Hello folks. My name is Adekola taiwo. I am a portrait,fashion and wedding photographer based in Ibadan, Nigeria. My portrait and fashion Instagram handle is @timagex photography. My wedding page is @bridal clicks.

Nigeria is a country blessed with both human and natural resources. The 'normal' "white collar job" way of life began to die down some years ago and entrepreneurship grew. These days, it is not a new thing to see youths who are into fashion designing, makeup artistry, photography, accessory supply, e.t.c.

Now, the problem seems to be that, there has been an influx of 'creatives' in the industry and as such, some people are struggling to make sales.

So, I did a little research and discovered some issues I feel I need to share. I must admit that, I am not a master on this subject and as such, the list of the issues is inexhaustible. Entrepreneurs in the house can also add helpful inputs. We are all trying to grow.

1. BRAND IMPRESSION & VISIBILITY : I have noticed that, most fashion entrepreneurs have a wrong perception of impression. What I mean is that, they think their brand is defined by what they say it is. Wrong!! Your brand is defined by what people say it is. You might have a why statement, values, a voice and good branding, but, all these won't amount to anything if you create the wrong impression about your brand. How does your brand look on the outside visually? There are some entrepreneurs that do not even have professionally taken photographs of their products and services. You cannot expect premium clients to hire you when you have poorly taken photographs of your services. Trust me. Contact @timagex photography if you are an entrepreneur and you need images you will be proud of.

2. KNOWING WHO YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER IS : This was one of the mistakes I used to make personally. I just post random pictures and think clients will come for me. if you are an events photographer, focus on selling yourself to event planners, if you make or sell baby wears, antenatal clinic is your office, etc. Know who your customer is sell and look for them.

3. BEING A JACK OF ALL TRADES : Honestly, I will not take you serious if you are a musician, a photographer, a caterer, and a part time carpenter. Common!! Have you noticed that, people prefer to give their Mercedes Benz to a mechanic who SPECIALIZES in only Mercedes Benz cars? If you must combine, combine related genres and do them separately. An example here, I combine portrait and fashion photography with wedding photography. The IG page is @bridal clicks. Check it out. BE SPECIFIC.

4. PRIDE: These days, everybody is a CEO. Even, people who sell only bathroom slippers on WhatsApp. I have noticed a sense of pride in Nigerian entrepreneurs. Most of us are proud and full of ourselves. That is why most people don't grow. Some people don't even do collaborations. Get over yourself sir and ma.

5. NOT DOING COLLABORATIONS : I cannot even stress this enough. Whether you are a photographer, a makeup artist, a fashion designer, etc, collaborations will improve your networking game and put you out there.

6 LATE REPLY TO MESSAGES AND INQUIRIES: Have you ever tried to buy something online and the seller or the provider of the service did not reply your messages on time? Some people do not pick calls, they do not call back, they don't reply DMS, they don't reply messages and all. The impression you give people about you is unavailability and un seriousness. Nobody wants to hire unreliable brands.

I will take a pause here. . Kindly add your inputs. The goal is to grow. Thank you.


cc lalasticlala
Mynd 44

This was a photoshoot done for jk couture. Location was university of Ibadan.

This photoshoot was done to promote the fashion designers skill at making kaftans.

Good pictures enhance visibility.

As captured by @timagex photography for @jk couture.

Not posting your work consistently can also make you look like an unserious entrepreneur.

I'm a portrait and wedding photographer.