Gen Z in Business: Raylegend Photography

In this episode of Gen Z in Business, we interview Raymond Nwakwo Emmanuel, a portrait and events photographer, and Gen Z Creative behind Raylegend Photography. He shares his experience with us on what starting and running a photography business has been like coupled with being a student

Who is Ray?

I’m a portrait and event photographer and a microbiology student. I am a young Igbo man from Abia State. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria.

My educational background includes a secondary school diploma from Iba Housing Estate Secondary School. Currently, I’m working towards my bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Ibadan.

Photography is a creative and dynamic field. Can you share what inspired you to embark on this path, especially considering it’s different from your primary field of study? 

I started developing my interest in photography during the intermission between post-graduation and admission to the university. I was part of a government-sponsored youth programme that exposed me to the basics of photography, and I learned even more during the pandemic. It’s been 3 years now since I started professionally.

There’s more to the story. I and my friends from church had just graduated from secondary school at the time and were enrolled in a government-sponsored youth program. We were asked to join by our priest, who played a central father figure in our lives. Most of my friends went straight to the computer learning sector. My mom, however, told me that photography was a good business, and I went in for it. The idea then was to take passport photographs in my school area once I was admitted.

How do you manage the demands of being a full-time student while running Raylegend Photography? Any time management tips you’ve found particularly helpful?

Proper planning and regular breaks to manage my time effectively. I’ve found it helpful to create a daily or weekly schedule and stick to it as much as possible. I might block out specific times for studying, shooting photos, editing photos, and marketing my business. I make sure to schedule breaks and time for rest. Another important strategy is to set priorities and focus on the most important tasks first. Also, I try to embark on tasks as soon as they come. Lastly, I try to stay organised by keeping track of deadlines and to-do lists.

Balancing academics and entrepreneurship can be challenging. Can you share some of the strategies you use to avoid burnout and stay motivated?

Taking breaks and managing expectations 

When faced with disappointment, I try as hard as possible to see the good side of it and make better plans to be better equipped for the future. To avoid burnout, I try to be very intentional about taking rest and “de-stressing.”

In terms of motivation, I’ve found it helpful to remind myself of my goals and why I’m doing what I’m doing.  It’s also important to take pride in your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Have you found any surprising connections between your field of study and photography that have enriched your work in both areas?

I’m a student of microbiology. Microbiology is a rich and detailed field, and there are some connections I’ve discovered between it and photography.  One such connection would be that the idea of looking closely at the world around us is present in both microbiology and photography. In microbiology, scientists use powerful microscopes to examine tiny organisms and their structures. 

In photography, photographers use their lenses to capture small details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Both of these activities require patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail. Another connection between microbiology and photography is the concept of scale.  In both fields, it’s important to consider how the size of an object or sample affects its appearance and meaning.  In microbiology, scientists, with the help of microscopes, can make tiny organisms look much larger.  Similarly, in photography, there’s a whole field dedicated to this called “macro photography.”

Microbiology has enriched my work as a photographer. It has taught me to pay attention to small details and appreciate the beauty of tiny things. In turn, photography has helped me see the world from a microbiologist’s perspective. Also, it helped me to understand the intricate structures and processes that can only be seen at a microscopic level. Both fields have helped me develop a broader understanding of the world around us.

What types of photography do you specialise in, and how do you ensure your work stands out in a competitive market?

I specialise in portrait and event photography. As a photographer, I take pride in my ability to capture the unique personalities and characters of my subjects. I strive to create images that are not only technically flawless but also emotionally evocative and memorable.

One way I ensure my work stands out is by taking the time to get to know my clients and understand their vision for the shoot.  I also pay close attention to details, both in terms of composition and lighting, to create images that are both technically and aesthetically pleasing. Finally, I always keep up to date with the latest trends and techniques in photography so that my work remains fresh and relevant.

How has the process of building and running a photography business impacted your personal and professional growth?

Through the process of building and running Raylegend Photography, I’ve gained valuable skills and insights that have impacted my personal and professional growth.  For example, I’ve become more confident in my ability to communicate effectively with clients and other professionals. I’ve also gained a greater understanding of how to manage my time and prioritise tasks, which has helped me stay organised and productive. It has also made me more appreciative of art.

Overall, the process of building and running my business has helped me to become a more well-rounded individual, both personally and professionally.

Are there any specific photography projects you’ve undertaken recently?

It’s been a while since my last project, though I’m currently working on one with a brand.

Can you describe your creative process as a photographer and how you continue to refine your skills while studying?

As a photographer, my creative process involves three main stages: planning, execution, and reflection.  During the planning stage, I work with my clients to understand their vision and determine the best way to capture it.  Once I have a plan in place, I move on to the execution stage, where I put my technical skills to work and capture the images. Finally, I take time to reflect on the results and identify areas for improvement.

By taking this approach, I’ve been able to consistently refine my skills and become a better photographer over time. I’ve also taken advantage of opportunities to learn from other photographers, participate in workshops and online courses, and experiment with new techniques and equipment. This process of continual learning and improvement is essential to my success as a photographer.

Many students contemplate entrepreneurship but hesitate to leap. What advice would you give to fellow students considering a similar path in a different field?

First and most important, conduct a compatibility test and check to see if what you want to embark on is one that you’re truly passionate about. One that you’d love doing even years from now because it’s much easier to put in the long hours and work through the ups and downs when you’re doing something that you love.

Next, run a feasibility check to know if your field of choice would work out in the vicinity where you find yourself. This is not limited to one’s physical environment but extends to the digital spaces you operate in. You can do this by checking out others who have done it and learning from them.

Then you initiate, because there’s no better time than now to start.

Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. They’re a natural part of the process. Just keep working hard and be patient, and you’ll eventually reap the rewards.

Have you had any memorable or unexpected experiences as a student photographer that you’d like to share with our readers?

There are many, but the basis is the connection with different people.

Networking is crucial in photography. How have you built and maintained relationships within the industry, even while balancing your education?

Even while balancing my education, I’ve made it a priority to connect with other photographers and industry professionals.  For example, I’ve attended several photography conferences and events, which have allowed me to network and build relationships with others in the industry. I’ve also joined several online communities and groups for photographers. This has allowed me to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.  In addition, I’ve made an effort to reach out to photographers whose work I admire to learn more about their process and gain valuable insights. 

Could you share your vision for the future of your photography business and how it aligns with your long-term career goals?

I’m enthusiastic about my photography business and the future it holds. I see it growing into a thriving, successful business that provides high-quality photography services to a wide range of clients. As my business grows, I plan to expand my services to include more specialised offerings. These services include wedding photography, corporate headshots, and product photography.

I believe that the success of my photography business will allow me to achieve my long-term career goal of becoming a well-known and respected photographer in my community. I am passionate about photography, and I believe that my work can make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Finally, what advice will you give to up-and-coming Gen Z creatives?

It’s important to stay true to your unique vision and style. There is no strict template for how to embark on your journey as a creative. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Make sure you’re doing it in a way that’s authentic to who you are. It’s easy to get caught up in trends. However, the most successful creatives are the ones who find their unique voice. You make it up as you go, learning from your and others’ experiences.

Raylegend Photography is one of the brands featured in the premier edition of HoneyDrops Magazine. Get a copy here. If you would like to be featured in the magazine or be interviewed, please fill out this form, and the team will reach out to you. You can contact Raylegend Photography on Instagram, X, and Facebook @Raylegend Photography.