Slow down reader, the statement which is the title of this write-up happened in my thoughts and provoked when someone actually told me my country is ugly.
So, I had a chat several years ago with a corporate acquaintance and just to break the ice so it doesn’t melt, I asked 'so would you like to visit Nigeria and the immediate response was “Nah, your country is ugly”. Now, even with my envy of the beauty of his country (which also empowers me to NOT mention it LOL), I know that, that isn’t the case. How then is he so certain of his conviction? But it hits me; He probably was used to only seeing pictures of certain places that strengthen that judgement. I came to realize that he wasn’t alone; I heard the same claims from some others (not as intense but, you get my point) and the matter is, there could be more out there with this view.
Now, I have a passion for photography and I know that a picture tells a thousand stories (sometimes less but let’s not spoil the narrative). So, I decided I could change the perception with PICTURES and on the google maps platform. This became my campaign on Google maps: Post pictures that tell/show people how beautiful and fun my country is, starting with my community, Lagos.
This is one of my best photo of my community posted on maps. It took me about an hour to come up with this shot. It was taken with a DSLR, an ND Filter and a tripod.
So basically, when I drive past a location with catchy look, I take notes and when I am ready, I visit the place with my camera (either my DSLR or my phone’s camera) then I take pictures, edit them on Snapseed (Some pictures taken via my phone that need editing) and Lightroom (pictures taken with my DSLR), then put them on maps and on social media, channeling all those who see them to Google maps for direction. Sometimes, to get the best shot, I require more gear, like a tripod or monopod (for extra stability), ND Lens filters (for grading skies), piece of paper (to soften light for food in a badly lit restaurant), etc. Other times, my phone does pretty well in good light.
This shot was taken with long exposure. It is important to use various techniques to get images that show the beauty of a location.
I started this interest with my immediate community (Lagos) and later I found out there isn’t any harm in doing the same for neighbouring communities in my country; if there are rules against this, I feign ignorance :). I have gone to other parts of my country and posted good pictures on maps to show what my country is made of. This includes colourful locations, colourful culture, etc.
I must state, at this point that it isn’t always easy to take pictures of places in Lagos. One gets confronted sometimes with resistance at different levels but that doesn’t shatter my feathers. This is a picture of the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge taken with a DSLR and at about 5am, required to get a less busy representation; no part of that experience is witty so, let’s leave that out LOL
This sunset photo of Lagos Island was taken with my DSLR and on the roof of the tallest building in Nigeria (NECOM House), located on the Island.
The picture above was taken during a meet up I organised to align with a campaign by an NGO against rape and domestic violence.
This is the waterpark at Tinapa Calabar, Cross River state popular in December when the tourist visits hits points higher than anywhere in the country.
One thing you must know about me is, I LOVE looking at food and taking photos of them; I don’t love to eat though. Apart from landscape and architecture, I realized I could tell the world about Nigerian and continental food to add to my country’s Tourist-Quotient value (ok, I made that up; don’t judge me please, I’m trying to regale you lol). So, the campaign has expanded to posting enticing pictures of food and drink.
For foods in restaurants, I usually just sit by a window for good light. These were taken with permission from the chefs or managers.
I even have a list of locations for fine dining here in Lagos; check it out and follow, thank me when you visit. LOL
At the garden pictured above, they make colourful flower pots as well and positioned just by the road bringing beauty to the area. I have a good story about them here. (read when you can)
I had the opportunity to feature on the Photo Journey series (episode 10) where I spoke some on my community. Watch here
Sharing pictures to show the world how beautiful and fun my community is (on Google Maps), that is what I am about. 'Love it! My country IS certainly, NOT UGLY!
Thanks for reading!
(All pictures on this post feature #OnGoogleMaps)
