from my eyes to you...

Nigeria God+Love+Photography=The Good Life All photographs belong to elnukawo except the ones reblogged

[elnukawo]

The days go by so fast... #StayAtHome #StaySafe 

(This was during the COVID lockdown...forgot to post)

[elnukawo]

Aaron’s Grooming is a men’s care and grooming establishment. 

[elnukawo]

The birth of Aaron

It’s been a long while since I posted anything on my blog. Only just realised how long when I saw the date of my last post.

Funny how time flies and how things change...somethings are new, some not so new. I had been pondering on how to effectively take care of my beard.This gave me a lot of sleepless nights. So around my birthday, I finally decided to go for it. That was when the all the pieces started coming together. I had done a lot of research and decided to validate them (more sleepless nights). Conducted a lot of testing to get the right blend. I must say, understanding the requirement of my beard and as one who wants to be served (falling within the category of my target market) I needed to get things right. 

Soon as the formula for the right blend was achieved, I put out a survey to people within my target demography and the response pointed out the other pain points. This helped with modification to address these needs ahead of market testing. Samples were sent to over 30 people who had earlier filled the survey. Over a third willingly gave feedback via a return survey. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed by the feedback. 

So it became official...

Aaron’s Grooming

[elnukawo]

Knowledge

It's so powerful how it's all around you...all you need to do is seek and you will find. I just got around to watching a short video clip on composition. I had asked Jide Alakija about composition and he humbly pointed me to a YouTube video. Earlier this week, I had taken kapachao to work and on returning, little man with his usual welcome...so I decided to take a few shots. I had written off all the images except one. So I edited and exported for is at a later date.

For some reason, I decided to settle down and watch the 45min or so clip and in the middle of watching, I paused and cropped the images and was shocked at how invoking they became...needless to say the initial image got cropped and it looked more intriguing.

It's all in the process...as a wise preacher said, we fail because we are ignorant in that area. All you need is seek knowledge cause God is knowledge. (Paraphrased)

[elnukawo]

Emilia and Sam….Loading

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles 12…: The finale - In this I’m well pleased

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.”

When I stumbled on this verse, it just gave a great context. It was certainly an eye opening journey, which gave me a different perspective and re-ignited the love of the process and the feeling of kapachao in my hands.

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles 11…Growth

In my bid to come up with the finale image of the quarry chronicles, I had made some beautiful images of Mr. Minash as I felt my experience at the quarry would not be complete without an image that was iconic. I had taken all these before I got the one I was happy with…

Too many people want to know the end of the journey before they are willing to take the first step. And that’s where we have put the limit. “There is nothing new under the sun,” so they stay  back. They don’t pursue growth. They wait for the discoveries of life to come to them, and they are always disappointed. The real joy of the journey is that each step we take begins to unfold new discoveries. It is only after we’ve learned new things that we can look back and realize what we didn’t know—and how much more there is to learn. And our new knowledge and discoveries become the motivation for us to continue the journey. Before long, we begin to realize that the destination isn’t what we desire; rather, it is the growth we experience along the way. And we discover that there is no finish line. Where will your growth journey take you? I don’t know. I’ve gone farther and done much more than I ever dreamed of while growing up in this small corner of the world….Lagos. Back then I couldn’t have imagined where I am now. So take the road that’s open before you. Take a step. Make personal growth your daily habit. First, let the road take you where it leads. As you grow, begin to make choices at each juncture. Over time you will become more proactive, more directive, more intentional in where it leads you. But always remain open and teachable. Keep allowing yourself to be surprised every day. Grow into the person you have the potential to be. You’ll never regret it.  (Strongly adapted from John Maxwell’s Developing the Leader within you 2.0)

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles ....10: The wise man

I was initially apprehensive about how it would go but to my surprise I found a great man, filled with wisdom and experience. Mr. Minash (Papa) as he is fondly called by everyone. I think I must have been the only one who wasn’t on that wagon…I guess I was just used to Mr. Mnash.

Looking, you can see how wisdom and experience has taken its toll…in slow pace I see patience and reflection…

…when I see his grey, I see years of experience

This year, I had gone into deep reading, trying to expand my mind with books. Quite a number were written by John Maxwell. So it was just elating to see someone living out most of the principles in those books. I could relate to them and understood all his actions and could so easily predict certain things wearing his hat.

About 4 years ago, I had done something similar for a smaller quarry but this time around, every thing connected and made more sense. I definitely know that we will be working on something in the nearest future God willing.

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles...9: Constantine ....Kostas for short

Kostas was the most warm and friendly. I think all my weight gain can be blamed on him. He made sure everything was ok with me. So on this day when I took his picture (above), it was his name day. In Greece, they celebrate their birthday and name day. I think that was the first time I thought about having a baptismal name....but hey Perez is good enough for me.

I had given him a bottle of Louis Roederer as a friendly gift which he decided to open for us to drink. I think he was one of the people who made the experience memorable. I always appreciated when we talked about possible improvements and how workable they are. Quite an open and awesome guy I must say...awesome!!

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles…8: Nights & Deuces

There were nights I’d just go around and make small talk. People appreciate the little attention. Why do you think Social media is thriving? I guess we can be social without the media

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles...7: Papa 2

So Mr. Thanasis; Papa 2 as he is fondly called by the workers, was like a father figure. Really got his hands dirty and was compassionate about the workers. Every ready to pour out from his experience to develop the ones he supervised.

Though he wasn’t fluent in English, I noticed something shocking...he and they guys he worked with at the pit had some kind of sign language they’d signal each other from a great distance and immediately info was clear...no need for words. I was like wow! now this is a jedi ...I’m trying to get people who even have masters from the abroad to understand my own ‘kenkele’ hand gestures and we are struggle with ‘come agains’...this baba dey do am to awon loki and they gerrit. kai! twale....

This images were taking on his last day at the quarry. Up until his ride 30mins to his ride for the airport, he was still working like he was still a staff. People we still wondering if he was still leaving or he was pulling their legs. Never, seen such dedication. The mood wasn’t upbeat that day....cause Papa 2 was gone.

[elnukawo]

Father’s day initiation....

so it was father’s day today. After receiving the word...and the fun meeting with the iMedia leads...the grand patrons decided to initiate me into the ‘amala gang’.

A couple of people thought I was joking when I said I was going to tag along and join the ‘elite greasy’ gang. Anyways, here’s my version of the story...(slightly edited for my entertainment).

So Aunty Laura was first talking about the biggest bokoto she’s ever seen and how all the oil was pouring on her dress (please at this point remember that I edited for my own entertainment...lol)

Aunty Tolani was like its a lie jo...did you take a picture...show me.

a few seconds in the long gallery of indomie and amala...she finally whips out the picture....

you can tell the fascination of Aunty Tolani...as she started imagining how yummy it was and thought of the fact that you’d have to be the first in the door to get such a special cut..

At this point, I was stunned at the obsession and said you guys snap back to reality...

‘what??! so we can’t daydream again??’ 

You don’t know Kunle...you just need to taste it and you’d see...

Let’s see if you wont be hooked....

Me: Look ladies, I eat amala...and I’m not like this...so calm down. So my food arrived....

It was good...I must say...and greasy too. ((licking lips))

Now you have officially been initiated...till our next meeting...Peace out!!

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles...6: Selling Andreas

Of all the gentlemen, Andreas was literally the last to connect with. I think it was more from the perspective where he wondered what my place was in all of this...or maybe he just wasn’t that into people. I always knew I’d get a push back and cold shoulder from him...and I kind of got used to it but didn’t relent. Eventually, the wall was broken (I’m assuming there was one...for all I know, he must have thought there was nothing).

I think it must have been after he saw the pictures I had taken of Mr. Minash. He got so excited and animated that I was surprised to see that side of him. Everyday afterwards, I was greeted with a smile. (before then...I guess I thought I was thin air...like I said, this was what was going on in my head)...Andreas, in case you’re reading this...errr...I’m sure you understand...and know what I’m talking about...lol!

So one day, he tells me..”kunle, you must take a portfolio for me with lots of pictures like Mr. Minash” . Reaching to his phone and showing me, he goes on to say “look, on my phone I don’t even have pictures of myself, I just can’t do that selfie thing” (more like - with the kind of personality I have, I can’t be caught dead taking a selfie or posing for someone’s camera phone...so beneath me! *raising chin*) ...I must say again, that’s my own interpretation...pls I can be so imaginative so abeg leave me, its my story so you only get to hear my version. Once more Andreas, if you’re reading this...errr...you know that’s my only opinion on the reason why you don’t have any picture of anybody on your phone excepts pictures of damaged parts, equipment problems, etc. (oh gosh, I’m sure you’d have my head after reading this..lol!).

Anyway, back to my point before I got distracted...So I said not to worry, kapachao and I would see what we can do. Then he goes on to say one more thing... “Please I’d like them in black and white. I think B&W makes powerful profiles.” Oh boy! several creative sparks went off in my head...this guy has just made my day! (my dream couple will be the one that would allow me to deliver their wedding photos in B&W...hmmm... that will be the day).

So I just kept imagining the texture that would suit him, context, etc. So I told him that he shouldn’t worry I’d get those images...and I don’t want him interfering with the types of images I would create but let me have the creative freedom to capture what depicts him on a typical day. So I waited for a few days to go by so he was less aware of me and Kapachao or maybe he must have assumed I was never going to take his picture. 

Here’s the result of me sneaking up on him...him not noticing...him noticing...him trying to act like I’m not there...but can’t...lol!

By the way Andreas, you owe me 400 buck because you didn’t think you’d look this fly. I’m collecting when next I’m up in that joint!!

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles ...5: Not such a random thought

And here’s the miracle of art: when we do create just for ourselves, and we do it in the truest way possible, there might be some person that is touched in some way by your honesty. Your search for beauty. Your unflinching gaze. Your willingness to ask the hard questions. The astonishingly rare courage to be yourself.... If you search for joy in the applause or recognition of even one other person before you find it in yourself, not only might you never find it, you might discover the art you make begins to have less and less of your own voice within it. - David duChemin

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles…4: oNe

Nights at the quarry was filled with long walks…I’d pace and in a matter of an hour and half, I will clock my 10,000th step of the day. Most of all, I appreciated the clarity from those solemn walks…reflection and oneness. Being able to block out the noise…and retrace my steps.

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles...3: Giannis, the controlled hunk

Giannis...where do I start? He is so collected and focused...got his fanny pack with his electrical tools...nice electrician gloves...wheres his hat and shades all day. Well organised and precise. But boy does he love his bread. 

No sooner as I got to hang with these gentlemen I realised that they eat bread with everything...and I mean everything! i.e. chicken pasta cheese, greek salad, cream of mushroom soup and some slice bread. Hmmm...trying to think back...did he eat some slice of bread with his pizza?? *rubbing chin* Gianni happens to be the bread plug...even when they are out of bread, dude whips out a fresh loaf. Well, you know what they say...when you're in Greece you eat like the Greek! So I joined the fad...really filling.

There is a side to Gianni that's hidden...one that exudes hunkiness.

[elnukawo]

Quarry Chronicles ...2: The Georges

I think I’d start the introductions with the Georges. Let’s call them George 1 & 2..lol. 

Both aren’t so fluent in English but George 1 handles earth moving fleet. Between the two, he speaks little or no English but we tend to understand each other from his one word sentences i.e. says a word and hand gestures does the rest.  I can really relate to that because I’ve always had challenges bringing out all in my mind into sentences so at some point (during university till date...though less now) I tend to say incomplete sentences and use sounds and hand gestures to complete the sentence. Sometimes it works, other times (the not so smart ones...lol) call my attention to the fact they didn’t get my little charade game. It was no surprise to me that I got his message all the time. One thing that resonates with me was his smile...always genuine and warm. 

Moving on to George 2, on first impression, I had thought he was quite fluent until he shied away from having a lengthy conversation with me... that was when I was like Ah..ha!! You no sabi!! He’s the owl...asleep during the day and up all night ensuring everything goes well. He made me a cup of greek coffee and I must say, that stuff packed a punch...maybe he just wanted to show me pepper or that was how he takes it because the residue at the bottom alarmed my soul!

Needless to say, I was up till the next morning cause of that...so WIRED!! That was when I got into a conversation with Kunbi (Aunty Perfete) about how a lot of people don’t know they are actually addicts. My girl Golibe and a few other people can’t do without it. Guys...you need rehab!

I digress... so you’d definitely get him better just looking at him...friendly...cool...hungry once he is up...minding his business...ready to go brew his coffee...and always making jest of the cook and her assistant (I seem to have forgotten to snap them picture...sigh) . He is the only one who seems to be a companion during my wee hour walks...well, more like, he drives past me a couple of times.