Showbiz and city photography wizkid, Shola Balogun, has been a quiet and smooth operator over the years, whose works speak volumes for him among his Nollywood celebrity clients. There’s hardly any showbiz celebrity in Nigeria, especially Noollywood members in Lagos that have not had any business dealing with him. Their photographs which litter the walls of his posh studio, stationed on the ever-bustling Western Avenue Expressway, precisely at the Alaka bus stop, Surulere, stamps his closeness to the celebrities spoken of. Impressed about this, our Contributing Editor, IFECHI OKOH, inched up to the workaholic Ekiti indigene for an exploratory voyage into his life and business. Balogun confessed that for him to sustain his marriage, he had to jettison areas that could cause suspicion and fights. Enjoy it!           

Who is Shola Balogun beyond being a photo celebrity wizkid?                       

He is a God-fearing and hard-working professional who believes in what he is doing. The Ado-Ekiti native sits comfortably atop the sprawling Shola Creative Studio, Surulere, Lagos.               

When did you discover your love for photography? 

I did in 1995. Immediately I realized that, I set out to actually getting deeper and deeper to confirm my love for it.  However, I distinguished myself in all my productions, which have been tickling people I strongly believe have taste. This automatically made me their idol and a celebrity among celebrities in the fashion, modeling and photography sectors.  I thank God for crowning my creative efforts which obviously placed me high in the community of the consequential. Interestingly, their placements have since made them to chorus that I have successfully redefined photography.    

What is the trademark of your productions?        

The trademark of my productions is that my photographs are sharp, attractive, arresting and very outstanding. All these have since combined to distinguish me from my colleagues and contemporaries in the business. I have further taken myself to the next level by simply ensuring that my productions are refreshingly different from others. This explains out rightly why my productions find a special place in the hearts of celebrity clienteles. With this in place, I have moved further into their inner recess with my concerted human PR which is second to none compared with the efforts of my contemporaries.

What were your initial obstacles when you set out years back?                 

I must confess here that it was actually pretty difficult when I started years back: lack of steady power supply when it mattered most was a big headache. In addition to this, were lack of photographic equipment and lack of personal mobility. They were simply worsened by absence of a generating set. These combined strongly to rubbish my efforts, pulling me down fast and giving me serious concern for continuity. Those evil days were actually tempting because they threatened to stop me. It was no joke! Those moments, I was handicapped and also helpless. As a result, my operations were ineffective. But with my strong believe in God, perseverance and prayers, I was able to surmount these satanic onslaughts. I eventually conquered the Satan as I emerged victorious at the end of the battles. It is certain that one with God can never ever lose the battles to Satan in Jesus name. Since then, it had been so, till date.                    

Did you enjoy parental support and blessings from the onset?                

Oh yes! I mean through ceaseless prayers for my success. I really thank them and God who actually granted such prayers. This, I strongly believe, is what every true parents owe their children. It is so, because the rise of any child should remain an eternal source of joy to all true parents. That’s it!                                        

When did you become the showbiz celebrity photographer that the players can’t do without?                             

It all started in the year 2000 when I started to win awards from well-meaning corporate concerns, students and professional bodies throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria.   

What factors can you finger that has been responsible for these awards?                             

Naturally, it is not possible for one to just expose his success secret like that. However, I will gladly announce that the secret is simply my strong believe in God who does everything for whoever he loves to do it for, free of charge. Hence I remain eternally grateful to Him for he has done so much for me that I cannot say it all. To Him remain the glory for my talent, ingenuity and success in my successful redefinition of showbiz, fashion and modelling photography.        

How have you been able to combine effectively, the challenges of your career and marriage please?                             

Naturally, marriage is a thing of pride and joy every responsible lady and gentlemen would love to be involved. Why? Because it is the hallmark of responsibility and respect in any society; I mean all over the world. Hence, I would continue to describe it as one of those laudable things which Almighty God ordained. I must confess that marriage has actually helped me to educate me formally about life and living. I must confess that since I have been married, I have become more tolerant and accommodating, unlike when I was a bachelor back in the days. Most of my social outing habits have been cut down tremendously for the sake of peaceful co-existence between husband and wife.  For the sake of marriage sustainability, I had to jettison areas like clubbing and socials that could cause suspicion and fights.