Okolo Santiago Thompson: Smart with pictures, modelling

What is your name and how did you get into photography?
My name is Okolo Santiago Kosischukwu Thompson. I am five years old. I am a junior photographer. My interest in photography started with watching my mother, who is a professional photographer.

I always watch my mum during photo shoots inside the studio while she works. I see how she sets the studio lights and how she takes pictures. With time and some practice, I started taking pictures of my mum and also help her out by taking clients’ pictures. She is the one that takes my pictures during Kids fashion and modelling.

Do you have any challenges in the field?
My challenges include handling the settings of the pro cameras. I can use other standard photo cameras and smartphones to take magnificent shoots, but I haven’t got a small camera to start practising great photoshoots at home and outdoors.Sometimes, mummy helps me solve these challenges by showing me the settings on the camera and by also practising with me. This has helped me to better understand and handle the settings.

Who are your models in this area?
My role models are my mummy and Uncle Pascal King. I have learnt so much from them, and I am still learning. My mummy has been especially helpful. Whenever I close from school, she takes me home and ensures that I relax. She does this by giving me a bathe, after which I eat and do my homework.

Afterwards, my mum brings me straight to the photo studio with her to gain more knowledge and skill. I always join my mummy in the studio during photo shoots. Then, I watch her closely to see and learn from everything she does. She encourages me and I ask her questions on the things I don’t understand.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from my mum. I have a passion for photography and modelling because I am a picture freak. But I still need a small camera to help me and to improve on my skill and experience.

What is your advice to other kids?
My advice to other kids out there is that they should not waste their talents. They should do everything possible to develop and use their talents meaningfully and productively. They will succeed in this, if they get the assistance of their parents and other adults that will help them in their area(s) of specialty. The good Lord has already blessed everyone’s handworks through our destiny. So, it is left for us to showcase our talents and teach others, so they would be able to learn from them and be encouraged by them.