Alakija.com | photoblog » Bilal's peep

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Alakija.com

17 Sep 2007 • 1415 views

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camera	Canon EOS 5D
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aperture	f/2.0
sensitivity	ISO1600
focal length	50.0mm
resolution	2112x3168 pixels

Two days ago there was a debate on this blog about the apparent slump in the impact of my recent images. To my understanding, my recent style is not to the liking of many. Other people mentioned that the style in which I choose to portray my images shouldn't matter, but rather the focus should be on the fact that I am posting exactly what I (the photographer) want to post.

I had a think about both sides of the argument, and yes, it's true that I have decided to post what I want to post. And yes, it is also true that the initial plan was for alakija.com to be packed full with 'WOW' images. So in a sense, both sides of the argument are right.

However, I must add that one more thing wasn't taken into consideration. And that is the fact that over time, the standard of images that has become the norm on this site has risen. If you compare my recent images with those that were supposedly "amazing" in the past, you will find that there isn't really much of a difference. The lost impact several of you have complained about, isn't really a factor. What the problem is, is that though my standard is higher now than it was before, perhaps it hasn't improved for a while, and I've been at a standstill?

What I'm trying to say is that 'impact' is relative to the images that are posted around the time of the original post. To some people, this current image will be AMAZING relative to my previous two posts.

I think that if you view this image in context i.e. you consider how it was taken and when it was taken, your judgement of it might change slightly. To that end I will endeavour to give a little more history about my images to help you judge them independent of the other images I have posted on the blog.

Now this is an image of a young boy at a wedding I covered last weekend. It wasn't planned and therefore I was lucky! Is this image amazing? Or is it not? You decide!

johnnyg

17 Sep 2007, 00:21

I think this shot is amazing and I wish I'd catch my grandson in a similar position. As to the impact of a picture the only real answer is does the image evoke an emotion and would you buy the image based on the emotion.

Dotun Ayodeji

United States

17 Sep 2007, 00:41

Nice image bro, I think you put too much thoughts to what people say. You can't possibly satisfy everyone, photography is an expression and this could vary from shot to shot, keep doing what makes Jide happy.

London

17 Sep 2007, 01:19

Wow, Jide, this photo is incredible! The curiosity and 'who you looking at?' expression on Bilal's face are priceless.
I reiterate my comment from yesterday and wholeheartedly agree with Johnny's comment, your photographs evoke emotions. Clearly you can't please all of the people all of the time, but judging from the comments on your blog you really do have an overwhelmingly positive response. I really enjoy the impact of your photography and have just spent the past few hours browsing your archives (as if I don't have work in the morning!) What an incredible journey you've been on with your photography! I look forward to seeing your future work. Keep up the good job! Your work is very much appreciated.

E Etomi

Sweden

17 Sep 2007, 03:39

Thats a serious debate and I agree that youu should continue posting what you like . Your pictures haven't lost the wow factor.

Yinks

United States

17 Sep 2007, 05:23

Dotun thank you soo much for saving me typing time and effort with what you just said...
Jide nice capture as usual!

shakara

Nigeria

17 Sep 2007, 08:12

Slamming shot . . . I echo Dotuns views

Josef Renklint

Umeå, Sweden

17 Sep 2007, 11:07

Very good portrayal.. youth and curiosity, blended in a perfect mixture.

deji77

17 Sep 2007, 11:25

hehehehe...i do agree with Dotun 100%, keep doing what makes u happy. people will jump on board and people will leave

nevertheless I would be quick to add that for me the WOW in ur shots in recent times is HOW THE BLOODY HELL DO U GET TO CATCH THESE KIND OF MOMENTS grrrrhhhh?!?!!?!?!

Pocahontas

Great Britain (UK)

17 Sep 2007, 13:08

awww... check out his little fingers. I remember that as a kid , the first time I was able to open a door all by my self made me feel like I'd achieved something major. Jide, were you playing hide and seek with this kid? ...how did you know to wait for him?? This is an amazing shot! ...well timed!

Rayo previously Mo

United Kingdom

17 Sep 2007, 16:09

Ha Jide,

I am too in love with the Kija Man's work to be unbiased, but then, that must mean somethjing, i don't fall in love easily, if i keep coming back everyday then for me it's still a hundred percent all the way, keep having a blast doing what you love doing, i am just anxious to clinch my man before your wedding price hits the roof, i would love to be shot while it's still relatively modest.

Ha Mo above,

I think we need to rack out the ownership of the trademark Mo name tag, i cant believe i gave it up to you so easily, i mean you met me on shutterchance, you should have thought up a new name, please oh let WW3 not begin, i am only joking LOL.

Ngozi N

Nigeria

17 Sep 2007, 17:15

Still got the wow. I like this.

mista skee

In Skeetown

17 Sep 2007, 17:34

Stop playing to the crowd lol... You are gradually becoming a true artist. A true artist knows what he does is good and realizes that although others may or may not share his same unique view, never-the-less, has a message and anint afraid to share it

.

Your work has and is continuously improving but you need to be yourself more, being an influence not being "Influenced".

Skee has Spoken!

Gail Wiley

Sandwich

17 Sep 2007, 19:42

The shot is amazing and it dosn't matter if it was planned or not. My best shots just happened. I have no idea about this debate but I say, post what you please. I have many different styles going on. I am still trying to find my nitch. Then again, why limit myself.....who knows. I say you do great work, keep it up.

Dr A.W!

Nigeria

17 Sep 2007, 20:14

lucky or no, you deserve all the human credit for this amazing shot!
also i agree with dotun...don't put too much thought to waht people say!

Stan

17 Sep 2007, 20:41

The slant doesn't help the shot in my opinion. The expression and exposure are on the money though.

With regards to your posts, my view is that you aren't consistent enough. Personally i think on the whole, your photos are getting better.

klickd

Milton Keynes

17 Sep 2007, 23:03

Love his expressions ! Good one !

Bunmi O

Great Britain (UK)

22 Sep 2007, 06:50

My cuttie, Bilal looks georgeous in this picture. He's quite cheeky and was probably up to something mischevious when this shot was taken.

Jide, it was nice seeing you last week, I am looking forward to the wedding pics.

BeakerSt

Shutterchance

24 Sep 2007, 07:20

I love it, candid and mischevious

Chichi

Nigeria

26 Sep 2007, 10:35

cute little fellow. what was he peeping at?

u shhould frame this and give it to him when he is older. he'll owe u.

kemi a

Europe

21 Jan 2008, 15:24

cute Bilal...doing what he does best. Mr. photographer, keep doing ur outstanding work...wow...such amazing talent on display. i love every bit of it...u truely are talented.

Jide Alakija: Thanks Kemi. You're such an encouragement.

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