We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Uchenna Masha a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Uchenna, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

The most pivotal lesson I’ve gleaned from my journey as a business owner is the importance of authenticity. While it’s a cliché, embodying authenticity in business is a profound truth I’ve come to understand firsthand. I firmly believe that each of us possesses a unique gift, a purpose meant to be shared with the world. For me, it’s the ability to capture the essence of moments through photography, to immortalize emotions and narratives in a single frame. Yet, discovering this gift and embracing it authentically took time and introspection.

Early on, I found myself overwhelmed by the pressure to conform, to emulate the success of others in my field. I meticulously studied the techniques and styles of established photographers, striving to replicate their formula for success. However, in doing so, I realized I was stifling my own creativity and passion. It was as though I was merely going through the motions, adhering rigidly to someone else’s vision.

The turning point came when I liberated myself from the constraints of imitation and allowed my unique perspective to shine through. Instead of focusing on replicating the work of others, I began to infuse my photography with my own essence, my own interpretation of the world. The result was transformative. No longer bound by external expectations, I found joy and fulfillment in my craft. Each click of the shutter became an expression of my individuality, a testament to the authenticity of my vision.

In this realization, I uncovered the fundamental truth that success in business stems not from conformity, but from embracing one’s uniqueness. While it’s essential to learn from those who have come before us, true fulfillment lies in staying true to ourselves, in honoring the gift that sets us apart. Today, as a business owner, I approach each project with a sense of authenticity, knowing that my greatest strength lies in being unapologetically myself.

Uchenna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I entered the photography industry as a result of growing up in a household where education overshadowed creativity and emotional expression. However, my passion for creativity stemmed from early exposure to my mother’s instinctual capture of life through photos. Her images from the 70s and 80s left an indelible mark on me, igniting a latent desire to explore photography.

Yet, it was a pivotal moment during a stay at my best friend’s house that truly catalyzed my journey into photography. In their home, characterized by openness and creative freedom, I found solace in being authentically myself. Encouraged by my friend’s mother, a free spirit who saw potential in my blurry shots and unconventional angles, I discovered a sense of validation and support I had never experienced before.

From that day forward, I never parted with my camera, driven by the desire to capture moments imbued with connection, community, and support. Each click of the shutter became a testament to my belief in the power of photography to immortalize memories and forge meaningful connections. Whether spontaneously offering to capture a stranger’s cherished moment or being hired for a photography gig, my ethos remains rooted in authenticity and empathy.

For me, photography transcends mere imagery; it’s a medium through which I seek to reflect the interconnectedness of humanity. Every photograph I take is infused with the essence of who I am—a reminder to embrace growth and evolution while staying true to my why.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been staying true to myself and my unique perspective. In the realm of photography, I believe we’re not just selling images; we’re selling a piece of our vision, our interpretation of the world. By consistently presenting work that reflects my authentic self and allowing my creativity to evolve, I create a space where clients can connect with my art on a deeper level.

Over time, my portfolio has undergone multiple transformations as I’ve grown as a photographer. This evolution has allowed me to attract clients who resonate with the essence of my work, seeing a reflection of themselves or their aspirations within it. By remaining true to my creative instincts and continuously exploring new concepts and storytelling techniques, I’ve cultivated a clientele that values authenticity and connection.

Ultimately, the key to growing my clientele lies in creating work that speaks to me personally, emanating from a place of genuine passion and inspiration. When clients see a part of themselves mirrored in my photography, they’re drawn to become a part of that shared experience, forging a connection that transcends mere transactions.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice

My perspective on NFTs and the incorporation of AI technology into the creative space may differ from some of my colleagues, but I see them as inevitable and potentially beneficial advancements. Just as photography was initially met with skepticism, new technologies often face resistance before they’re fully understood and integrated into our creative processes.

While I admit I was initially skeptical of NFTs, viewing them as a fad or gimmick, I’ve come to recognize their potential to challenge traditional notions of art ownership and distribution. Similarly, AI technology offers opportunities to streamline workflows and push creative boundaries in ways we hadn’t previously imagined.

As creators, it’s essential to embrace these technological advancements rather than resist them. They present new challenges and possibilities for innovation, pushing us to evolve and adapt our craft. By incorporating these tools into our workflow and leveraging them as resources, we can continue to grow and thrive in an ever-changing creative landscape.

Ultimately, embracing technology in the creative space is about remaining open-minded and seeing how it can enhance our work rather than hinder it. It’s about challenging our perspectives and finding new ways to express ourselves through art, regardless of the medium or tools we choose to utilize.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: uchennamphotos