Today we’d like to introduce you to Doyin Owoniyi
Hi Doyin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey did not start like a conventional creative, although I’ve always had a knack for creating. I did not set out to make it a personality trait as it is today!
I wanted to share my journey with the world and help young people make better decisions with my YouTube channel. After a while, I decided to improve the quality of my YouTube videos and invested in a new Canon camera.
I got so many compliments and just started taking some pictures as a hobby, and turns out people loved them. Then I got a drone for a particular inspiration I had, and many lenses, clients and events later, I am here sharing my story with Voyage.
I would say my community got me where I am today! So many amazing people keep referring me and that’s how I’ve continuously built my clientele
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been everything but a smooth ride. Early in this photography journey, I had a terrible experience I was not prepared for where this customer asked for a refund because they were not satisfied with the quality of my work.
I felt so bad I almost quit altogether because I started doubting myself and stopped executing. I even contemplated going strictly into product photography because “people were too difficult”, but then I spoke to a couple of friends & family and found my footing again.
Another major hurdle was cost management; no one tells you how expensive these photography gears would cost you (HAHA!!), so I found it was draining my resources, because I felt I needed the “best” gears to take the best pictures, it turns out this is not the complete truth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Portrait Artist/Photographer/Cinematographer based in Austin, Texas and I specialize in Portraitures, Editorials, Event Photography & short documentaries/films, . I’m known quite well for my amazing drone shots and in-moment photos.
I partnered with the City of Austin to document the SLAB culture in Austin to produce a series of interpretive signs about the history and culture of Givens Park.
I partnered with a colleague during Austin’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the dead) celebration, where I was a freelance photographer. It was a special moment for me because I got to celebrate this amazing culture and capture the most amazing photos and videos.
I think what sets me apart is the fact that I’m actually a “people person”. I build great rapport with my customers, and I’m almost like family to them. I show a lot of respect and grace as I would like to be shown to me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think being open to creative networking events helped me build my community a lot! I have met so many great mentors along my path!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedoyinowoniyi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.o.doyin/
