Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Okeke.
Hi Brian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Honestly if it was not for a Russel Ohii video getting recommended to me back in late 2021 I would not be in the space I am in today. What began as a general love for the gym tuned into a passion for form, discipline, and the mental fortitude required to succeed. I got good. Others noticed. They began asking questions, then for assistance. Before I knew it, I was coaching. Passion for the sport transcended lifting and became the development of other lifters—gaining confidence through basics and powerful foundations for long-term progress or a competitive career.
My exposure to photography was natural through the sport as a means of telling the story—the artistry and self-directed responsibility of the bar path, the transition of movement and breath, the weight of competition on your shoulders to succeed or fail regardless of audience (on competition day, everyone is my audience).
Today, one foot in each world exists seamlessly. As a coach, I strive to make others stronger, healthier, and more purposeful with their intention in powerlifting. As a photographer, I honor their work by preserving their journey through competition day as their audience. Each role supports the other, and each has become part of who I am beyond myself and for my respective community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. There were plenty of mistakes made, bumps in the road, and lessons learned during the process. In powerlifting, I faced injuries, and the inevitable tug-of-war between progress and sustainability. It took time and humility to understand the best time to push through and when to take a step back—for myself and my athletes.
On the coaching end, one of my biggest challenges came from a lack of trust and credibility. Results take time; in the beginning, I needed to remain consistent and patient to demonstrate that I knew what I was doing. With photography, I faced obstacles as well—I needed to buy into the equipment, formulate a style, and learn how to charge for my services without low-balling myself just to get my foot in the door.
Finding time for both was difficult as well—coaching and shooting and editing meant I was working on multiple schedules and still had to maintain my training on top of life outside of the gym. There were times when I got burned out or questioned if this was worth it, but those early struggles helped refine my system, set boundaries, and determine clearer intentions for why I was doing all of it at the end of the day. It definitely wasn’t a smooth journey, but I’ve taken everything into account to help me be a better coach, creator, and person today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in powerlifting and strength training with a focus on longevity, individualized approach and precision. No one moves the same so programming, cueing and expectations are relevant to the athlete instead of a forced generic approach. I coach lifters of all experiences from novice competitors to seasoned athletes, and I pride myself on attention to detail, communication and investment beyond a final number on the spreadsheet.
From a brand perspective, I’m most proud of the community established and trust gained. Athletes and clients alike know they’re seen, heard and supported versus merely coached or stood in front of a camera for publication. I want readers to know that this is not a brand for exposure but for quality coaching, eloquent storytelling and a service born of respect for the craft and those who make it possible.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Nah not really but I do enjoy watching the ShxtsNGigs podcast in my free time
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keshotsmedia?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
