From the lens of a master photographer

Listening and watching him recently on Ndani Tv as he shares his story of choosing the Arts over Law practise, and how he has grown his business as a creative artist, fashion photographer and magazine publisher, you will appreciate him the more.

“I followed my heart, my passion and my life. I am happy afterwards,” the lawyer turned photographer who is completely and irrevocably committed to the path he has chosen, says.

The courageous step he took some years ago – against the wish of close relatives who thought there was more prospects in the Law profession than in mere photography – has paid off. Today, Kelechi Amadi Obi is a sought-after and leading celebrity photographer in Africa. But he made his mark with the so- called mere photography.

It was also that courage that made him journey with Jibunoh Newton’s Desert Warrior Expedition across the desert from Lagos to London. If you were at the Didi Museum in Victoria Island, Lagos, to see the exhibition of his desert memoirs, you will have no option than to salute the courage of every member of the team, especially Kelechi, who despite the harsh weather and dehydration in the desert, had the strength to capture breathtaking pictures of the expedition.

The irony of his choice of career is that he delved into photography when it was not paying, and when the law profession seemed to be the fad. It was a time every parent wanted his child to be a lawyer, doctor or an engineer.

Even while the money was not forthcoming, Kelechi was without an iota of doubt that photography was the path he was created to take. Then, he was after carving a niche for himself in photography, and not the immediate gratification. “The process of creating the work or making the craft is my joy. So, whether people where paying me or not, I was engaged in an activity that I thoroughly enjoyed. Hardship is not a deterrent because the job itself has its own satisfaction. I am encouraged because the work I am doing impresses even me,” according to Kelechi

While you may choose to tag his job common photography, he says the difference is the skills and professionalism one brings to bear in his/her work. From brand adverts, events, fashion, personal to location, his breath-taking works speak volume of his skills. For him, every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Hence, he insists that a creator of any artistic work should autograph his/her work with excellence.

Of course, through these years his hard work in the photography business had paid off and is still paying off. There are notable recognitions for his creative ingenuity, especially the St. Moritz Style Award for Photography. While participating in several exhibitions within and outside Nigeria, top among which are: 2006 “Snap Judgement” – New Position in Contemporary African Photography, International Centre of Photography, New York, USA, 2005 “Depth of Field” South London Gallery, UK, 2004, “Lagos” Ifa Gallery, Stuttgart, Germany, 2003 “Transferts,” Africalia, Brussels, Belgium.

However, the lawyer turned photographer had artist blood flowing in his veins, even before training as a lawyer. While studying Law, he got contracts to draw portraits and paintings. It was his very breathtaking works that always pay attention to details that brought him to limelight. It was from then that he grew his clientele from personal to an unimaginable level today.

It was also his photography prowess that made him delve into magazine publishing recently. Mania Fashion Magazine, the colourful and high-end style magazine, features the best photographs of super models, fashion designers, fashion parades, style events, among others.

You will never get bored flipping through as the faces of supermodel such as Oluchi Orlandi, Ojy Okpe, Agbani Darego keep smiling and sustaining your attention.

Yet, the ace photographer is doing well in other aspects of life beyond his career. Happily married with four children, the loving husband and caring father is even more creative at home. Beyond his creative ingenuity, commitment and discipline, he attributes his success to the care and understanding of his family. Of course, Julia, his wife and an interior decorator, has never regretted marrying her man.