Meet Samuel Olaniyan | Creative Photographer and Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samuel Olaniyan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samuel, what do you attribute your success to?
Embracing authenticity and self-expression is crucial to my creative journey. Whenever I attempt to replicate the style of a specific photographer, I find my creativity stifled. I firmly believe that by freeing myself from external influences and constraints, I unlock the potential for true success in my art. As a Nigerian, our culture is inherently expressive, encompassing language, food, fashion, and art. By preserving the boundless nature of authenticity and self-expression, I not only create art but also contribute to something profound and meaningful.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Reaching where I stand today was challenging, especially in a world overflowing with exceptional art. It’s all too easy to get ensnared in the web of comparison and believe your work will never receive the recognition it deserves. Overcoming these thoughts demanded a conscious decision to dive head first into projects and find joy in the process itself. Additionally, having a supportive community that appreciates my artistic vision provided the motivation needed to persist in pursuing my goals.

My true passion lies in creating art that transports people to new realms or carries a profound message. Rushing to find ideas has always been a vain attempt for me, leading to disappointment. that being so, I’ve come to accept that I might go for months without capturing another photo until the perfect concept takes shape in my mind. An example that embodies this realization is my recent project titled “Creation,” where I intertwined nature and humanity in a dreamlike world. Allowing the idea and the two-day shoot to unfold organically resulted in the exact outcome I envisioned.

This experience has fueled my excitement for my upcoming short film, “Hearing But Not Listening.” Throughout this artistic journey, I’ve learned that approaching each project with intentionality and diligence yields results far beyond my initial imagination. The process itself holds the key to unlocking something extraordinary.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, there are so many cool places I wish we could hit up in just one week! First things first, Andretti’s would be a blast for some awesome fun. Then, we’d grab a tasty brunch at Breadwinners and check out AT&T Discovery District, which is super cool. For dinner, it’s got to be Carbone in the Design District – their food rocks! And to keep the party going, let’s head to Grandscape in The Colony for a fun time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“Oh, absolutely! When I first started my photography journey, I had no idea what I wanted to achieve or even how to take a proper photo. Thanks to incredible YouTubers like Jessica Kobeissi and Mango Street, I learned the essential fundamentals of photography and lighting, which laid the groundwork for my growth. Moreover, my family, friends, and models, such as Suh Kapapi and Carson Alexander, generously allowed me to capture artistic moments through their collaboration. Their support has been invaluable, and I wouldn’t have reached the level of excellence in my photography without them.

In addition to people, music plays a significant role in inspiring certain themes for my work. Artists like Kayleigh and Tobi Adey have been instrumental in guiding me through the creative process, pushing the boundaries of my imagination. As I continue to embrace authenticity and self-expression, the combination of these influences shapes my photography into something deeply meaningful and uniquely personal.”

Website: samuelolaniyan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsamolaniyan/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@samuelolaniyan5176/featured

Other: Hearing But Not Listening https://www.instagram.com/hbnlfilm/ Photography account https://www.instagram.com/ethereal_filmz/