Okocha is Nigeria’s greatest player, Messi’s my GOAT – Fola Stag

Popular photographer and influencer Fasanmi Afolabi, known as Fola Stag, talks about his journey into photography, his passion for food photography, his admiration for Lionel Messi, and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

How did you get into photography?

I got into photography around 2013. But even before photography, I had always loved sketching and acting, so I was naturally drawn to creative things. Then I met my friend, Esther, whose father was the official photographer for First Bank at the time. He introduced me to his friend, Mr Afolabi, who took me under his wing and taught me the basics of photography. That was really where the journey started for me.

What first attracted you to photography and made you decide to pursue it as a career?

I think it was the storytelling aspect of photography. I was also fascinated by colours, faces and the way one could capture emotions and moments that people might otherwise forget. Eventually, I realised that photography was not just something I enjoyed; it was something I could actually build a career around.

What kept you going when you were still trying to establish yourself in the industry?

Definitely passion, but also the feeling that there were still so many stories yet to be told. There were times when things were not moving as fast as I wanted, but I always felt like I had not scratched the surface yet. There were more ideas in my head, more things I wanted to create and more stories I wanted to tell. That kept me going.

Did your family support your decision to pursue photography?

It was a bit of a struggle initially because photography was not what I studied, so it was difficult for my family to fully understand how it could become a career. But my elder sister was a major supporter. She believed in me and encouraged me, especially at a time when I was still trying to figure things out myself.

While growing up in school, what sports did you participate in?

I played lawn tennis while I was in school, though not in any serious or professional way, and I was pretty good at it, even though I was quite short.

What did you enjoy the most about it?

It was the precision and agility one needs to play tennis. One has to be very alert, anticipate an opponent’s moves and make precise decisions in a split second. I really enjoyed that aspect of the game.

Would you have liked to pursue a sports career?

I am not quite sure, but maybe swimming.

Did you grow up in a sports-loving household?

I grew up in different households, so it varied.

Who would you say is your favourite sportsman or sportswoman?

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Lionel Messi.

What sports do you enjoy the most and what team do you support?

In recent times, I have really started enjoying football. I have been a fan of Liverpool since my secondary school years. I fell in love with the club’s logo, and Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were also my heroes back then.

Who is your GOAT in all of sports?

Lionel Messi is the GOAT.

What do you think of the Super Eagles, and who do you think is the greatest Nigerian player?

I think the older generation of Super Eagles players had a different kind of relationship with the game. They seemed to play with so much passion and personality, and football felt like a huge part of their lives. With the newer generation, I think the game has changed. There are different distractions and pressures now, and players are also navigating social media and the influencer side of fame. As for the greatest Nigerian player, for me, it is Jay-Jay Okocha. His skill, creativity and ability to entertain were just incredible.

Is there any you would like to go on a date with?

Kanu Nwankwo. He just looks like a very chill and funny person. I feel like we would have a very interesting conversation, and photographing him would be fun too.

Would you encourage your kids to pursue a career in sports? What if it’s boxing?

Yes, I will encourage my kids to do sports as a hobby, and possibly as a career if they wish to. But boxing is a little extreme for me. I do not like violence.

Who or what would you say has influenced your style as a photographer?

A lot of things, honestly. International music videos have influenced me quite a bit because of the way they use lighting, colour and storytelling. I also followed photographers like Karl Taylor, Aaron Nace and Clay Cook, among many others. But as I have evolved, my passion for food has also started influencing my photography a lot. I think my style today is really a combination of all those influences and my own experiences.

What advice would you give to young photographers who are trying to make a name for themselves?

First, enjoy the process. Do not become so obsessed with the destination that you forget to enjoy becoming better. Also, learn lighting properly. I think understanding light can completely transform your photography.

What is one piece of equipment or skill you could not do without?

I would say cooking is a skill I could not do without. Photography and food have become so connected for me that being able to cook and understand food from a chef’s perspective has really helped me become a better food photographer and storyteller. I am currently working on a project called Bowls of Culture. It is essentially a project about showcasing Nigerian soups to the world, telling the stories behind them, the people, the regions and the culture that surround them. For me, it is more than just photographing food. It is about documenting and preserving our culinary heritage and presenting Nigerian food in a way that can be appreciated globally.