Saidu AbdulRahman is a photographer and founder of SP Photography Academy in Potiskum, Yobe State. The 28-year-old is gearing for a historic effort to break the record at the prestigious “Portraithon” event that will take place in Kano State.
Tell us more about yourself and your educational background?
I am an indigene of Potiskum LGA of Yobe. I was born on June 26, 1996, in Potiskum. I obtained my first school leaving certificate at the Sabon Gari Primary School, Potiskum, and furthered my secondary education at the Government Day Senior Secondary School, Potiskum, after which I proceeded and obtained a Diploma in Office Technology and Management (OTM) from the College of Administration, Management and Technology (CAMTECH), Potiskum.
I have been in the photography profession for four years and now the CEO/MD of SP Photography Company. I was a Special Assistant to His Excellency, Hon Mai Mala Buni, Executive Governor of Yobe State, in 2023.
How many people have you trained in photography?
I opened SP Photography Academy where I have trained over 50 youths who are adding value to the photography profession. I use to emphasise that the empowerment of young artists will make Nigeria a secure country and a better place for our future generations.
Why do you want to break the world headshot record?
I have been a self-developed photographer since childhood. I followed my creative passion by opening my photography studio, which has now grown into a successful business.
I am well-known in the neighbourhood as a person who dedicated years to encapsulate the spirit of public events and gatherings, including weddings and festivities, throughout Yobe State and into Kano State.
The record aims to show our community the importance of taking pictures and to inform our teeming youths, people who are passionate about pictures and photography, that they should take it as a serious occupation.
My goal is to encourage the younger generations to achieve their dreams of photography, art, etc.
Everyone knows the contribution of photography in our daily lives; we should keep engaging our people so that they will enter the world through our work.
In short, this is a test of my dedication and a dream come true within the world of photography. The vision is to encourage the next generation to value the creativity and power of capturing moments with the camera.
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When will the competition take place and what are the requirements?
The competition will take place on July 15, 2024, in Kano State. Portraithon is a groundbreaking initiative designed to ignite the passion of young artists and unlock their creative potential within the arts.
So, I have revealed my official attempt to participate in the competition to the Guinness World Records; they said most headshot photographs were taken in one hour. Part of their requirements are photographic evidence, video evidence and media articles. They also need the layout of the attempt area, a video of the entrance/exits, proof of commercial availability and proof of qualifications.
I am optimistic that Portraithon would smash records and draw in sponsors from both within and outside of Nigeria.
How prepared are you to break the record?
The preparation has been there since 2023 when I contacted the management of the Guinness World Records about my intention. They are aware of this development. My commitment has led to raising over N1.2m to actualise my dream. I am working tirelessly to gather 1,000 people whose pictures I will snap because they (Guinness World Records) told me that I should snap at least 600 people more, not less than that.
I want to snap these pictures in Kano, but you know, gathering 1,000 people is not an easy task, so I am trying to gather 700 people, either students of Bayero University Kano or Kano State Polytechnic. I am optimistic that the students of these institutions will give me support and encouragement to carry out this task.
The management of the Guinness World Records said I must snap at least 600 people in one hour, that’s the minimum of their requirement, but they said I can increase the number of the objects. So, I was working to meet with the management of these institutions to organise their students for me to carry out the task.
Also, I want to collaborate with companies that will display their adverts at the place of the programme.
What next after you break the record?
My target after breaking the record is to collect the certificate and organise a free workshop to train people from different parts of the country, because this certificate will make me more popular and the videos that would be recorded there would go viral where so many people will know that I am a photographer with vast knowledge of the skill.
I want to train at least 1,000 youths on photography in Nigeria free. This training will be virtual and physical. I want to promote Nigerian culture within and outside the country so that outsiders would understand that Nigerians respect their traditions.
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