Back in 2013, I had an idea to help photographers with post-production. I was always around them and often heard complaints about editing and printing challenges. I thought my solution would be an instant hit, but none gave me a shot. Their excuse? They couldn’t trust someone else to edit their images.
After months of rejection, I was ready to give up. Then, one Saturday, my mentor, Firstborn, invited me to a wedding he is hosting in VI. He was to pick me up at 11 AM, but I missed the ride. I was sluggish and wanted to stay in bed all day. By 3 PM, I finally decided to go.
At the wedding, I spotted a photographer I didn’t know—Demilade Robert. I approached him and pitched my idea. To my surprise, he had been searching for someone like me! Two weeks later, I was in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, copying files and receiving my first pay. He became my first “Image Kitchen” client. Soon, other photographers, even those who initially said no, started reaching out for my service.
8 years later, I stood before the President of Nigeria and other dignitaries to open the Guinness World Record for the biggest photobook —a project I worked on for Bayo Omoboriowo.
During my late-night run recently, it hit me—I could have missed the entire chain of events if I hadn’t shown up for that wedding. Maybe the idea would have died a slow death.
We don’t need to be perfect to show up—sometimes we arrive sluggish, sometimes sharp—but the key is to keep showing up
Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.
Michael Okunloro | Elevate Your Style 