I met Oluya

I met an impressive young photographer, by coincidence, at a friend’s place and we had a chat. I was not surprised when I was told that he is a photographer because as I sat waiting for my hostess who had gone out to buy some things I was taking pictures with my phone and this Uncle was using side eye to look at me.



Gbenga Manuel-Ikumapayi  is an embodiment of creativity. He is a creative artist. He is an actor, a script writer, a director, content creator and he has a big passion for cinematography. He got interested in pictures both still and moving as a baby when he could fix his gaze on an object for so long. With time he got interested in tales by moonlight. More than the story he was more fascinated by the lightening, acts, and camera movements of the soap. This unknowingly to him will set his work apart as a photographer.

RealEkitikete had an amazing time  with Oluya of Oluyatography
Read below


Can we meet you?

Yes, I am Gbenga Manuel-Ikumapayi popularly known as Oluya. I am from Itapaji Ekiti in Ikole LGA of Ekiti. I am passionate about pictures and their interpretations.

 Why photography?

I learnt photography after I finished secondary school although I was interested in cinematography but there was nowhere to learn in Ekiti then. I was to learn for three months but I ended up staying with my boss longer than expected. I can claim to be a thoroughly bred photographer. After these years of learning I went to re-enrol in Lagos to brush up and learn new techniques and have access to State of the art equipment in photography.

Did your Parents support you when you started?

My dad died when I was really little. So he is completely  out of my photography story.
My mum was not supportive initially but at some point she became supportive.

How lucrative is photography?

Photography is very lucrative. I have a walk-in studio. Where people can come in for a photo shoot session. I do event photography. I am always available to travel. I  also specialize in portrait taking. I look up to Idongesit Smart of Image Faculty.

So Oluya is a very rich man?

Not quite,I am still aspiring to be more. The business aura of Ekiti still affects my type of photography. When I give people my price quote,they always underprice, without considering the effort we put into our type of photography. I am sure I would be better financially if I were to be in Lagos but Ekiti is home and we have to join hands to change things at home and give the best to my people. It is a lot of sacrifice I and some other new age photographers are paying but the great thing is that we are paving way for those coming behind us.

How accessible is Oluya?

I am very accessible and affordable. Though I love my client to book ahead especially those who would like to come for a shoot session. I love to discuss and know the motive for the session so I can brood over it and develop a concept around it and procure my props and make sometimes. I don’t ever want to fall short of my standard. I have built it overtime. I am pained when people call me and say I want to come in for a session in thirty minutes and I try to reschedule e.g if you want a baby photoshoot,I have to set up the studio get props,I try not to use the same thing for everyone.I need atleast 24hours notice because we get most things from Lagos and sometimes Akure.


What sets  Oluyatography apart from other photographers?

My  use of light sets me apart. People know my work when they see it. Its very important to have a signature as a photographer. And not follow the ever changing trend and then loose originality.
Secondly, my images tell stories because of my love for acts and education I always ensure that my works passes a message across to people.
Thirdly, I go for refreshers course everytime there is a new thing in photography. So I am always  ahead in knowledge in the industry.


Where do you see Oluyatography in five years?

By God’s grace in five years, Oluyatography  will have a duly registered Value Based Creative Art School. Where people can pursue their passion and get certified. Presently, we train on basic,advanced and professional photography,lightening,retouching,customer relationship and business of photography.
That is the reason I always say my training package is too cheap because I give my all to my Students. Acquiring the skill is more important than buying cameras. You can actually do more with a basic camera.





Instagram- oluyatography
e-mail- manuelikumapayi@gmail.com
whatsapp- +2348036953759

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