Ogunfuyi's outstanding photo "Survival"
A THISDAY Online Photo Editor, Mr. Kunle Ogunfuyi, has emerged the Outstanding Photographer of the Year at the second edition of the Nigerian Photography Awards (NIPHA) ceremony held last Sunday at the Grandeur Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos State.
In an event organised by Fullhouse Entertainment Limited, several photographers around the country were nominated of the award in categories ranging from nature, entertainment, wildlife, wedding, action, culture, documentary art and conceptual photos among others.
However, Ogunfuyi in an interview with THISDAY shortly after the award, said he submitted pictures for five entries among the listed categories and was nominated for four, which eventually won him best in documentary and the most outstanding photograph of the year category.
He said: “I felt reluctant to enter this year call for entry as I was nominated last year without emerging winner. After several deep thinking, I submitted some of my works to complement some of the categories they offered. I was nominated in four categories namely, wildlife, action, documentary and culture photography respectively,” he said.
Ogunfuyi also said at the time he lost contention for the culture category, he thought all hope had lost because according to him that is where his strength lies in the profession.
He also said he was surprised to be announced the overall winner on the night.
“I was amazed at the time I was announced overall winner on the night because I had colleagues who had bagged three to four awards from other categories, I had only one from documentary. But I believe this is the moment I need to be grateful,” he enthused.
He however said that it was an honor to be nominated alongside reputable photographers in the country adding that he knew it was not going to be easy competing with them.
He also noted that the likes of Shola Animashaun, Mustapha Ayodeji, and Luqman Olanipekun among others are colleagues whom he respects so much and hope the good relationship continues.
He dedicated the award to his employers, THISDAY Newspapers for helping him grow in the noble profession saying that they have given him a levelled playing ground to explore and that he his poised to do more. “I dedicate the award to all the staff of THISDAY newspaper because they have all played an important role in my career by helping me believe in myself and giving me the opportunity to explore journalism with my camera,” he ended.
The NIPHA ceremony is an annual event organised to award industrious photographer in the country and it started last year. A major sponsor, Lufthansa Airline, in addition to the plaque presented to the overall winner, gave out a return ticket to Germany on a professional tour in the country.
Other sponsor include; Kiss Mix, 88.9 Brila F.M., Fullhouse Entertainment among others.