Meet Nigeria’s youngest Photographer

So there I was, standing by at 6 am in the morning pretending to be waiting for the Social Media Week shuttle. But the truth was, I was more into waiting for Anu to show up. Who is this 5 years old keeping me waiting? Suddenly there she was, on time and with her signature cap on. I adjusted my fedora hat quickly, stood upright as this little majesty waltz into our midst (photographers) unafraid. After exchanging pleasantries with her, I started thinking. What significant thing did I do with myself at age five outside planting a boiled egg and hoping it would grow so that I could selfishly have more than one egg to eat. (Still waiting for my harvest over 50 years after).

Well, this is not about me so let’s go back to Anu. She gisted with a few photographers and settled down to enjoy the shuttle bus taking us all to Landmark. Immediately we got there, the real Anu emerged. Everyone knew her. The security people didn’t dare to ask “her majesty” for her gate pass/tag. It was given to her on personal recognition whilst others were waiting in the queue. Off she went slapping high fives and taking her shots.

I caught up with her later and wanted to see what type of shots she was taking. “Anu let me see your shots,” I asked expecting to see cut off heads and legs. She disappointed me. Her shots were perfect. These were not pictures taken by a 5-year-old. These are adult professional shots. Her Dad said she started at two. I wonder what I was doing with my life as a 2-year-old?

Later in the day, I saw her draw her dad to one side having indicated to all that this conversation was supposed to be private. He returns back and says to me “Anu has a present for you”. This child made me almost weep. She gave me a framed photo of some rocks at a beach.

And here I was, overwhelmed by this child’s gesture. I didn’t even bring a present for her. (Lesson learned from a baby girl) .

I could say more but let me stop here.

Thanks, Anu. It was a privilege shooting side by side with you. I wish you the best in life. I pray, in someday not far from now you will be at Aso Rock taking pictures of Mr. President and from there to the USA to shoot Donald Trump too, etc.

God bless you real good in Jesus Glorified name. Amen.

Let’s now enjoy the Prose/poem I wrote concerning ANU.

How do I write about Anufotogirl

What exactly do I say about her

She is an ever-flowing river of youth, energy and creative wisdom

I have to do something to mask my ignorance.

Should I hide her in my phrases expecting them to speak about her

Or put her in the deep waters of the stanzas

Maybe blend this cute beauty in the mystery of metaphors

Believing the discerning will understand and find her there.

So I tried and it became a hit and miss activity

For every minute she unveiled another side of her charming personality

A few seconds back she is a baby needing candy

Next minute she is a professional applying the rule of the thirds.

An adorable wonder at 5

Innocently cute, direct and cuddly

Bold beauty, our “Mufasa” in the jungle of photography

Mention who is who, she has shot them and would still do.

Tiny hands manipulating the humongous DSLR

Sporting the prey she zooms into action with her feet

Click after click as she meanders through the forest of lenses and leggy adults

Prey in focus, this is easier than playing with legos and crayons.

Rat tat tat tat goes the shutter goes again

The young “huntress” spots a lonely “prey”

How many has she shot today

Explore digital spaces and archival papers for updates.

“Let’s go shoot the barbecue”

Who was I to disobey her orders

“Carry me up” the next instruction

Click click click, these are not single shots.

Anu, the oxygen of the entire social media week

Hi-fiving and fist-bumping with Media Moguls her game

Don’t ever dare her by turning your camera towards her

Except you are ready for a duel, a camera shoot out, which you would never win.

SELAH.

To read another Poem Call her girl, lady, she, her, Woman

What do you think about this post? What advice would you give her and her parents? Let me have your comments.