 |
| Ademola Enitan Sehindemi, CEO, Prof Pixel, Lagos |
Creativity Pays, however, documented
creativity pays more because it lingers in the memory of the bearer for ages.
This axiom seems to be the guiding philosophy of Ademola Enitan Sehindemi, the founder and Chief Executive Officer
of Prof Pixel, a highbrow Events and
life Style photography company in Lagos—South West Nigeria. Tall, handsome and
very amiable, Enitan is one of few
Nigerian and perhaps, African young Turks who are presently breaking new
barriers of self discovery in an age and era when the stock of a School degree
is losing value in the job market.
creativity pays more because it lingers in the memory of the bearer for ages.
This axiom seems to be the guiding philosophy of Ademola Enitan Sehindemi, the founder and Chief Executive Officer
of Prof Pixel, a highbrow Events and
life Style photography company in Lagos—South West Nigeria. Tall, handsome and
very amiable, Enitan is one of few
Nigerian and perhaps, African young Turks who are presently breaking new
barriers of self discovery in an age and era when the stock of a School degree
is losing value in the job market.
This Lagos based top-quality events and life
style photographer who covers high-end events especially wedding ceremonies in
Lagos and Abuja studied Business Administration at The University of Ibadan (U.I.)
but signed himself to his
passion—photography which he has taken as work.
style photographer who covers high-end events especially wedding ceremonies in
Lagos and Abuja studied Business Administration at The University of Ibadan (U.I.)
but signed himself to his
passion—photography which he has taken as work.
Enitan whose dad is an ex Inspection Controller at the Nigeria Ports Authority
shocked his parent when he decided to go against their career preference to
chase his own path in life. He chose to be an Events and Lifestyle Photographer
and today, he earns the least of his pay as N300, 000:00 just to cover a
wedding event.
shocked his parent when he decided to go against their career preference to
chase his own path in life. He chose to be an Events and Lifestyle Photographer
and today, he earns the least of his pay as N300, 000:00 just to cover a
wedding event.
His weapons of impression are; his
multi-million Naira camera, his sharp lenses, a creative shot on every captured
picture coupled with a drama filled act of paparazzi. Behind his complimentary
card is this word “Memories are worth every penny” and with that, Enitan has become the darling of many
organizations in Lagos. Recently, during an event at Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island—Lagos, your soar away Africa’s
number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika
ran into the Ogun State born
entrepreneur and he shared the story of his life with us. It is a story of
courage, determination and pragmatism. Enjoy the excerpts.
multi-million Naira camera, his sharp lenses, a creative shot on every captured
picture coupled with a drama filled act of paparazzi. Behind his complimentary
card is this word “Memories are worth every penny” and with that, Enitan has become the darling of many
organizations in Lagos. Recently, during an event at Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island—Lagos, your soar away Africa’s
number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika
ran into the Ogun State born
entrepreneur and he shared the story of his life with us. It is a story of
courage, determination and pragmatism. Enjoy the excerpts.
 |
| Mr. & Mrs. Sehindemi |
You are one of Nigeria’s most
sought-after events photographer, how did you achieve this feat?
sought-after events photographer, how did you achieve this feat?
 |
| Enitan Sehindemi to the GDA…’My Dad’s lifestyle engrossed me totally’ |
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My name is Enitan
Sehindemi, my friends call me Prof, and it dates back to school. I
don’t know why they call me Prof; I think everyone just sees
this very serious part of me that I don’t see. I studied Business Administration and I was going to practice in the official
world but due to many other factors, I discovered it wasn’t my thing; I have
always been an event person. Back in school I did events all through, I was a
club activist through and through, I used to do a lot of club activations and
parties and all of that. So, when I got into Lagos because I schooled in Ibadan,
I decided to pick photography because generally I have always done pictures for
all my events. Right from my university days I had always taken my pictures by
myself and I felt ‘why not monetize
this?’
Sehindemi, my friends call me Prof, and it dates back to school. I
don’t know why they call me Prof; I think everyone just sees
this very serious part of me that I don’t see. I studied Business Administration and I was going to practice in the official
world but due to many other factors, I discovered it wasn’t my thing; I have
always been an event person. Back in school I did events all through, I was a
club activist through and through, I used to do a lot of club activations and
parties and all of that. So, when I got into Lagos because I schooled in Ibadan,
I decided to pick photography because generally I have always done pictures for
all my events. Right from my university days I had always taken my pictures by
myself and I felt ‘why not monetize
this?’
 |
| Enitan Sehindemi to the GDA….’I took the decision to practice photography against my Parent’s wish’ |
(Cuts in) You monetized your passion?
Exactly! So,
at some points I checked out on what aspect of photography will catch my
interest the most and I figured that I really liked activities and all that.
So, I picked events and lifestyle. So, basically I am an event and lifestyle
photographer. I major in Wedding Photography and I do a lot of side events but
my major is wedding photography.
at some points I checked out on what aspect of photography will catch my
interest the most and I figured that I really liked activities and all that.
So, I picked events and lifestyle. So, basically I am an event and lifestyle
photographer. I major in Wedding Photography and I do a lot of side events but
my major is wedding photography.
 |
| ‘I love Event & Life Style Picture’ Enitan says to the GDA |
And you studied Business
Administration?
Administration?
Absolutely!
What was it like studying Business
Administration at University of Ibadan and why Business Administration and not
Theatre Arts or Mass Communication since you love photography?
Administration at University of Ibadan and why Business Administration and not
Theatre Arts or Mass Communication since you love photography?
 |
| The Prof, Enitan Sehindemi aims a shot |
Well, I was
a Science student in secondary school, I was actually a science student but I
found myself in Business Administration for some reasons that will be long
story for now, let us just leave it out (Laughs)
a Science student in secondary school, I was actually a science student but I
found myself in Business Administration for some reasons that will be long
story for now, let us just leave it out (Laughs)
Maybe Parental influence
 |
| One-on-One with Enitan Sehindemi the Prof |
No, no, no
it wasn’t my parent. I just found that I will rather do something in
administration. As at that time I taught I was going to just focus on
administration and become a consultant in administration but along the line,
photography came up and it’s being worth the while for me. I started business
on a very low scale. As a matter of fact I didn’t even have the finances to get
my cameras as at then but a friend sowed the camera into my life and that was
how I started and I think that was the motivation because I didn’t want to
disappoint the friend that sowed the camera in my life. So, when the camera
came, I was like ‘Enitan, you have to do
this’ and I got on it and it has been
a very short period but I always tell people that in the short period, I think
my success rate has been great if i have to measure what I have done and all.
And I always thank God that I have grown so fast in a short period.
it wasn’t my parent. I just found that I will rather do something in
administration. As at that time I taught I was going to just focus on
administration and become a consultant in administration but along the line,
photography came up and it’s being worth the while for me. I started business
on a very low scale. As a matter of fact I didn’t even have the finances to get
my cameras as at then but a friend sowed the camera into my life and that was
how I started and I think that was the motivation because I didn’t want to
disappoint the friend that sowed the camera in my life. So, when the camera
came, I was like ‘Enitan, you have to do
this’ and I got on it and it has been
a very short period but I always tell people that in the short period, I think
my success rate has been great if i have to measure what I have done and all.
And I always thank God that I have grown so fast in a short period.
 |
| Enitan Sehindemi to Asabeafrika….’Even though i studied Business Admin at UI, i went for my passion, Photography’ |
Can you tell me your experience on
the first day you covered an event as a photographer?
the first day you covered an event as a photographer?
 |
| Enitan Sehindemi to Asabeafrika…’In school i was a club activist’ |
It was
breathtaking I must confess. I was very scared because while studying to become
a photographer, I had this basic knowledge from my teachers that ‘Never cover your first event by yourself’. Because you cannot be right,
you will always need somebody that is experienced on the field. So, this friend
of mine that has been in business for like four years before I got in was
supposed to be on the event with me to guide me along. But he bailed out on me
that morning.
breathtaking I must confess. I was very scared because while studying to become
a photographer, I had this basic knowledge from my teachers that ‘Never cover your first event by yourself’. Because you cannot be right,
you will always need somebody that is experienced on the field. So, this friend
of mine that has been in business for like four years before I got in was
supposed to be on the event with me to guide me along. But he bailed out on me
that morning.
 |
| The Prof speaks to the GDA at Radisson Blu Hotel upper lounge |
(Cuts in) You mean he dumped you at
the venue of the event?
the venue of the event?
Yes, he just
dumped me. He called me and he was like ‘Enitan,
I know you can do it, I have
something else to do’. And I was like ‘what!’ He gave me the shock of my
life. It was someone’s wedding and I couldn’t imagine not doing it right. I
went on and I did it and I realized there was nothing to it.
dumped me. He called me and he was like ‘Enitan,
I know you can do it, I have
something else to do’. And I was like ‘what!’ He gave me the shock of my
life. It was someone’s wedding and I couldn’t imagine not doing it right. I
went on and I did it and I realized there was nothing to it.
 |
| Enitan Sehinindemi to Asabeafrika ‘I love youths who challenge themselves’ |
You were surprised at your ability?
I was very
surprised at myself. Although the bride herself was wonderful, she knew I had
not done anything before. She wasn’t bothered and she as at that time paid me
handsomely. It was one of my best paid jobs and that motivated me. She paid me well;
she was like she knows my person and she know I won’t mess it up. I put
everything into that event and I delivered.
surprised at myself. Although the bride herself was wonderful, she knew I had
not done anything before. She wasn’t bothered and she as at that time paid me
handsomely. It was one of my best paid jobs and that motivated me. She paid me well;
she was like she knows my person and she know I won’t mess it up. I put
everything into that event and I delivered.
 |
| Enitan Sehindemi doing his thing at an event |
Can you tell me your highest paid job
in this industry?
in this industry?
The highest
paid job I have had was early this year that was in February to be precise.
There was this events company that called me up and they told me they were
going to offer to pay me N850,000:00
(Eight hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) to cover an event in Abuja and I was dumbfounded because before
then my highest paid job has been N250,000:00
to N300,000:00 on the regular. So, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand was
something surprising and it was just the photography. The video aspect is not
involved. And I was like ‘ok, seriously?’
I first doubted them.
paid job I have had was early this year that was in February to be precise.
There was this events company that called me up and they told me they were
going to offer to pay me N850,000:00
(Eight hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) to cover an event in Abuja and I was dumbfounded because before
then my highest paid job has been N250,000:00
to N300,000:00 on the regular. So, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand was
something surprising and it was just the photography. The video aspect is not
involved. And I was like ‘ok, seriously?’
I first doubted them.
 |
| The Prof & The GDA in session |
You taught they were kidnappers
(Laughter)
(Laughter)
I am telling
you; in fact I went on internet searching them. I searched the couple, now,
searched the best friend of the couple. Everybody that was associated to the
couple’s Instagram page I checked
them out and gave my wife all their details that in case something happens
(Laughs heartily) and you can’t find this person, find this other person. So,
it was like that. But the deal turned out to be real and we flew to Abuja did the event and handed it over.
It was a very pleasant experience for me.
you; in fact I went on internet searching them. I searched the couple, now,
searched the best friend of the couple. Everybody that was associated to the
couple’s Instagram page I checked
them out and gave my wife all their details that in case something happens
(Laughs heartily) and you can’t find this person, find this other person. So,
it was like that. But the deal turned out to be real and we flew to Abuja did the event and handed it over.
It was a very pleasant experience for me.
Can you talk about your lowest paid
job?
job?
 |
| The Prof & The GDA after the encounter |
Oh, there
are lots of them, for me, photography is something I love to do. So, it is not
always about the money. I am one of those photographers that tells my client
that there is always a way to make you happy. Especially when it is your
wedding, there is always a way to make you happy on your wedding day. If you
can’t even afford the big things, it is our job, it is our craft; we know how
to make it happen even with a little budget. Though I am not saying I don’t
want the money. But I know how to deal; I can deal with very low budget. I have
covered a wedding for as low as N80,
000:00 before. And that was the client that saw me the day I picked my
camera to cover my first wedding event, she is my friend way back and she was
like ‘I know by the time I am ready to do
mine, you would have become so expensive
but I am booking you from today’. And she told me that she has N80, 000:00 as at that time, that was
two years before she now got married and I didn’t change it.
are lots of them, for me, photography is something I love to do. So, it is not
always about the money. I am one of those photographers that tells my client
that there is always a way to make you happy. Especially when it is your
wedding, there is always a way to make you happy on your wedding day. If you
can’t even afford the big things, it is our job, it is our craft; we know how
to make it happen even with a little budget. Though I am not saying I don’t
want the money. But I know how to deal; I can deal with very low budget. I have
covered a wedding for as low as N80,
000:00 before. And that was the client that saw me the day I picked my
camera to cover my first wedding event, she is my friend way back and she was
like ‘I know by the time I am ready to do
mine, you would have become so expensive
but I am booking you from today’. And she told me that she has N80, 000:00 as at that time, that was
two years before she now got married and I didn’t change it.
 |
| Prof marks the Shot |
So, you honored her after two years
by taking N80K despite the fact that you have grown in value?
by taking N80K despite the fact that you have grown in value?
Yes, I
honored her. Definitely I had become expensive by the time she was doing her
wedding. By the time she was paying me N80,
000:00 my lowest fee at that time was N300,
000:00. But I had to be truthful to my promise. I promised to honor her on
her wedding day and I didn’t falter. For me, it is all about sincerity of
purpose. The passion to be creative and deliver is key.
honored her. Definitely I had become expensive by the time she was doing her
wedding. By the time she was paying me N80,
000:00 my lowest fee at that time was N300,
000:00. But I had to be truthful to my promise. I promised to honor her on
her wedding day and I didn’t falter. For me, it is all about sincerity of
purpose. The passion to be creative and deliver is key.
 |
| ‘Prof’ Ademola Enitan Sehindemi (Professor of Events Photography) |
Tell us about your family, are you
the first born?
the first born?
I am the 4th
born of my parent; I am born to Prince and Princess Sehindemi. My
father’s name is Ademola Enitan Sehindemi; I actually bear my father’s name. I
am Junior in the house, I am the 4th born, I have two brothers and
two sisters, my parents are alive, they are fine and they live in Ikotun area of Lagos. My elder ones are all married.
born of my parent; I am born to Prince and Princess Sehindemi. My
father’s name is Ademola Enitan Sehindemi; I actually bear my father’s name. I
am Junior in the house, I am the 4th born, I have two brothers and
two sisters, my parents are alive, they are fine and they live in Ikotun area of Lagos. My elder ones are all married.
 |
| The Prof assessing his weapon of boredom destruction |
The Sehindemis are from which part of
Nigeria?
Nigeria?
We are from Ogun State. I am an Ijebu Ode by blood.
What was growing up like?
 |
| The GDA & the Prof after the encounter |
I must tell
you, picking photography was very difficult for my family because I grew up on
a very, very good standard. An average person will expect that I am probably
working with a Multi-National or a Blue Chip firm. My elder ones all work with
one organization or the other; we have one in the Nigerian Custom Service
and one in the Nigerian Immigration
Services but I was just never interested in all that. At first, it was like
‘photography?’ and that was serious for me. We all went to Private Schools throughout
and even up to the University, we had the best of training and they were like ‘where is this (photography) coming from?’ but with God’s grace I haven’t
disappointed with the progress they have seen. At least, photography has
sustained me and my family and I am in a position to even give feed backs to them
in the house. So, it has been a great experience for me. I thank God for his
mercies and blessings.
you, picking photography was very difficult for my family because I grew up on
a very, very good standard. An average person will expect that I am probably
working with a Multi-National or a Blue Chip firm. My elder ones all work with
one organization or the other; we have one in the Nigerian Custom Service
and one in the Nigerian Immigration
Services but I was just never interested in all that. At first, it was like
‘photography?’ and that was serious for me. We all went to Private Schools throughout
and even up to the University, we had the best of training and they were like ‘where is this (photography) coming from?’ but with God’s grace I haven’t
disappointed with the progress they have seen. At least, photography has
sustained me and my family and I am in a position to even give feed backs to them
in the house. So, it has been a great experience for me. I thank God for his
mercies and blessings.
 |
| The Prof & his Love |
What about your wife, is she also a
creative person or an administrator?
creative person or an administrator?
Well, my
wife, my wife doesn’t do anything but cook. She loves to cook.
wife, my wife doesn’t do anything but cook. She loves to cook.
(Cust in) I am not surprised you look
well fed
well fed
 |
| The Prof & his jewel of inestimable virtue |
(Laughs) She
will cook continental, African dishes
and all of that. So, basically, she is a caterer and both of us complement each
other. In our courtship days she always told me that she wasn’t going to go to
school to stay behind one desk to work for somebody. That all her degree
program was just for the formalities and then, it is straight to her own
business and that if I wasn’t going to settle for that, I should just let her
go. And she has been doing catering ever since.
will cook continental, African dishes
and all of that. So, basically, she is a caterer and both of us complement each
other. In our courtship days she always told me that she wasn’t going to go to
school to stay behind one desk to work for somebody. That all her degree
program was just for the formalities and then, it is straight to her own
business and that if I wasn’t going to settle for that, I should just let her
go. And she has been doing catering ever since.
 |
| The Sehindemi Couple |
So, you refused to let her go because
of the food?
of the food?
I am telling
you(laughs), as a matter of fact, it was her catering link that got me to the
event you saw me for this interview. Because someone knows a friend she
supplies food to their company and people just kept recommending her and it
goes on like that.
you(laughs), as a matter of fact, it was her catering link that got me to the
event you saw me for this interview. Because someone knows a friend she
supplies food to their company and people just kept recommending her and it
goes on like that.
In a nutshell, her business
compliments yours?
compliments yours?
Yes, it does
because if you need a photographer it means you definitely have an event and
you need food. If you need food, you definitely have an event and you need a
photographer to keep the memories.
because if you need a photographer it means you definitely have an event and
you need food. If you need food, you definitely have an event and you need a
photographer to keep the memories.
 |
| Enitan with wife, Mrs. Sehindemi |
Do you have a philosophy and what is
it like?
it like?
 |
| The Prof at Work |
My philosophy
is simple, be creative and seek though your thought process. I have always been
a strong minded person. I always tell people, no matter what happens, stick by
what you believe in, my philosophy has never changed. There are some basics I
will tell you, I told my mum sometimes when I was way younger that, with the
training I have been given, even if I have to live in Australia, my dos remains my dos and my don’t remains my don’ts.
So, stand for whom you are.
is simple, be creative and seek though your thought process. I have always been
a strong minded person. I always tell people, no matter what happens, stick by
what you believe in, my philosophy has never changed. There are some basics I
will tell you, I told my mum sometimes when I was way younger that, with the
training I have been given, even if I have to live in Australia, my dos remains my dos and my don’t remains my don’ts.
So, stand for whom you are.
Are you a Christian?
 |
| The GDA & The Prof of Events Photography |
Yes, I am a
Christian, I am an Anglican. I
believe you must not deviate from your principles. Stand for who you are, stand
for what you believe in. Sometimes in future, it will pay off.
Christian, I am an Anglican. I
believe you must not deviate from your principles. Stand for who you are, stand
for what you believe in. Sometimes in future, it will pay off.
Do you have a role model and who is
he?
he?
My role
model? Honestly it might sound funny but I will tell you he is my father. I am
completely engrossed in the way he lived his life, he is one father that looks
into our faces and tells us that no matter what happens, when he is dies, he is
one father that can proudly tell us that no woman is coming to say he has a
child for him somewhere. So, my role model is my father. He is one person that
tells us again, that he has been in a public position in Nigeria and he is
proud to say EFCC never came after him.
model? Honestly it might sound funny but I will tell you he is my father. I am
completely engrossed in the way he lived his life, he is one father that looks
into our faces and tells us that no matter what happens, when he is dies, he is
one father that can proudly tell us that no woman is coming to say he has a
child for him somewhere. So, my role model is my father. He is one person that
tells us again, that he has been in a public position in Nigeria and he is
proud to say EFCC never came after him.
What was his position in government?
 |
| The Prof taking a shot at an event |
He was the Inspection
Controller of Nigeria Ports Authority and he is like he will never do
anything to jeopardize his name. So, my biggest role model is my father. I just
hope to be able to live up and surpass where he got to.
Controller of Nigeria Ports Authority and he is like he will never do
anything to jeopardize his name. So, my biggest role model is my father. I just
hope to be able to live up and surpass where he got to.
What about mum, what is she into?
My Mum is a
fashion designer but she stopped doing that a little while ago. She is a
trained fashion designer, she went to a fashion school and she did very well in
her time. Her role is to balance the power equilibrium in the family. She is a
disciplined woman.
fashion designer but she stopped doing that a little while ago. She is a
trained fashion designer, she went to a fashion school and she did very well in
her time. Her role is to balance the power equilibrium in the family. She is a
disciplined woman.
 |
| Enitan Sehindemi to Asabeafrika….’In my job, empathy counts’ |
If you are to find yourself in the
position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, what is going to
be your chief project?
position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, what is going to
be your chief project?
Ok, that is difficult
yet; but if I find myself in a leadership role, I will appeal to Nigerian youths
to first redefine themselves and stop putting all of the blames on the
government. The first problem is that we don’t want to define our brains anymore;
we just want to make money anyhow. We (youths) need to understand that we need
to crawl before we walk and then, walk before we intend to run. But Nigerian
youths now, just want to run and that is quite bad. So, if I find myself in a
position of the President, I will try and empower more youths, pick out as many
as possible and strengthen the laws against crime.
yet; but if I find myself in a leadership role, I will appeal to Nigerian youths
to first redefine themselves and stop putting all of the blames on the
government. The first problem is that we don’t want to define our brains anymore;
we just want to make money anyhow. We (youths) need to understand that we need
to crawl before we walk and then, walk before we intend to run. But Nigerian
youths now, just want to run and that is quite bad. So, if I find myself in a
position of the President, I will try and empower more youths, pick out as many
as possible and strengthen the laws against crime.
 |
| The Prof speaking with the GDA |
Lastly, what do you think an average
Nigerian Youth need to do to get out of his hopelessness?
Nigerian Youth need to do to get out of his hopelessness?
 |
| The GDA in the heart of the chat with the Prof of Events Photography |
Ok, my advice
to Nigerian Youths will be to sit back, take a chill pill. Don’t rush into any
action. Everyone has something deposited in them, try and discover yourself. As
human beings, wherever we are placed, we can survive. That is one great thing
about human beings. So, we need to discover our survival instinct and stop
running for the pleasures of the world. We can make our own comfort from our
own abilities. So, my advice to them is ‘be
creative with your thinking’.
to Nigerian Youths will be to sit back, take a chill pill. Don’t rush into any
action. Everyone has something deposited in them, try and discover yourself. As
human beings, wherever we are placed, we can survive. That is one great thing
about human beings. So, we need to discover our survival instinct and stop
running for the pleasures of the world. We can make our own comfort from our
own abilities. So, my advice to them is ‘be
creative with your thinking’.
