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Matthew Ibadin recounts how he fell in love with photography

HANDSOME photographer and the Chief Creative Officer of Mattson Creations, Mr. Matthew Ibadin, recently renovated his photo studio.

The studio, which is in the heart of Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, has a complete ultra-modern photo clinic. The photo gallery also boasts of state-of-the-art equipment, with wardrobe assistance, make-up room and training room for auditioning of models for catwalk.

The graduate of Political Science, University of Lagos, who introduced motion pictures in the school and Yaba College of Technology, revealed that his dream is to use photography to develop culture and tourism in Nigeria.

According to him, “It is through photography that we can rebrand Nigeria. We don’t need to wait for government to do everything, we must be ready to do some by ourselves.”

In the last 13 years, Mattson Creations has grown an unbridled passion for photo-artistry. His works majorly illustrate the state of the nation.

The young businessman who has done a series of aesthetic works of art for prominent Nigerians, including the Awolowo family, told ENCOMIUM Weekly why he is into photography…

 

Tell us how you started photography.

I started photography in the University of Lagos in 1996. I was actually the person that introduced motion picture in the university 14 years ago.

MATTSON-1How has the journey been so far?

It has not been easy, but I have been able to carve a niche for myself. But, I have not been able to establish the succour I want to bring to the industry. I believe the time is now. It is my dream to build a state-of-the-art photo-studio in Nigeria and Africa in general.

What are the major areas you specialize in?

I use my works to do what is called entertaining photography. I also do area photography where I teach both young and old.

What has been your landmark achievement as a photographer?

I have a lot of patronage within and outside Nigeria. For instance, I have done a lot of jobs for personalities, corporate organizations and government agencies. I have participated in the biggest photography event in Cologne, Germany’s fourth largest state. That is the highest achievement a photographer can score.

Where will you like to see yourself in the next two years?

I want to see myself rebranding Nigeria with my photography. I want to use my talent to develop Nigeria through tourism and culture. That is my target.

How would you describe Nigerian photographers?

It is very sad that we don’t have a platform as photographers in Nigeria. My friends in America are billionaires because they have an association. They use helicopters to take pictures. But it is not so here in Nigeria. We don’t even recognize ourselves because there is no association.

What do you think can be done?

We need a platform where our voice can be heard. That can be achieved in a situation where there is a good structure. That is what I am trying to do. Now, I have spent so much money to build the first photography studio in the country that has a lot of equipment and state-of-the-art facilities.

  • This story was first published in ENCOMIUM Weekly on Tuesday, January 25, 2011
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‘Going to America has taught me that all that glitters is not gold’ – RAS KIMONO

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