Iro
Ayo is a popular name in celebrity photography. He is the preferred choice
among all the celebrity photographers. This is because he is good at what he
does and he is very professional about it. He recently told City People
Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE, about his success story.
Tell us how you got into
photography. How did you coin the name Iro Ayo?
Iro Ayo is a
mystery. I registered my business in 2009 with the CAC. When I got there the
name I wanted to register was Blaze, which means flowers of different colours.
After 2 weeks of search in the system at CAC, I was told someone is using that
name already. Then people told me to use a Yoruba name, that people will
appreciate it. Right there, I prayed to God to give me a name and I got Iro
Ayo. Funny enough, I had not started my photography career then.
I am a trained Fine
Arts Artist. I do paintings. I do sculpture. That is how the name Iro Ayo came.
After a week, I
received a call from CAC that my name has been approved. That was in 2009.
Though, Iro Ayo is like a local name, to the glory of God, that Iro Ayo is a
household name. When people call me they will say, Me To I Want To Hear Iro
Ayo. (Sound of Joy).
How did you now get into
photography?
By the grace of
God, I didn’t learn photography. Nobody knows this. I have been keeping this
secret for long. I usually don’t tell people. No one is aware of this. I am
just saying this for the 1st time since 2006. I didn’t learn photography at
all.
Let me tell you how
it happened. Around 2003, I was in church. I saw this photographer. Then they
were using analogue. I always feel like how I wish I could do this. Later in
2006, I bought one smalle point and shoot camera. But before then, I do listen
to words for God through his servants. I am a Redeemed member.
A brother in my
church just called me and he said Blaze, God says you can’t survive on this
artwork alone that he is still taking me to places. He said it is true video
work. I have this gift which allows the spirit to keep leading me on, whenever
people suggest ideas to me. From there I picked up more interest in my camera.
I began to take pictures in 2006.
As a trained
artist, I always want something beautiful and colourful. I have this kind of
way I dress when I am going to work. In the process of the point and shoot, the
1 minute professional camera like that, I went for an event and that is how I
got into the entertainment industry. I went for a wedding. I didn’t get payment
for the wedding till today. But I thank God for where I am till today.
I now met Odunlade
Adekola’s younger brother. He saw the way I was kitted up, as if I was going to
war. He now told his brother about me. He now called me on behalf of his
brother that he will need my assistance. From there I began to work for
Odunlade. Before then I had a video club. So I had access to some of the
artistes then, through the video club of a thing. I got to get into the movie
industry through Odunlade Adekola. Despite the fact Odunlade is a known person,
he still prefers my pictures than that of others. Whenever he is going he still
prefers I go with him.
As at then, those
who knew me were not many. But God bless Odunlade with a studio of his own. He
called me to come and work in that studio so that I will be getting paid. I
politely apologised to him. And he accepted.
My breakthrough
came around 2014 or so. From there I met Prophetess Mary Olujuwon Olanbinwoninu
Olubori. I gave her the name Adunbarinma to si. She called me that she needs my
service. She called me for a get together party in 2015 I went there, from
Abeokuta. I stay in Abeokuta then. Some celebrity saw me there and we became
close. The likes of Seyi Edun & Adeniyi Johnson. That is why I can never
take those guys for granted. They saw my job and liked it. I worked for Regina
Chukwu. She invited me for her premiere in 2016. That is how I began my journey
into the Entertainment industry, from there people have been calling me. So, I
do a lot in Entertainment & Society coverage of socialites.”
How do you cope with
competition now in the industry?
Hmm! I love the
competition. It puts you on your toes. You run more, You will hustle more. You
will think outside the box. I see that competition as a plus for me. The only
thing that makes one stand out in the consistency. If you are consistent you
will make it. Despite the fact that in the industry we have so many
photographers there those who will call me will call me. Even whenever I go for
events and I see that there are 3 to 4 photographers. I feel happy. When we are
like 3 or 4 they will appreciate my work more.
Where were you born? Where did
you grow up?
I was born in
Abeokuta. I was born and brought up in Abeokuta. I left Abeokuta 2 years ago.
Now, I stay more in Lagos now. But I still move round the South-West.
Let’s talk about the
celebrities you have worked for
The man I call my
driver. The man who drove me into the industry Odunlade Adekola. I have worked
with Mama Olubori. Through Mama Olubori I got to know Oonirisa. If not for the
love Mama Olubori has for me, Ooni would have hijacked me because Ooni loves
me. He knows me by name. He commended me once. He said to Mama Olubori that I
am good Photographer. I was so happy that Kabiyeesi endorsed my brand. I have
worked with Oonirisa.
I have also worked
with Iyalaje Ashabi Saranda & her husband, Baba Alaje. I have worked with
this man too, Fuad Oloto. I am still working with him. There is this man
Okanlomo Adeshina. His wife is nice. She is like God sent to my life. That
woman can do anything because of me, behind me. Then, Mama Olubori.
In the movie industry,
I have worked with Seyi Edun, Niyi Johnson, Bimbo Ogunnowo, Bukky Adeeyo,
Fathia Balogun, Alhaja Sindodo Tayo. Most of them like me. Most of them can do
anything because of me. There is also Folorunso Adeola. She is always getting
jobs for me. They are many. Kemi Korede too. Then Yeye 2. She is a very good
woman. There are so many of them.”
What has kept you going?
Working with
celebrities is challenging. They always cherish their privacy a whole lot. I
have learnt that. So, I do everything by myself. I will do the shoot. I will
edit the pictures. I had a studio in Ogun State before, but armed robbers
attacked me. So, I closed it down. I don’t have a studio here in Lagos right
now. I don’t have an apprentice for now.
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