Today we’d like to introduce you to Wasiu Saba.
Hi Wasiu, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I initially started out, I was actually involved in videography. Being of Nigerian descent, I vividly recall my younger days when I used to record video clips during the worship segments and take them home with me to continue worshiping in my native language (Yoruba). Finding Nigerian worship songs online was challenging at that time. So, what I did was record clips during the service, upload them on YouTube, and then rip/import the audio file onto my iPod.
After a while, the video files began taking up a bunch of space on my computer. With the increasing availability of the type of worship music I love online, I found myself straying away from videography. However, I knew I still wanted to use the camera in some capacity, and that’s when photography came in.
When I started taking photos, I captured different cityscapes, nature, night skies, etc. Eventually, I moved on to photographing my friends’ events, such as graduations and baby showers. Before long, I was asked to shoot a friend’s wedding. Even though I felt really nervous going into it (and on the day of the wedding), there was a feeling I could not describe experiencing during that day that I enjoyed so much. It was then that I discovered a true passion for photography. Since that moment, I’ve known that documenting moments in people’s lives is my life’s mission.
Thanks to the help of God, my family, and some of my closest friends, I’ve grown. As of this April, I will be ten years in the game. It isn’t always pretty, but I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned that have helped me become a better photographer and an even better person.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The first struggle was raising capital. At the time, I was still in college and working in retail. Adding to the challenge was my inexperience and the fact that I barely had clientele, resulting in limited cash flow when I started out. It was difficult to invest in my passion because I was making very little money.
Another struggle I faced was insecurity. I was one of the few people at the time who decided to take a non-traditional route and turn my hobby into a passion. Being Nigerian, the expectation among my people is that you either become a lawyer, doctor, or an engineer. If you weren’t pursuing one of those three paths, your career wasn’t considered interesting, and it was believed that you couldn’t sustain yourself or have any real responsibility (such as raising a family) in the eyes of many. I also found myself comparing my progress to other established photographers. I desperately wanted to be successful, but my slow development at the time made me feel discouraged.
Additionally, I struggled to ask for help when I needed it. Whether it was advice or a word of encouragement, I constantly found myself in need of someone to talk me through certain times. However, I was too afraid to show what I perceived as weakness, so I kept moving forward on my own.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in wedding and portrait photography. Most of the clients I’ve worked with would say that my laugh and personality are what I’m best known for. I enjoy infusing fun into my photo sessions as I believe it helps people relax and enables me to connect with them on a deeper level.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to work with people. Naturally introverted, I often find myself immersed in books or television on most days. However, when I’m around people, a joyful side emerges. Connecting through dialogue, laughter, and other forms of interaction leads to some of the best experiences for me.
As for what sets me apart from others, I can’t definitively say. However, if this interview gets published, it would be something I’d be really proud of.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Don’t take things personally. At this stage in my life, the only people who can truly affect how I feel on a day-to-day basis are my loved ones. This intentional boundary leaves very little room for my emotions to be played with, a situation that tends to occur more frequently with people you don’t know. And here’s the reality: in a career like mine, most of the individuals you work with will be people you don’t know, and the unfortunate truth is that not everyone is going to like you. Regardless of their reasons, that’s a simple fact. So, the lesson is clear: don’t take everything so personally.
This principle extends to receiving personal or professional advice. Some of my closest friends are also photographers, and they often provide advice about life and photography. If I’m too sensitive to accept their words, I’d only be limiting my growth as a result.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.siusview.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siusview_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wasiu-saba/
Image Credits
Wasiu Saba
