WINNERS' INTERVIEW

ー　What made you decide to enter the Nikon Film and Photo Contest?

I entered because I wanted to test my storytelling against a truly global standard, not just within my usual circles. Nikon’s contest felt like a rare space where craft, emotion, and clarity matter more than budget or hype. “Finding Serenity” came from a personal season of seeking calm in the middle of noise, and submitting it was my way of sharing that search honestly. I also wanted to represent Nigerian storytelling on an international stage and show how universal our stories can be when told with care.

ー　Do you have any episodes to share related to creating your award-winning Nikon Film and Photo Contest work (photo or film)?

Because it was a short piece adapted from a poem, every second had to earn its place, so the biggest challenge was cutting without losing the soul. We shot with a small, focused team, and we had to be intentional about light, sound, and performance, especially in moments where “silence” still needed to feel alive. There were times we had to adapt on the spot, changing blocking and camera choices to protect the emotional rhythm. The process reminded me that limitations can sharpen decisions and make the story cleaner.

ー　Tell us about your recent activities. Have there been any changes in your career and/or other aspects of your life since winning your Nikon Film and Photo Contest award?

Since winning, I’ve been more intentional about developing projects with a clear voice and strong emotional core, not just “good ideas.” The award opened doors to new conversations, collaborations, and opportunities to share my process with a wider community. It also raised my personal standard, so I now spend more time in development, refining what the film is truly about before production starts. Most importantly, it reminded me that stories from where I come from can travel far when told with precision and honesty.

ー　What does shooting photos or films mean to you?

For me, shooting is a way of paying attention, to people, to details, to the truth beneath the surface. Film and photography help me translate feelings that are hard to explain into something others can experience. It’s also a form of memory, capturing what I don’t want time to erase. Ultimately, it’s how I make sense of life and offer that sense-making back to others.

ー　What’s your message to people considering entering the Nikon Film and Photo Contest?

Enter with honesty, not with perfection. Start from something real you care about, then make clear choices that support that feeling. Keep it simple, but precise, and let your craft serve the story, not the other way around. Also, don’t wait for ideal conditions. The contest is proof that a strong point of view can travel, no matter where you’re creating from.