“Photography for me all started in the year 2014; awkwardly there was no
passion for photography whatsoever. I decided to seek greener pastures
because situation at the time for me was pathetic” -Lucas Ugo

Lucas Ugo / Mystreetz Magazine

Lagos as we all know is the Mecca for entertainment. Every entertainment
sector seems to thrive here because the hype matches the funds that come
with the business and to be candid, Lagos is more like a converging point;
some of the greatest minds celebrated today migrated from outside of these
shores. States like Enugu have produced some of the iconic music and art
minds in this country. One of those great creative minds right now ready to
take over the world is the photographer named Ugonna Chidera Ugwuoti,
popularly known in the industry as Lucas Ugo. This lad doesn’t just take
photos; he creates timeless art pieces with the click of his camera. Born
15th May 1994, he graduated from ESUT in 2015 where he studied Marketing.
The photography works from this native of Ogbozalla in Nsukka LGA in Enugu
state, speak volumes.

“Photography for me all started in the year 2014; awkwardly there was no
passion for photography whatsoever. I decided to seek greener pastures
because situation at the time for me was pathetic due to lack of financial
stability. So I’m free to say that brokenness inspired my craft. I’m glad
to say the journey ever since then has been a roller coaster ride. I have
learnt a lot over the years even though my first ever training was financed
and sponsored by my father, subsequent teachings were based on online
tutorials and contents. The zeal to learn became strong and I realized this
was actually meant for me. Ever since then, I’ve been getting accolades for
the good work I put out.” – He laughed as he started narrating his story to
me.

*Your form of photography*

“I enjoy portraits and creative photography more. I delved into wedding
photography and have been doing quite well in it over the years though I do
not have much passion for it. It pays quite well in this part of the
country unlike portrait photography hence my interest in it.”

*Views on the Photography industry in Enugu*

“Photography in Enugu is not placed as a valuable aspect of life. There
isn’t an understanding of how much goes into the craft and come out of it.
So we do not receive much pay as our counterparts in the western side of
the country. For instance, the cost of sessions in the west is so high
compared to the east. Charges here are ridiculously poor and it does not
help or encourage the business. The limitations are however much more than
the positives.”

*The name Lucas Ugo and the person!*

“Lucas is actually a nickname, from the TV series One Tree Hill, my
favourite actor was called that. I’m very jovial; I am 80% of the time not
serious. My friends think I’m funny, but I think I’m just a life
enthusiast.”

– Words by Sesan Adeniji