Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amechi Onuorah. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amechi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Becoming a photographer has been a self-taught journey, and I believe my growth in this field is attributed to three key factors. Trial and error are one of my best forms of learning. The mistakes I have made along the way have been a fundamental part of my growth. I developed the skill of perseverance, in which I was willing to fail and try again as often as necessary. Being a risk taker has helped me develop my style. I enjoy experimenting with different elements, angles, and equipment. Investing time and money into photography has also helped me learn what I know now. This entailed researching information, watching videos, and reading documents. I would also purchase tutorials from well-established photographers to learn different editing and shooting processes and attend workshops to gain experience working with different people in a changing environment.

Based on my experience thus far, I wish I had focused more on fully understanding the camera’s capabilities and functions. That, as well as the uses of different lenses and lighting equipment. I feel that if I had a better grasp on those fundamental elements at the beginning of my learning process, I would not have had as much difficulty executing the final product of what I was trying to achieve. Earlier on in my career I made the mistake of focusing on advanced topics, such as advanced editing techniques and composite shots, as opposed to focusing on the foundation. I made many different mistakes because of this, ultimately slowing down my learning progression.

One of the most essential skills needed in this industry is understanding how to utilize a light source, whether that is natural light or artificial light. Efficiently using your equipment and manipulating the light source(s) you have available, you are capable of shooting in any environment. Another key skill is being able to develop your unique style and produce work that aligns with it.

Pursuing multiple interests at the same time as photography slowed down my progress. When I first began pursuing photography, I was a full-time student in college with a job. I had an undeniable passion for photography, but my education at the time was at the forefront. Because of this, I could only put time into learning more about photography as much as my free time would allow. After graduating with my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and starting a career in the same field, my life became a balance between my career and photography. However, not being able to give one hundred percent of my attention to one thing was a frustration that I struggled with earlier on. Another obstacle was funding my passion for photography. Photography is expensive, and took some time acquiring much of the equipment I needed. Growing my portfolio took time as well.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Amechi Onuorah, also known as Meez, and I am from Prince George County, Maryland. Four years ago, I moved to Orlando, Florida, to pursue my engineering career after I finished with school. While in Orlando, I worked as an Engineer and Photographer.
When I first got into photography, I was in my last few years of college. It started off as something that was a hobby. I fortunately had access to a dslr starter kit camera, and I was taking pictures of my friends. Surprisingly my pictures were decent considering I was a beginner. By the time I knew it, word of my newly found hobby became news on campus. I started doing graduation shoots and event photography. Later I decided I wanted to start doing more creative shoots. I would come up with ideas and reach out to other individuals I wanted to collaborate with. The process and final product allowed me to realize that I really enjoyed this side of photography and it developed into a passion that I wanted to see further.

I would label myself as a fashion/ editorial photographer. I mainly like to produce work that has an artistic element or concept tied to it. I try to focus on capturing images in ways that elicit various interpretations or moods. That has always been what motivates my process. It’s also satisfying to receive various feedback from my audience on how they viewed the final product.

My creative and unique photography style has much to do with the angles that I am able capture of my subject. I try to manipulate different perspectives and colors to evoke a dramatic aesthetic to my images. So far, I am most proud of my versatility and the skills I have developed over time. I would say I have done a variety of shoots, from Fashion Magazine covers to weddings. I push myself to be a multifaceted photographer, always willing to learn more and better myself

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I find satisfaction in completing a body of work that has involved a considerable amount of planning, funding, and multiple individuals. Working in an environment like that can be very stressful, but the feeling is rewarding when everything comes together to bring the idea to life. Releasing the final product is also exciting because I look forward to my audience’s reactions or opinions on my work.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Since starting this journey, I always knew I wanted to be a well-recognized artist/creative. I wanted to be known for creating culturally impactful pieces that my audience can perceive in different ways. I am working to eventually get more of my work published in higher platform magazines, such as vogue, essence, billboard, etc. I also aspire to have the opportunity to shoot with celebrities and professional models and have my work showcased in exhibits for people to come and enjoy.

Contact Info:

• Website: meezfoto.com
• Instagram: @meez.foto
• Twitter: @MeezFoto
• Other: Kavyar: MEEZ

Image Credits
IG: @jahmeesha IG: @eyeofathena IG: @whiteneyd IG: sammyvino IG: melodyunmastered IG: janeilmccalla