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Ayoola Akinwumiju, founder of Bigg Ayo Photography, was born in Nigeria but currently resides in Manchester, England. He studied Hospitality Management at the Manchester Metropolitan University. His path to photography came about by accident: “I got a Panasonic Lumix GH1 camera as a birthday gift. I never knew much about cameras, but when going out, I’d carry it with me and try out shots anywhere and everywhere.” Soon, people started telling Ayoola that he took great pictures, so he tried to learn everything he could about his camera. “I would see beautiful images and wondered how I could achieve it.” After a friend recommended he get a Canon 5D MKII, he slowly learned the process of using a manual camera. Then, after realizing that his equipment totaled upwards of £14000, he realized that photography was going to be more than a hobby. He says his inspiration comes from music: “I don’t think I could do anything without music. I love weddings and fashion shoots and this is purely because these occasions are always happy times... moments you want to capture to make others happy. The joy, the smiles, they really are beautiful.” Currently, Ayoola’s fantasy shoot would be a high fashion editorial one in different locations throughout Nigeria. His advice for beginning photographers is to be your best and follow your instincts. “I'm not saying I'm the best, but I'm definitely here to make my mark in the photography world.”