IBRAHIM AND HIS KITTEN

01:07:00 Unknown 3 Comments


Hello! Everyone, its me again..

     So I was driving on around the neighbourhood searching for birds to shoot (photograph).
      Suddenly , I stumbled upon something unusual at a typical mallam's shop, it was a kitten, staring at everything in its path, like a lion hehehe...

      Amazed by this, I decided to buy some biscuits from the mallam, during the transaction I asked for his name, he replied, my name na Ibrahim ..

        Then I engaged him in a conversation about his kitten, he hadn't named it officially but he called it 'mis mid' hehehe... Funny name right? Well, that's not the highlight, you should have seen the look on the kittens face when he called, the kitten's female by the way, her eyes opened wider, she would meow and cat walk closer to Ibrahim, the bond between these two is nothing short of amazing.

           I decided to take some pictures while asking some questions about mis mis, mis mis will never leave the shop, she was either on the roof, hanging around the door of the shop or just something camouflaged around the shop watching everyone day in , day out.

          As the days went by, I asked around about the Ibrahim and mismis, fortunately for me I wasn't the only one who was amazed by the unusual bond and friendship between Ibrahim and his pet, people testified that mis mis was his companion and they would go about their day together selling goods to customers, hehehe...

           I went back to Ibrahim to surprise him with some of the pictures(hard copy) I took of him and mismis, he was so glad , he didn't expect me to give print pictures of mismis, he even tried showing mismis its picture, some of his friends and customers were around to watch the popular kitten named mismis, rumour as it that, some kids who obviously love pets or were fascinated by this particular bond will come to Ibrahim's shop to buy biscuits just to see mismis..

            Have never experienced the level of human compassion from someone to a cat before but seeing this and experiencing this was a first for me and it got me thinking about how kind hearted Ibrahim will be as a person , out of what he has to survive he shares it with his kitten, some days may be monotonous but with mismis its never a dull moment.....

           This as me reading up on the different breeds of cats and wondering if there are more cat lovers out there in Nigeria.
            So if you happen to come across Ibrahim and mismis, try to say hello ☺, friendly chaps.....
         


Photo-credit: Jide Ajayi Pet Photography and Seton Farms.
(C)BABAJIDE'n'PAWS.
 This has been a publication of babajideandpaws.blogspot.com.ng
 All Rights Reserved.2016. 
You can email us: babajideandpaws@gmail.com
 or
call: +2348189030882
Instagram: @ajayibabajide @jideajayipetphotography
Twitter: @JApetphoto
Facebook: Jide Ajayi Pet Photography

-Ajayi Babajide Olusegun

©2017

3 comments:

HOW MY LOVE FOR DOGS INSPIRED ME TO BE A PET/ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHER

20:50:00 Unknown 18 Comments

         
   

          Wow at this stage in photography I want to learn a whole lot more but before that let's reflect on my journey so far, when I started this journey of being a pet photographer, I never thought of being a documentary photographer but the irony was I loved and still love documentaries but its ONLY animal documentaries I love, right from childhood.
          Never really keyed into taking pictures of weddings, birthdays and other social events , don't get me wrong , I do this very well , hire and pay me well 😀, I will get the job done but beyond all this I ask myself 'what's your purpose in life with photography' hmmm.... Pondered and pondered....


   Wait.....


          Let's go back in time, as a child have always loved dogs, grew up being around dogs, I was also artistic in my own way never really blended with my pairs, I was either watching cartoons, documentaries ( WILD AMERICA by Marty Stauffer) etc...
     Watching these things as a child kept me in touch with nature I guess, It came naturally.


     Fast Forward.....

         Taking up professional photography inspired by my love for canines (dogs) was provoked by seeing bad pictures of a lot of dogs on social media, back then ,I asked some photographers to take pictures of my dogs professionally but then I couldn't afford it on a long term , some of the photographers were a bit scared of dogs, after a while I got tired and got myself a digital camera (Nikon L320) I was over joyed because it was my birthday present.

                              

          After months of shooting with it, it gave me some lovely pictures but I wasn't satisfied, it wasn't looking like the images I was seeing on the internet, I knew I had to match up to that standard to get what I wanted.
    One day, I decided to spend a day at a cyber cafe to do a research on pet photographers, then I found this lovely lady, who changed my life but she doesn't know me yet, Carli Davidson Pet Photography who's a pet photographer and a Nikon Ambassador, I was over joyed, I spent the whole day watching YouTube videos of her taking pictures of dogs, parrots, cats etc.... She was using a Nikon D4 , had her studio set up, etc....



     I can count that day as one of the happiest days of my life, I was so inspired I couldn't think of anything else that day, my love for dogs was drawing me closer to photography gradually and unknowingly to me, I just knew I had to get a DSLR  somehow (NIKON of course, I fell in love with the brand because of Carli Davidson) , so I saved up, a lot didn't believe in this dream then, I even went as far as targetting black Fridays but wasn't cutting it close with cost, I tried borrowing to add to the sum I had but then the people I asked didn't take me seriously, it was painful but then giving up wasn't an option I had sacrificed a lot to get to that point, right from my university days as an Architectural Student till when I was serving as an Architect, my love for dogs drew me closer to photography.
     


           So the day I decided to write about 'MY LOVE FOR DOG'S vs SICKLE CELL ANEAMIA' that in a way drew me closer to photography, my purpose was to enlighten and inspire people, although I didn't have the courage to do that ,if not for Mr. Awit Efom who charged me to never be afraid of expressing myself, it was my turning point, he was very blunt and stood for what he believes in, especially being a passionate dog lover , God bless you sir,  I wrote my story and I made some friends in return , some at that point in time encouraged my love for photography and I owe them a lot because they all believed in me , Grown men for that matter, Mr.Gbolahan Ibiwoye, Mr.Ayoola Opere , Mr.Sasa Mihajlovic Weisenstadt, Dr.Titilope Akeredolu (supporting me all the way, God bless you sir) , my cousins Mr.Omoboriowo Michael Adeyemi, Mr.Bayo Omoboriowo , these men at the time encouraged me to seek knowledge and continue to improve, looking back at this, it's quite emotional because its very hard to find people who would support you and not take your passion as being unserious, also loved the images by Adefemi Davies Aderemi Davies of HO3D brothers , doglovers and professional photographers who were inspired to take beautiful pictures of dogs, was immensely inspired by them.



           Finally, I got my first DSLR (NIKON D5500), was so excited as you might imagine, I had spent everything I had getting it. I couldn't wait to try it out on my puppies, I was amazed and happy at the time I would seek advise from the people have mentioned earlier and they would advise me to the best of their knowledge....
           My pictures were great to me as an amateur with the basic knowledge of the aperture, shutter speed and ISO but then as I grew I discovered I wasn't there yet, I had to improve , so I joined some professional photography groups on Facebook , I was just stunned at the quality of work I was seeing by different photographers, I knew I had to do my best to improve, I kept on shooting.


             l have always loved the images posted by Gen. Ahmed Mohammed as  a Nigeria , as a patriot , doglover,  he was just awesome, have always loved pictures of his dogs, right from time and am proud to call him my mentor any day, anytime, anywhere..... As busy as he is, he will make out time to explain a lot of things I didn't understand about photography, he inspired me to read more , practicalise what have read and ask me to take notes, I was doing this and with time I got better and better, I was truly blessed.



            I can't forget Miss Grace Chon , a pet photographer, who's works inspire me a lot, she's so passionate about her work, which is just divine, a lovely person if I must add, after watching and interview of her I just had to contact her, trust me she's great, also discovered Mrs. Kaitlyn McCall of Ragamuffin Pet Photography, listening to her interview via a podcast exploded my inspiration....



          Then, I met Mr. Kushimo Olalekan who also agreed to mentor me, he was patient with me, he also encouraged and helped me improve my photography, always there when you need him, also was humbled by his creativity, he helped expanded my mind.
         As I continued, I decided to chat up a few professional photographers for advise in some areas I wasn't too clear about, these people were open, never turned me down, advised me and always encouraged me to go at my pace, because it is a gradual process a big thank you to Miss Ipheellusion Ojiaku the most creative 'NEW BORN' photographer I know, Mr. Adeniyi Adeolu , Mr. Adewale Yusuf, Mr. Tony Nwosu, Mr. Ayodimeji Chukwuma Olugbewesa D'mayo, Mr. Paul Odijie (all were and still are, creative, detailed and brilliant)  and a lot more ...



     Then I met Mr. Hakeem Salaam hmmm.... What more can I say, have only spent a few weeks with him and wow, its just been mind blowing, he opened my eyes to things I didn't see, being a mentor to me as really been a blessing in disguise, that's all I will type.
            Now my dream has evolved from taking beautiful pictures of animals to documenting (telling stories) them, keeping records and potriats for the future generation, I am not where I want to be but am getting closer with each passing day....



            My new series 'DOCUMENTING WITH LIGHT' which is basically documenting / telling real life stories with pictures, purpose of this is to enlighten and inspire people with my genre of photography, will be starting in the month of MAY (date will be announced via my social media pages, so follow us 😀), trust me you don't want to miss this, you can see them via social media on Instagram @jideajayipetphotography , twitter: @JApetphoto , Facebook: jide ajayi pet photography.



           I want to encourage anyone/everyone reading this to NEVER give up on your respective dreams, no matter what it is, just,don't give up, nothing great comes easy so you got to fight even when you reach the stage I call 'EPIC AWESOMENESS' just keep fighting to make your dreams become reality. My dream is to influence the health sector positively with my photographs, be a Nikon Ambassador, National Geographic photographer (documenting animals), to influence Nigeria and the rest of the world with my photographs, for my photographs to promote the rights of Animals etc... It's a long list , so you see there's no time to waste, make your mark while you can, write your dreams down and stair at them every day, don't rest till you achieve them all, you are special in your own way, know and understand your purpose in life and work towards being better at everything you lay your hands on with each passing day, mistakes aren't failures, they only show you your wrongs so you can make them right.



            Oh! If you are in Nigeria or anywhere in the world ,dog lover or animal lover and you want great portraits of animals in general , am your man 😀😀😀, I look forward to shooting your amazing pets/animals and I would be honoured to document your stories with them as I continue my journey with my genre of photography..,..



                My journey as really been funny, happy, sad, relaxing, enlightening , stressful etc.... But in all I thank God and everyone that has supported this dream of so far, Mr. Manni Oyewole, Mr. Rufai, Mr. Taiyelolu Lawal, Mrs. Salma Uche-Okeke Seton, Mr. Kunle Balogun , Mr. Omoniyi Ewete, Mr. Seun James Taiwo, Mr. Adeleye Eljay Ajibike, Lily, Mr. Oshadipe , Juwon , my family, Ma Mere Kennels and to everyone who as supported this, I thank you all, you are just too many, I'll fry my system mentioning you all but know that I appreciate you all... God bless you. 😊



#isupportthedreamjideajayi

Photo-credit: Jide Ajayi Pet Photography and Seton Farms.
(C)BABAJIDE'n'PAWS.
 This has been a publication of babajideandpaws.blogspot.com.ng
 All Rights Reserved.2016. 
You can email us: babajideandpaws@gmail.com
 or
call: +2348189030882
Instagram: @ajayibabajide @jideajayipetphotography
Twitter: @JApetphoto
Facebook: Jide Ajayi Pet Photography

-Ajayi Babajide Olusegun

©2017

18 comments:

PAWS INSPIRED WITH BABAJIDE: KEEPING UP WITH THE SETONS

14:45:00 Unknown 0 Comments
        Hi! Am here again with another special family of dog lovers ,the SETONs, founder of  'SETON FARMS' , trust me you are in for a blast, I got to spend some time with the ever cheerful, intelligent and one of the founders of SETON FARMS Mrs. Salma Seton, Enjoy.



 1.) Please introduce yourself briefly and tell us what you do for a living?

 My name is Mrs Salma Seton and my husband Emmanuel Seton has always played around the agricultural sector. It is his interest that has finally led us to set up Seton Farms.
2.) Have you always loved dogs or someone inspired you to love dogs?

My early orientation included keeping pets. All around me people kept and loved animals. It was a natural thing to do. Something I've never actually questioned come to think about it. My preference has always been for dogs. Although I don't mind cats.











3.) Also noticed almost all your dogs are Boerboels , why is that?

 Our primary breed at Seton Farms is the South African Boerboel, yes but we also happen to own one female Rottweiler we imported from Serbia. I was introduced to the Boerboel by my husband who happened to take a special liking to the breed. Before then he had a romance with the Rottweiler. Naturally he kept the German Shepherd Dog back in the day. I would love any dog that is in my care and with whom I have developed a relationship. I love dogs period.

 4.) How many dogs do you own presently and what breeds?

Presently we own 11 Boerboels and 1 Rottweiler.

 5.) I see Seton farms a lot in your dog pictures, is Seton farms only for dogs?
  Seton Farms is primarily an integrated livestock farm. The farm has facilities for poultry, piggery and fishery. The kennel is simply another arm.


6.) How do you cope feeding all of them, especially remembering all their names?

 The dogs are part of the family and each is unique. Knowing their names is like knowing the names of ones children. Feeding Boerboels on the other hand is a huge effort. They're big dogs with large appetites. Feeding them right is a huge expense but a great future investment. Because their wellbeing largely depends on eating right. Our dogs' wellbeing is important to us. I believe this says it all.




 7.) Do you have a favourite amongst all your dogs?

 No. I love all of them but differently. They are all unique and special at the same time. Exactly like one's children.


 8.) I noticed your dog pictures were taken professionally, why did you decide to go that route instead of simply using your phone camera to take their pictures?

 I always wanted our dogs presented properly. Honestly I really would like to do this myself and I still actually have withdrawal syndrome for letting go. My husband is even worse off because he fancies himself a photographer and even has some photography gear. So when I decided we should go PRO I met with a lot of resistance from both him and me. To cut a long story short I had started thinking up a vision of our dogs and their brand. And needed this interpreted sharply. Nothing concrete ooh but then I wanted a partner to assist me with the vision. So I took a deep breath and the plunge. I went with my intuition in choosing a partner and the rest is history. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a long journey I can look forward to. Am so glad my vision has taken us in this direction and we've found the right partner.

9.) Wow, nice. Where do you see Seton farms in another 10yrs in the aspect of dog breeding?

 Although our journey of keeping Boerboels has been on for almost 10 years, yet in many aspects it only just begun. The sector has been so far unregulated in Nigeria and it has been difficult to look too far ahead. So we have been taking it one day at a time. But ours is a big vision and it is a new dawn for the Nigerian Boerboel breeder. We are so excited to be in the thick of this renaissance. Seton Farms is now a member of Boerboel Dog Breeders Association of Nigeria (BDBAN) an affiliate of South African Boerboel Breeders Society (SABBS) and we anticipate better opportunities to leverage and plan ahead. One thing we are definitely here to stay.


10.) Excellent, so what's your advise for anyone hoping to get a Boerboel?

 My advise would be to follow your heart and support your passion with adequate knowledge & implementation of the breed standards and membership to a breed club. It is key to ensure to work towards a break-even target to achieve a measure of sustainability.


11.) How can our readers / doglover contact you to buy thier future dogs /pups from you sir?

I can be reached via whatsapp 08037865889 , instagram: @salmauche-okeke

To be continued.....










Thank you Mrs. Salma Seton for honoring my call and to our readers, I also thank you my readers and implore that you stay tuned, keep reading pleasurably, keep getting inspired from our POSTS and continue to stay blessed.

Photo-credit: Jide Ajayi Pet Photography and Seton Farms.
(C)BABAJIDE'n'PAWS.
 This has been a publication of babajideandpaws.blogspot.com.ng
 All Rights Reserved.2016. 
You can email us: babajideandpaws@gmail.com
 or
call: +2348189030882
 Facebook: Ajayi Babajide Olusegun
Twitter: @jdogfather @JApetphoto
Instagram: @ajayibabajide @jideajayipetphotography

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