User:Koutchika Lihouenou Gaspard
Gaspard Linouenou Koutchika: A Remarkable Journey Through Photography and Innovation Gaspard Linouenou Koutchika, a distinguished and award-winning photographer originally from the Republic Du Benin, embarked on a remarkable journey that has left an indelible mark on the world of photography and innovation. His story is one of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
- Early Years and Diverse Education**
Gaspard's journey began when he relocated to Nigeria during his early childhood years. His educational path reflects a diversity of interests and skills, including a Certificate in 2D Graphic Design, a Diploma in Computer Hardware Engineering, and several other degrees in various skill sets. This eclectic background laid the foundation for his multifaceted career.
- From Side Hustle to Full-Fledged Career**
In 2008, Gaspard initially ventured into photography as a side hustle, capturing moments through the lens while pursuing other endeavors. However, his passion for photography soon took center stage, and by 2015, he had transitioned it into a full-fledged career and profession. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey in the world of visual storytelling.
- A Trailblazer in Photography**
In 2020, Gaspard achieved a remarkable milestone when he became the Head of the Technical Department and served as the Technical Assistant/Adviser to the GM-COO/MD-CEO at Colvi Limited (Studio24). Notably, in 2022, he made history by being the first African photographer to launch Nikon's Z30 camera from the Z series in Lagos, Nigeria, showcasing his innovation and expertise in the field.
- Pioneering the Photography Chat Room International Club (PCRiC)**
Driven by an unwavering passion for photography, Gaspard ventured into the realm of photojournalism. In 2015, he founded the Photography Chat Room International Club (PCRiC), an influential learning platform for photographers in Nigeria and across Africa. Today, PCRiC stands tall as the largest photography community and platform in West Africa, reflecting Gaspard's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering collaboration.
- A Legacy of Workshops and Training**
Gaspard's dedication to the art of photography is evident in his extensive involvement in workshops and training programs. He actively participated in numerous notable events, including the NIKON SUMMIT TRAINING (2015/2016), Beyond Image Writing Workshop (2016), Fotofactory Lagos workshops (2017/2018/2019), Canon and Nlele alumni (2017), Lagos State Technical And Vocational Training (LASTVEB 2017), and the Creative Convergence (2017). These initiatives highlight his commitment to sharing knowledge and elevating the photography community.
- Awards and Recognition**
Throughout his career, Gaspard's work as a photographer has garnered numerous accolades and awards. Notable achievements include securing the first position in the Environmental Awareness Photo Competition (2016), receiving The Earth Folks Ambassador Award (2016), and being the first runner-up in the food category of the Etisalat Photography Competition (2015), organized by the African Artists Foundation. In addition, he has amassed 128 international photography awards on platforms such as Viewbug Community (2018/2019), Celebrity International Photography Awards (2020), Top Shot Award (2022), and the Street Ambassador Award (2019) by the Lagos State Professional Photographers of Nigeria (LASSPAN).
- A Visionary Curator and Exhibitor**
Beyond his photography, Gaspard has curated captivating projects and exhibitions that reflect his commitment to social issues and artistic expression. These include "The Legal Tender Project" showcased by the Photo Carrefour in Abuja (2019), "Reflection and Effects of Covid19" (2020), and "The Male Child Circumcision," exhibited at the Fez Gathering in Morocco and Ludwig-Maximillians University in Munich, Germany, by Eva Maria Ocherbauer, among others. He is currently working on projects that explore the environmental conditions of Lagos State and the socio-political movement #EndSARS, as well as the rich culture and traditions of Africans.
- Embracing Innovation with NFTs and AI**
In 2022, Gaspard embraced web3 technology and listed two collections of his NFT projects on OpenSea, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to photography and art. He continues to explore the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI), creating captivating AI images and prompts that push the boundaries of creativity. His portfolio of innovative work can be explored on the website [fotofactorylagos.de](http://fotofactorylagos.de/) and his Instagram page [@gaspardshotit_](https://www.instagram.com/gaspardshotit_/). Gaspard Linouenou Koutchika's journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and innovation in the world of photography and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of visual storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the creative landscape.