So one day I walk into work and I noticed somebody sitting in my seat at my desk..First thought: You're ass is late, so you're ass is fired. Don't bother punching in. Actually it turns out he was hired to lessen load. Not long after we became good friends. But "Funmi" isn't the type of brother that is hard to get along with. Sharp but silly. Classic but abstract. A good f**kin photographer, period.
The thing that really knocked me off balance about this kid is that he's extremely humble for someone so professional and highly skilled. A person you can trust to be consistant in most but especially one aspect: themselves. A product of discipline. A product of Lagos, Nigeria. The Most Beatifullest Blog would like to introduce you to Olorunfunmi Adeshina.
The Most Beautifullest: What up Funmi?
Olorunfunmi Adeshina: Chin' chilla....
TMB: Lol....So you're name is pretty interesting. Does it have meaning?
O.A.: In Yoruba language my full name Olorunmunfi Adeshina means: God gave me a royal breakthrough.
TMB: Word?! I think my name means: Dark Warrior or some shit. (Thanks Dad...This guy gets a Royal Breakthrough and what'do I get?) Sike...So why Photography?
O.A.: Actually, it all started in Feb. of '05. We had this Spring Fling on campus and I wanted to take pictures so I went to Center City (Philly) to the Gallery, to the Ritz and got my first film camera. I got 9 rolls of film and was taking pictures like I never have in my life. After I got the film developed and I saw how the pictures came out I was so excited I called my sister and my room mates just to show them how good they looked. It was right then and there I decided to continue taking pictures. The only thing that has been driving me ever since, was to get better. Like...the passion to be better.
TMB: How would you describe your style or would you rather not label it. I know how it is to be disected and put into packages with dumb ass descriptions.
O.A.:I dont think that I have a particular style. I just see things differently.
TMB: Differently?
O.A. The way I see things are just....different. Like when I see something, I see it my own way, I know I have a style and I know... (sigh).. Let's just say I really don't have a label for my work. I interpret it the way I think it should be interpreted. I try to add more feeling...More meaning. More than a photograph. But a message. I want people to look at my work and not only see its beauty but to at least see the meaning of the image. It's not always about beauty but how we feel. I'm not only a photographer but also a historian.
TMB: That's what separates the pros from the novice. Knowing what you're trying to accomplish before you go off shooting any/everything and calling it good. Plan & execute, right?
O.A.: Yeah...actually..I don't plan anything in my life but my photos. I have to have an idea before I shoot.
TMB: So no spy work?
O.A.: Hahahaha...No.... But actually that's personally what I do when I take photos. Sneaking in and taking photos without being noticed. Pictures that people don't expect us to take, usually look the best. Like: Mars!
TMB: Huh?
O.A.: *Clicks picture* Haha!!
TMB: Damn son caught me off guard....So, is there anybody you're interested in shooting in particular.
O.A. No...I just want to shoot pictures of everyday people. Characters that people can identify with.
TMB: Dig...So what have you been listening to on the music tip?
O.A.: I listen to everything. I dont have a particular genre I listen to. If it sounds good, I listen. That's where I get my most of my ideas from. Music...and everyday life.
TMB: But if you had to say...Like what you think is "the best of the best"?...
O.A. Well I think what I enjoy listening to the most is like Old Schoolers like the Marvin Gayes, Alexander O' Neals, the Gerald Leverts, who are these guys again (snapping fingers) ....Earth, Wind & Fire..There are so many of them I just cant remember their names right now.
TMB: What about Bobby Womack?
O.A. Who? I might have heard his music but the name doesn't ring a bell.
TMB: What?!?! ok...Interview over....get out!!..Sike..Yeah, here at The Most Beautifullest, Mr. Womack is king. (Sorry Bobby..)
O.A. I listen to some new stuff too....Anything that makes me happy like (ill beatbox). Like Timberland or stuff like that.
TMB: Have you been reading anything lately?
O.A.: The last book I read was The Sacred Place by Daniel Black. It about what blacks went through in the 1940 & '50's..Racism and prejudice. But the main story is about ..
TMB: Hold up Funmi we can't can't tell them what it's about. Damn... Any projects you want the people to know to watch out for?
O.A. Alot...That's all that I can say.
TMB: Aight Funm'. I'll see you at work tomorrow dunny...
O.A. Thanks man. This was alot of fun. Hehehe!
Tues. July 24th, 2007 3:17 am. Out.
The Most Beautifullest Interrogation #1:
1: Biggie or Pac?----------------------------------------Pac.
2: Mac or PC?-------------------------------------------Mac.
3: McDonalds or KFC------------------------------------Neither.
4: Beer or Liquor?---------------------------------------Beer.
5. Movies or Reading?-----------------------------------Movies, son..
6. Billionaires Boys Club or H&M?--------------------------H&M.
7. Boring & Beautiful Woman or Funny and So-So Woman? -----Funny & So-So
8. Fight or Run?-----------------------------------------Run.
9. Film Camera or Digital Camera?-------------------------Film.
10. Spike or Quentin?------------------------------------Spizzike.
Funmi can be contacted, hired or propositioned at:
http://www.kolureimages.com