Upclose with the C.E.O CHRISJUDE (Photography with a difference)

In our relentless effort of encouraging young Nigerians that have against all odds,the challenges,the high level of corruption decided to chase their dreams,we met up with a young dedicated photographer over the weekend and we had a little chat with him on his hustle,you will be thrilled to see what this young devoted Nigerian has achieved.

1. What's your full name?

Answer: My name is Christian Jude Obuh

2. Where are you from?

Answer: Am from Ika North East of Delta State

3. What was your growing up like?
 
Answer:   Growing up? Hmmm... My growing Up has a whole lot of experiences,am the first child amongst four Siblings with an average parents.My childhood stage was a tough one, let's just leave that one for another day.

4. What inspired your love for photography?

Answer: I got interest in photography way back as at 2001, then i use to go out with a friend just to take Pictures at event (wait & get). But i realised I had falling in love with the art in 2003, so by 2004 I picked up a job with studio24 in Asaba i worked with them for about a year.  Studio24 actually stared up my love For photography. I remember an incident at a friend's Place, i remember vividly picking up exquisite magazine and i said to them Guys i'll do a front cover for these guys and they were like “hmmm u don come again... How e Won take happen?” i laughed, but the truth Is that i finally did the front cover, like four issues for exquisite magazine. It was an amazing experience, and my friends were speechless after this.


5. For how long have you been a photographer?

Answer: I started taking pictures 2001, i joined studio24 2003 & left 2004, i went pro 2007 when I moved down to Lagos. From when I went pro I'd say seven (7) years , but if you want to count from when i started using a Camera, it’s  been fourteen (14) years now.

6. What has been the challenges so far,and how have you handled them? 

Answer:
There's no venture in life that's without challenges but i thank God for the wisdom. Have had several challenges, from not having a camera to execute jobs and asides that my early
stay here in Lagos was a tough one, not having accommodation, begging to just get a place to lay my head at night, i have been kicked out at 12am, that day i thought of going back to Asaba, but i held on to my dream because it's all I have got. So many challenges that, if I have to tell about them all, they will be no enough time to tell you about them...but let's talk about not having tools to work with, what i did was to get close and make as many photographers as friends, so i use to borrow camera and other tools from them, most times you have to pay to access the tool, which is not factored into the amount you charged for the job because if you do your charges will be high and you will lose customers, at the end what you have for yourself is just a token. When i started i didn't  have any storage for my files(picture) you'll always see me with data cds & dvds. It's all part of my experience and story.

7. What has been your family's response(so far),to your choice of a career in photography?

Answer:
it’s amazing how people most times see photographers... We are not hungry people. I remember my aunt asking "is this what you're doing with your life?” And is this how you'll raise a family? I just laughed and said yes aunty. Most of my relatives don't like the idea of me being a photographer I guess expectations was high to be something else like the normal jobs but that is not my path. *Giggle

  

                                                                                                                     

8. Can you give some examples of clients and jobs you've handled so far?

Answer: 

I would say I have touched almost every bit of photography,as regards job that I have done. I did some while working with a Studio or working for friends in the industry. I have done some commercial stuff for exquisite magazine, complete fashion (assisting a friend), Heroes magazine.
Then I have worked as a team member in a project, the Nike we Run Lagos. Their ever first attempt of the project in Nigeria was part of the NOGIG games(National Oil & Gas games) for Oando. And have also done stuffs with couple of modelling Agencies & some Nollywood stars like Monalisa Chinda,O.C  Ukeje, Mercy Johnson and some musicians, Sound Sultan, Omamunmi (Cover page of Hero Magazine) just to mention a few. Have done a number of jobs like I said earlier either on my own or assisting some other friend in the industry. I could go on & on to mention companies & individuals that I have done stuffs for, but I don't think space & time would be a luxury.
 

9. Can you describe some of your most memorable experiences as a photographer?                   

Answer:

Memorable experience, hmmm...  Every experience so far has been 

wonderful. Working with people of course has given me the 

satisfaction that am doing something worthwhile, that am ren

dering a service that people have come to welcome.

 The smile on my client's face when delivered a finish product gives me joy and 

for me i what else could be more memorable than putting a smile on my client face?.

              

10. What's your typical day like,as a photographer?
 Answer:

A typical day for me would be, Early hour meditation & early hour walk after that breakfast, then I’d spend time with my daughter since she's become my source of inspiration, go to the studio depending the appointments i have because my day isn’t planned, I work(editing the pictures) most times at night because its always quiet.

11. Who are your role models in the industry?
 Answer:

Ok that? In the field I'd say Kelechi Amadi Obi, Mousa Mousa, Martyn Taylor and Don Baba. Then i have some great guys too. Ayo Gbade Bello, Aidy Odofia. These guys have affected my life to effect a positive change in me and not forgetting, Chimezie Ochu I also draw strength from him too.

12. Where do you see yourself within the next 5yrs?
Answer:

In five years time I would want to be a name to reckon with in the industry, bringing something new innovation to the industry. Something am working on right now and of course owning the biggest gallery in Africa. 

13. What's your take on the development of the industry in Nigeria,since you became an active player?
Answer:

Development is a good thing in every society and people. The industry has grown into such that we can compete with our counterparts abroad. And photographers have become aware of the various areas of photography that they can show their expertise. I met a female photographer who said she's infant & maternity photographer. You see? That's a good thing.

14. What do you do to remain relevant in the industry,in today's fast-pace world of technological advancements?
Answer:

To remain relevant you have to keep tabs on the international community of photographers by joining a forum on the internet, research and attending exhibitions, and by also trying out new things. I try to keep my game on by doing these stuffs. *smiles

       15.What's your advice to upcoming photographers,new to the industry?

       Answer:

My advice for the upcoming is this:
Don't go into photography for the money, if you go into it for the sake of quick cash you'll get frustrated as most of your jobs will be almost free. Take time to practice if you don't have a camera to practice with; join a studio. And please don't be shy, always ask questions if you don't understand a thing. Am sure most photographer will oblige you.

 

Thank you so much for your time, we hope to hear from you in the nearest future,and we wish you well in your chosen caree.

For events such as weddings, birthdays, get-together e.t.c please contact CHRISJUDE.

Twitter: ff@chrisyxjude

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ChrisJudePhotography.      

Tel: 08180301462
08107041953

BB pin: 265A792B

#ChasingTheNigerianDream.