Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Odunlami.
Hi Stephen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am from Lagos, Nigeria! I moved here when I was 18 years old. Since been here, I have served in the U.S. Army for 8 years, earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice (police), traveled to at least 8 states, started 2 companies, and been married for 3 years to my amazing wife! I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and He is the reason why I am still living and happy. Joining the army was one of my biggest decisions ever. It taught me strength, compassion, will, determination, how to plan, how to load my vehicle with groceries or just about anything, and how to change my socks quickly! After my first and only deployment, I got injured, and the injuries have limited the kind of jobs I can apply for or do because I can only pick up about 15lbs without feeling much pain. I developed interest in photography while I was on the deployment because Apple began making their iPhone cameras amazing. Long story short, I discovered that I could continue to develop my photography skills since I would not be picking up heavy items, and make an income out of it. I officially founded my photography company in 2019 and rebranded in 2022. My beautiful wife is my assistant, and we love capturing the sweet moments of our clients, models, friends, and family members. We moved to Texas in 2020 from Oklahoma cause what does Oklahoma have?? lol We love Texas and hope to start a family soon.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have struggled with military service-related injuries because I am very limited in the kind of activities I can perform and the kind of jobs I can apply for. It also gets in the way of having fun with my wife, and life in general, but I am thankful to be alive and doing very well.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional luxury photographer. I love the creative part of my work very much! I get to create different images that bring out my skills at posing, composition, and lighting. I specialize in portrait photography with emphasis on maternity, couples, and individuals. Since everything I do is luxurious, I make my clients feel like royalty. I offer luxury photo products like high-end photo books, photo albums, and USB drives. Seeing my clients post their photos on social media and seeing comments on them makes me proud. I am different from a typical photographer in that I go through every single detail with my clients before, during, and after their photo sessions. I am professional with my clients, and still, make photo sessions very fun! Who likes a boring photoshoot?
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I enjoy using Lightroom because it allows me to get creative with editing my photos but there are things on Affinity Photo that I like better. GOD bless the creators of Unscripted for Photographers app!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.dunlam.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dunlam.photos
