have your worked with? How were those experiences?

I haven't worked with brands yet but I've covered shows like YOLO ABUJA that has housed the likes of Ajebo Hustlers and Warri pikin. I won't lie working with people like that is fun and stressful because one has to be everywhere just to get priceless images.

What was the best advice you have ever gotten regarding photography?

Stay inspired.

If you could have dinner with any 3 people , who would you pick?

Olamide

Dara Banjo

Asa

What’s next for you?

I still have a long way to go. I plan on broadening my knowledge not just as a photographer but as a creative. Countless projects and ideas to birth to life. Making my works to be known both in Nigeria and international level. Changing the narrative of youths on my street and working with top brands.