This conversation has been edited for clarity and length, but the thoughts remain mine.
Hey man, so glad to have you with us.
Thanks for having me!
I have to say, you’re a very different photographer. Can you share a little bit about your background and how you got into photography?
Hi, I’m Nnamani Emmanuel, a portrait and wedding photographer at NE Weddings. Officially, I’ve been doing photography professionally for five years, but if you count my early years of learning, it’s been over eight years. Wow!
For my intro to photography, I have to give credit to my dad. He passed the knowledge onto me — he’s a photographer too. I started learning the basics from him, and that gave me a foundation most people don’t have. Over time, I decided to take it as a professional career, because I wanted to tell love stories in amazing ways and create portraits that truly capture the essence of my clients.
What were some of the toughest challenges when you started?
Honestly? Gear and money. Cameras, laptops, lighting — everything was expensive. If you don’t have a support system, you won’t find it easy. Luckily, God and some amazing colleagues who supported me with their gadgets. My aunt gave me a laptop, colleagues shared gear, friends loaned me equipment.
Being disciplined with money also helped me because I got my first softbox (80 x 90) softbox, a yellow backdrop which I used to do a lot of manipulations. As I say this I feel super nostalgic.
Most people couldn’t see what I was trying to do but they still supported me in any way they could, and that support helped me overcome the challenge I had acquiring gears.
That’s amazing! But what about getting clients? How did you solve that challenge?
For the longest time, I wasn’t getting paid gigs. I was putting in the work anyway, during my wait period. I shot my siblings, friends, and volunteered at church events. I knew that these images could go on my Instagram and show people what I could do.
Another way I “put in the work” was by getting a mentor.
I also got a mentor, Mr. Mayo Otu. Mentorship was a game-changer and I believe mentorship should never be overlooked. He had been through the same struggles I was facing, and learning from his experience fast-tracked my growth. He could say: “Try this. If it doesn’t work, try that.” It saved me years of trial and error.
The key was that I didn’t just rely on mentorship — I put in the work. I was learning, failing, and building my portfolio at the same time. That’s how I got noticed.
You mentioned “putting in the work” and offering Free Work. Can you explain that?
When we talk about “free work”. Free in what sense?
I mean, you’re not being paid in cash for it, but what are you getting back in return? Are you getting value in return?
Here’s the thing: free work is different from a 100% discount.
In my case I wasn’t getting paid in cash for my photos early on, but I was getting images I could use in my portfolio. Those images, someone else would see it and then book you, plus pay you for your work.
So technically, it wasn’t free.
Now, a 100% discount is strategic. I give it to grow, not just for exposure. People might see it and think it’s free, but I’m actually investing in my future clients and my brand.
I love that! And I noticed something on your instagram page, which is: Clients are excited to talk about you. What do you do differently from other photographers?
Let me borrow a few words from my mentor (Mayor Otu). He said: Photography is not a picture business. It’s a people business. Many photographers focus too much on gear and technical skills.
Don’t get me wrong, gear and technical skill matter, yes, but above all is how we make our clients feel. Their experience is everything. If they feel relaxed, happy, and confident during the session, the final image will naturally reflect that. And that’s how you get clients referring you to others.
But how do you do that?
I pay attention to music, conversation, even how I respond to inquiries. Tone matters a lot — from the first DM on instagram. Remember that every client is different, so I tailor the experience from the very first DM to the last shot. That’s what sets me apart.
So what happens after you get the text right — what’s next?
Watch full conversation on YouTube
Fascinating…. So If you were starting today, what steps would you take to grow faster?
First, I’d get a job that covers my basic needs. Then I’d focus on learning the craft — basics of what makes a great image, before worrying about clients. Once I have the skills, I’d find someone to serve under.
Service is key, and the fastest way to grow. It builds skill, reputation, and relationships. I’d focus on one specialty at a time, not trying to do everything. Willingness to learn, focus, humility to serve, and consistent execution — those are the pillars.
You also need to remember: If you stand for something, you grow faster. If you try to do everything at once, you end up standing for nothing.
I’ve learned that times and seasons matter — focus your 100% on what’s important right now, and move on when it’s time.
What’s one final takeaway for creatives reading this?
Free work isn’t worthless. If you’re improving your skills and learning more about your craft, then it’s worth it — especially when you do free work to build relationships, attract mentors, and gain more opportunities.
A key thing to remember as you get more exposure and work with better clients is: It’s not just about the images and videos you deliver. It’s about the experience you give your clients.