0

The world witnesses by chance what is now Ussyshotit.

July 28, 2025
by

Alongside my fascination with photos that exude calmness, vibrancy is an element that draws me to a photograph—the ones where the colours dance and are beautifully done. Not necessarily urgency, at least in the strict sense of the word, for I am most drawn to pieces that manage to create within that vibrancy, a soothing sensation. I reached out to this photographer for his soothing, colourful representations of people and events.

Usman Umar Mohammed (Ussyshotit) is a Kaduna raised photographer and creative director from Nasarawa, currently studying environmental management at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. A photographer of many talents, because niching down feels like putting himself in a box, he is majorly interested in fashion, portraits, editorial works and documentaries.

After a bit of jumbling over what it was I was on the call to do with him: this is not why we are here — we are here to talk about you; you are here to talk about your photography; I am here to listen to you talk about your photography, I settle into asking him a few simple questions (the magazine’s style!).

Not given to long talk, one of the things I found interesting about the interview with Ussy, if I might add, was how short and straight forward his responses were.

Here are his responses to the prompts by Undergrxnd Mag, with a commentary or two from me in italics.

What were your early beginnings like; what motivated you into doing photography?

I have never thought of being a photographer. I really just saw myself doing it. I didn’t even know any photographer when I started out. The year was 2021 and it had just finished raining. I was out strolling when a really beautiful flower fell right in front of me. I took a photo of it with my phone (a techno) and when I showed my sister, she loved it, so I edited the photo and added my name to it. And afterwards, I just kept taking more.

He describes it as weird that his photography journey started by accident, and not some grand backstory, and I ramble about my dabbling and how I am pretending they’ll be great later on. (He didn’t laugh at my attempt at humour, but I forgive him).

Did you face any challenges at the start of your creative journey?

Do you need to ask? I feel like every creative (photographer) always has one, no matter how minute it may seem to the onlooker, if I may add. Mine was my phone. The android phone I was using at the time — basically not having a camera. I was also quite young at the time, so my movements were restricted. I would have to take permissions to go outside to shoot. The creative circle in Kaduna was also very poor, so I had to my stuff alone and with the help of my friends too.

Did you ever think of venturing into a specific kind of photography in your early career? (Especially considering that he started off by accident and he believes labels are restrictive. I was curious still, to know if he ever thought of venturing into a specific kind of photography).

Yes, I did. But back then, I was all for exploring. If it was possible, I’d do every aspect of photography possible.

How has your journey as a photographer shaped your view of your world?

Photography has taught me consistency. When life hits me hard, I give it a break though. I have come to understand the place of collaboration in this field and in life, generally. You need people to do life.

What inspires/motivates your work?

The people I have come to interact with inspire me. Listening to music, watching documentaries and taking a walk. Also hanging out with my friends.

Do you have people you look up to in the industry?

I can’t lie, I have a few. Wale Adebisi photography. He’s where I want to want to be later in my life. He makes the most ordinary thing glamorous. Ameer (Vantage) is another guy I admire. His work is something I would like to replicate. My brother also inspires me. He is an artist, stylist and designer.

What was the thought process for the shoot, the hijabis?

I wanted an editorial shoot with the hijab as the subject of the shoot, and that was basically what brought about the shoot. Covered entities — self expression within the hijab community, where hijabis navigate culture, freedom and the modern society outside religion.

Me: I thought it was fascinating that you had it published under the freewill issue and it struck me as political. Would you say it was?

Ussy: No, that wasn’t the intention at all.

I like that art can be interpreted in many ways in the eyes of the beholder. The creator’s intention is not known by the viewers, so they interpret it in forms that speak to them.

Say a word or two to the young creatives out there.

Keep going. Rather than give up, just rest. Don’t put yourself in a box and just explore. Even when you are not actively putting work out there, stay learning and bettering the craft.

121

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Latest from Blog

Issue 10

The heart of the world unfolds as a saga of transformation—Metamorphosis—both fractured and resilient, where pain becomes the vessel for growth and

Metaporphosis Visuals

It’s about rebellion. About softness. About walking away from the familiar and realizing you don’t need limbs to move you just need

Metaporphosis

The inevitable change that occurs throughout the course of our lifetime and the attempt to salvage a key part of our being.