We met with IMG Artistry’s Omojesu in Houston to learn about his business and get pointers for couples and wedding vendors. IMG Artistry is a newly formed collaboration between S67 Studios and Henry Adewale Films. Here’s what we learned:
Please tell us about yourself and your business?
My name is Olufunmi, most people call me Omojesu. I am a wedding photographer and also have photo-booth services. I’ve been doing this for almost 8 years now.
How did you start IMG Artistry (formerly S67 Studios)? What inspired you to get into the wedding industry?
Just bored out of college. I needed something to do, so started taking pictures for my ASA in college. I shot my roommate’s wedding and it worked out. The rest is history.
Would you start IMG Artistry if you were to do it over again? What would you do differently?
Yes I would start all over again. I would probably focus on a bigger audience.
What has been your greatest motivation?
Making sure my clients are happy and giving them the best quality work possible. Then just seeing the smiles on their faces and to know how excited they are. The personal messages that they send that no one else sees, to show how grateful they are, pretty much makes my day.
What do you think of the Nigerian/Ghanaian wedding industry? Has it changed over the years and how?
It has definitely changed. There are more people and more vendors. I think Instagram has played a huge factor. So there is more visibility, that is, people are now more aware. Before it was more like people weren’t just in the know. Now everybody is in the know and everyone has access to everything.
What do you like about IMG Artistry and working in the wedding industry?
I like everything from the client services to meeting new people to connecting with people. Pretty much I’ll say there is nothing that I don’t like about my business.
For the wedding industry, I like that it is fun and entertaining. I think it all ties back to getting to meet new people, networking with them and making them happy.
What differentiates IMG Artistry from others in your line of business and location? What are your greatest strengths?
I’ll say as true as it comes I focus on my business, stay honest to my clients and treat them as fair as possible, the way I’ll want to be treated. Someone hires me to be their wedding photographer, that’s a big deal. So it is not about just taking your money, show up and take pictures; it is a huge responsibility. Making sure that they are happy and love their pictures are important to me. These are lifetime memories you can’t replace and for me, that’s so important. I take the weight of that alone very seriously.
So to answer your question about what I like about it. What is not to like?! So also to your question “what differentiates me from my competitors?”: everyone is different. I am different. Everything I have, everything I’ll be is through the Grace of God. I can’t say that I’m better than anyone else. I’ll say that there are a lot of great vendors, a lot of great photographers but I can only speak for myself.
What do you expect from your clients (brides and grooms)? What don’t you expect?
I just want them to express what they are looking for, and to be honest and transparent.
What is (are) the most rewarding aspect(s) of providing your service? What are the most frustrating aspect(s)?
Most rewarding is the excitement and joy that they feel after they see their images. There’s nothing frustrating. I just don’t like to chase clients around for information.
What advice do you have for future brides and grooms regarding your type of business?
Focus on the things that matter most to you. Don’t get too lost in certain things that aren’t going to show or matter after the wedding. So, I’m not saying that décor and the rest are not important but focus on the things that matter the most. Make those the priority.
What advice do you have for up and coming businesses in your line of business?
Just have passion. Be honest and work hard. Have faith in God.
What award(s), if any, have you received?
Awards! What awards?! I mean I have never really submitted for publications or anything like that. It’s never really been my thing. In the photography industry, you have to go out there and submit for things or put yourself in the position to win. I don’t do it for awards and accolades. I just do it because I have a passion for it. I actually get awards everyday (laughs) making sure my clients are happy. When I get that email response back – “Funmi OMG”, “ I love my pictures”, “I’m so excited, “God bless you” and more. That’s my award. I’m not really worried about being named say “the top photographer”. It will be nice to get those accolades but I haven’t got any of those.
What else would you like to share with our readers?
Start early in your planning process and focus on important things: what matters and what’s going to make you happy. Enjoy your day.