If the lens was a trigger, then award-winning photographer Yemi Disu’s shot creates warmth; it does not hurt. With over a decade experience, Disu, founder and creative director of Four23photography, is one of Nigeria’s top women photographers who are pulling their weight in the sector, bringing her femininity into the profession. She is celebrated for her foray into child and family photography; and for inspiring women. The graduate of Business Administration shares her photography foray and more with Evelyn Osagie
Being a woman is complex and multifaceted. She combines many roles – mother, home manager, breadwinner and career – while fulfilling a range of social, cultural, and gender expectations. Bringing it home to my field, the photography sector is mostly dominated by men, but we, the women photographers, are pulling our weight.
What makes my photography different is me, Yemi Disu, my personality. I bring my femininity as a woman – characterised by our warmth and softness – into my job, while remaining professional.
My greatest influence
Firstly, my parents’ upbringing had a huge impact on the woman I’ve become. I thank my parents for their guidance and training while growing up. My secondary school, command secondary school, Kaduna, also had a great impact won me. When I was younger I wanted to be a lawyer
My photography journey
Photography has always being a part of me and after working 5 to 9 and not feeling fulfilled, I decided to try something new and found my love and passion for photography. My journey began over a decade ago as a budding wedding photographer. It was not long after that I was opportune to take part in a programme comprising of 12 female photographers in Nigeria known as ‘The Xperspective’ and participated in two exhibitions organised by the Goethe Institute in Nigeria showcasing my work and other female photographers in 2011, the exhibition was titled “Battle Scars”. In 2011, I also participated in an exhibition event at NIPHEC; and in 2013, I participated at the First World Photography Day in Nigeria.
My foray in child photography
I have being a photographer for over a decade and the journey has being great with all its ups and downs. But I found my love in child photography early in my journey.
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I discovered my love for children while capturing moments of them as they grow, and built a business around it. Starting this line of business was not easy in an environment where I had to educate parents and individuals on the need to document their children’s growth. Taking pictures of newborns, young children, first birthdays, and family portraits gives me joy. In the course of my career, I have photographed over a thousand families and thousands of children. And it has been amazing meeting and growing with them, particularly children. But I never forget each smile. For instance, last week, I photographed a 10-year-old, whom I first photographed when he was one. I have been featured on television and magazines to talk about my experience.
I appreciate the journey so far because it made me who I am today. Every challenge over the years has made me to be a better person.
Challenges encountered
Photographers in business face several challenges. Competition is a major challenge: the photography industry is highly competitive, with many skilled professionals vying for clients. Standing out and finding a niche can be challenging. Marketing and Visibility is another challenge.
Exceeding clients’ expectations is crucial. Embracing new technologies and techniques while staying within a budget can be a challenge. The next is time management. Finding inspiration and staying passionate about the work are an ongoing challenge. For me, navigating these challenges requires talent, business acumen, marketing skills, and a strong work ethic. I am still single, but I know family life can very demanding; so, I have started learning how to manage my time in preparation for my future family.
My memorable moments
I have a lot memorable moments, but the most important one is seeing my clients smile after seeing their images we created. Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything,
Inspiration behind my lens
I do because it captures what I focus it on.
My achievements so far
Being able to grow my business over the last decade from a hobby has been exciting. Some of my works have been featured internationally.
Point of throwing in the towel
I have had slowdowns in my business, shorted of man power and during COVID-19 I almost wanted to go back to 9 to 5 job.
Beauty to me
Beauty is subjective and varies from person to person and culture to culture. Like they say: “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”. Beauty to me is what brings me peace. Beauty is kindness.
Fashion style
I am a Jeans and t-shirt girl. My style is mostly what makes me comfortable. In summary, simple and nice.
Fashion item I cannot do without
Trainers and crocs
My escape
Watching TV and attending Owanbe
My new project
I have a new business line that I am growing called Ydee natural. Ydee natural has beauty line (shea body butter) , Natural honey and my love for plants