In Conversation With: Udochukwu Emeka-Okafor
Asma Ali and Farhia Ali, as seen by Udochukwu Emeka-Okafor
The London-based photographer speaks on the “Way Back Home” photoshoot that graced the cover of Issue One, what inspires her photography, and the importance of Black creative expression.
Udochukwu Emeka-Okafor photographed by Lorraine Khamali
Would you like to introduce yourself, for those that aren’t familiar with you?
Hi! My name is Udochukwu (Udo) Emeka-Okafor, and I’m a photographer and filmmaker from London, England. I’m currently in my final year of university at the Arts University Bournemouth, where I study BA Commercial Photography.
What kind of work do you produce?
I produce mostly fashion editorials, but I’m interested in documentary photography as well. Which is why you’ll see a lot of my work often blends these two genres together. I like to tell stories with my work, and I feel blurring the lines between documentary and fashion allows me to do that effectively.
What inspired you to start?
My interest in photography actually developed from my love of film and cinema. I didn’t know what it was called at the time, but I was allured by the cinematography in the films that I’d watched as a child. I was about 15 when I convinced my mum to buy me my first DSLR camera. Initially, I only used it to create YouTube videos and practice filmmaking in artistic ways. I’d never used it for photography before, until one day, when I was like, oh this has a camera feature too? [laughs]
From there I was mostly photographing my friends. I became obsessed with taking portraits of people and things that interested me. My family took notice and encouraged me to take up photography at college.
“I would stay up at all hours of the night, Monday to Sunday, researching, shooting, editing – it almost became the only thing I did. I remember producing so much work back then. I just loved it.”
Was there anyone that you looked up to or drove you to become the kind of creative that you are?
Following up from my college days, my photography teacher, Richard Sainsbury, was a huge inspiration. He was one of the first people to see something special in my work, which I couldn’t see at the time. He inspired me to keep creating. His constant positive attitude towards the work I was producing helped me improve with every shoot that I did. His feedback and encouragement made me want to do better.
From this I was more active on my course, I would stay up at all hours of the night, Monday to Sunday, researching, shooting, editing – it almost became the only thing I did. I remember producing so much work back then. I just loved it. It was exciting, still is. There are a number of artists I discovered whilst on my photography streak, such as Horst P. Horst, William Eggleston, Stephen Shore and Gregory Crewdson etc. Learning and experimenting with these contemporary and historical styles seem to have shaped me into the creative I am today.
How did the Way Back Home series come to be?
I’d been given a new brief at uni which focused on exploring narrative. Being my area of interest, I was eager to create something that would push the bar of my previous projects. Mostly from self-inspiration, my projects are diversity conscious and often explore parts of my personal life in various subtle ways.
In terms of ‘Way Back Home’, I had just watched the 2019 Netflix series, ‘When They See Us’ and was heavily inspired by the quote: “Don’t ever think you’re alone. I’m walking through this with you. You cry, I cry. You mad, I’m mad. You scared; I’m scared. You free, I’m free. You and me, always,” by Linda McCray (Marsha Stephanie Blake).
That summer, I had participated in the Miss Universe Great Britain pageant where I met a girl, Farhia Ali, who ended up becoming one of my really close friends. I knew that whatever I was working on next she would have to be a part of. She just had this incredibly ethereal essence about her that I was determined to capture. She surprisingly had no modelling experience and actually hated the idea of being photographed [laughs]. The same went for her sister, Asma Ali, who I casted after seeing Farhia’s Instagram story of them. They looked so much alike and I’d been looking for a sort of ‘twin’ casting... it all just kind of fell into place! Going back to the storyboard, I built onto the narrative of my project by developing the story, which now focused on two sisters and the bond they share.
Is there a meaning behind the title?
It’s about having a home away from home. Not a literal one, but the home you find within the people closest to you. Being of Nigerian descent and growing up in England, I always felt that I was missing a vital connection in terms of closeness with my community. Luckily, I grew up in a big family with many siblings, so I didn’t miss out on bonding in that respect. ‘Way Back Home’ is sort of an answer, a reminder to those who feel left out – it highlights the fact that you can have a home in people, whether that’s a family member or a friend.
“‘Way Back Home’ is sort of an answer, a reminder to those who feel left out – it highlights the fact that you can have a home in people, whether that’s a family member or a friend.”
The series presents this idea through the casting, as I used actual sisters and purposely posed them in close proximity whilst reflecting each other’s movements in order to show their bond / connection. I also did this through styling, by matching their outfits, as well as creating a wardrobe of bold prints that is reminiscent of African patterns. The vast green location was also an homage to the motherland and was meant as a symbol of adventure or journey to find ‘home’, which was sort of a play on the narrative, as they already have what they are searching for (each other); it’s just about realizing it.
Having a Muslim cast also expressed this sense of culture and authentic representation of belonging to a community. In conclusion: home is where the heart is. Also, this is very ironic, but I was literally inspired by ‘Way Back Home’ by Cordae – the song and album cover just made sense with the concept of my project and it’s funny because I’d only just found and started listening to his song a few weeks before the project originated, and it just happened to fit together perfectly.
Would you be able to describe that day?
Traumatizing [laughs]. It was actually quite hard setting on a date for the shoot, as schedules didn’t fit together for weeks and weeks. So even though there was going to be some ‘light rain’ the day we finally agreed to shoot, we set out anyway... that ’light rain’ weather forecast quickly turned into heavy rain and less than 3 minutes into shooting we were welcomed by a heavy thunderstorm and hail.
My team worked so hard though. My mum, who was just supposed to drop us off at the location, actually ended up becoming an assistant for the shoot. She carried umbrellas and let us use her car as a changing room, waiting room, etc. She did it all. And my models too. It’s not often you come across such enthusiastic models, especially since this was all friendly favours for a small uni project. They were so eager to work in the rain, ran through mud, changed in the car... I was so grateful for everyone’s efforts. A lot of equipment got wet, especially the cameras but I shot through it; umbrella in hand and all.
Right after shooting the first look the rain cleared and the sun magically appeared! I guess the rain started us off with the right determination and eager attitude that lasted throughout the shoot. All in all, it was an adventurous day and ended up being lots of fun with memories to keep forever.
How did you feel when you saw how the images came out? How do you feel about them now? Any difference?
I was so happy. Surprised. But happy. Because on the day of the shoot I actually had another problem (apart from the rain) where the Mamiya I borrowed had stopped working. Luckily, I’d brought my backup 35mm. Everything happens for a reason, as I ended up loving the look of the 35mm way more than the medium format. It was a blessing in disguise really, but at the time very disappointing. All the planning I’d put into the concept was clear and I was proud to see my vision in fruition, especially after all the difficulties we’d faced leading up to and during the shoot.
I feel even happier about them now, as the series received a lot of positive reception. Like I said earlier, I love to tell stories with my work and that’s because I want people to take something away from it, to feel something. So getting feedback, such as it being inspiring or that it resonated with a lot of people, makes me extremely happy and inspires me to keep creating projects that have a positive impact on others.
Why is creating / producing / shooting important to you?
I just love it. I’ve always been a creative. I’m one of those people that have an overactive mind and a lot to say but most of the time I don’t know how to say it. Creating allows me to share my thoughts. And not just with photography. I think that’s why I love filmmaking and acting so much. I’m able to tell stories in different formats and on different platforms, which is important to me. Growing up I was really shy and didn’t know how to say how I was feeling or thinking clearly. Creating allows me to be bold.
What does being a Black creative mean to you?
As a young Black creative I resonate with Gordon Parks when he said he uses his ‘camera as a weapon’. It’s empowering being able to tell my story the way I want to tell it, especially as there aren’t that many of us doing this. I want to add to the directory of Black photographers creating new narratives, as well as new positive representations.
It’s actually quite amazing – having that power now, especially when you think about how far we’ve come from photography during the colonial period where we weren’t in control of our representations. It’s almost like we’re able to re-write history and I think that’s a privilege we shouldn’t take for granted.
How has COVID-19 affected your life in general? Your work?
I had a bit of a slump during the first UK lockdown. Especially with the strict lockdown restrictions. It’s hard predominantly being a fashion photographer and trying to work with models etc. at a time like this. I’ve only managed to produce two new projects since last March. However, it’s kind of nice to take a step back from the busy-ness of producing work one after the other and instead, really just taking out time to think of my next creation. It’s also a reminder to just create images for the fun of it. I feel covid made me realize how robotic our lives can be when working so much. It’s been nice taking a step back.
Do you have any new projects in the works?
Yes, I’ve been working on a really big project since January and I’m really excited for it to drop. I’m also kind of nervous because it’s my most personal project yet and I feel a little exposed with this one. However, I’m excited to finally be working on it, as it’s a really special project that I’ve literally had drafted in my iPhone notes for a little too long now, haha.
It’s also my first time working with a stylist and has more of a documentary side to it, which means coming out of my comfort zone to interact with strangers and has honestly been amazing. I’ve met so many new people that now feel like family. It’ll probably drop early this summer, but yeah, I feel like I’m back to shooting for fun and feeling passionate which is hard sometimes, as uni can make creating seem stressful, but I love it anyway.
If you could describe your work in three words what would they be?
Expressive, unconventional, intimate.
How do you want people to feel when they see your work?
Similarly to when you watch a film – you can cry, laugh, feel happy, sad, inspired – you can resonate, have thoughts and opinions on the underlying messages... I want my work to solicit these kinds of emotions from people. My goal has always been to make the audience feel.
If you had to give one piece of advice to a young person looking to become a creator, an artist, what would it be?
Be yourself! There are so many creators and artists out there, being yourself is the best way to stand out and have fun at it. Try experimenting to find your personal style, it will come naturally.
“I want my work to solicit these kinds of emotions from people. My goal has always been to make the audience feel.”
