Most of us are already used to the wonderful imagery that comes from the stable of Imagio Photography.
What is little less known however is the man behind those elegant photos.
I had the pleasure of chatting with him not long ago while we were putting together this feature for Iludio.
The man behind the images
Somto Maduka is an easygoing, cheerful, playful and a focused individual.
His meticulous side came across over our conversation when we started going into the details of how he approaches his work on the wedding day and how he is dedicated to giving the best experience possible to his clients.
Through Somto’s efforts, Imagio Photography has now become a well sought after portrait and wedding photography outfit interested in telling stories and capturing everyday people in the most beautiful and intriguing manner.
2014… The year it all began
Imagio Photography was born sometime around 2014.
Back then he didn’t really understand what the wedding industry was about, but after a few weddings he was able to find an intimate connection with all the different forms of emotions that are displayed on the wedding day.
He was able to describe really strong emotions ranging from “intense love” to “envy” but I’ll leave that later bit for you guys to talk it over when you get to meet Somto Maduka in person.
These are the emotions that have inspired him to document weddings.
It also doesn’t hurt that Somto likes meeting and talking to people.
He loves how shooting weddings gives him easy access to interacting with people on a very personal level in a very short period of time.
The “do over” – How he would do things differently
The man behind Imagio Photography has absolutely no regrets about how he has gotten into wedding photography.
In his own words…
“Well, I don’t think I would have done anything differently if I were to start it again… personally it’s a journey and everything I have experienced so far has geared me up to do better in the future”
The happy bride – the ultimate Imagio motivation
What is Somto’s greatest goal in shooting a wedding?
His honest answer pretty much says it all…
“…a satisfied bride of course! …I remember one of my brides Nneka
who lost her granny months after her wedding… the only photo she has of her granny was one I took of both of them.. preserving life in prints is another strong motivation of mine”
Thoughts on the Nigerian and Ghanaian Wedding Industry
It’s no surprise that he thinks the wedding industry in both countries is rising really fast… especially in Nigeria where Somto Maduka is based.
He hasn’t photographed a Ghanaian wedding yet, but he had this to say…
“I am really looking forward to photographing a Ghana wedding soon”
We at Iludio hope you’ll open up your doors when he comes knocking at the shores of Ghana.
Changes in weddings over the years
Has the wedding industry changed? And how?
Somto had this to say…
“The wedding industry has changed a whole lot especially with the rise of Instagram… weddings are now not just for the couple to get married and share their affection for each other, but it has also become a means to show style, wealth, and social status…”
So I asked him…
“That’s the reason why you get paid the big bucks eh?”
He laughed… and had to reply something his fiancee asked when she walked into the room.
Somto is set to walk down the aisle in a few weeks like some of you are about to do.
Stay tuned to Iludio for the picture of the new Mrs. Maduka when the nuptials are over and done with.
What sets Imagio Photography apart in the wedding industry
Somto has taken the time and the skill to build up a unique and dynamic wedding portfolio.
It is something he likes and is very proud of…
“…there is no room for the status quo… you have to be on your toes.”
What differentiates Imagio from the list of others in the business? What are his greatest strengths?
His answer is simple…
“…what differentiates me from the other guys is Me! …I’m not a wedding photographer to just photograph your wedding… I become your family and you become mine too… my ability to form really human relationships is my major strength irrespective of the fact that I’m an outstanding photographer…”
I complimented him on his humility and he followed with his usual infectious laughter.
Expectation from brides and groom
What does he expect from his clients? What do they need to do to ensure that the magic flows through the lens on the wedding day?
“…all I expect from brides and grooms is just to be happy and enjoy their special day… smile and have fun because you have taken a great step to a better level of life… I don’t like it when they frown.. that hurts me”
On the rare occasion that there is a frown, he is up to the challenge because the most rewarding aspect of being a wedding photographer for him is to provide a level of service that will make any client happy.
Advice for future brides and grooms in selecting a wedding photographer
I’ll leave his words to do all the talking here…
“…make sure you connect with you photographer because you are going to see him or her all day on the wedding day …be sure to look at the photographer’s body of work and ask questions …do not hire anyone who is not detailed and clear on what the deliverables will be”
What advice do you have for the up and coming in the photography business?
He gave one word…
“Be honest… Honesty is key.”
What awards if any, have you received?
He laughed as usual.
But before he cut the phone to walk out with his future bride, he replied…
“I’ll be looking forward to receiving one soon!”
And with that, we had to end our phone interview.
He had to run out with the future Mrs. Maduka.
Like we all know, he has a wedding to plan and a life to build with his partner ahead of him.
Remember that when you stand before his lens.
He is the dedicated artist and friend who has walked the same path as you and will do his best to get you happily over the altar.
VISIT Imagio Photography on Iludio.
