Ovie Owhojeta Joshua’s Journey in Photography with Crvfty

Who starts their photography career by snapping pictures of TV screens? Ovie Owhojeta Joshua does. Born in 1995 in Delta State, Ovie’s story begins with a fascinating twist—he was the page boy at his own parents’ wedding, “literally joining them together” before his life even properly began!

Growing up in Warri as the eldest of five siblings, young Ovie developed a peculiar hobby: people-watching. While other kids played games, he found joy in observing human expressions and interactions from busy street corners, unknowingly laying the foundation for his future career.

From Tribal Wars to Creative Stars

Ovie’s first trip to Lagos in 1999 wasn’t a vacation—it was an escape from tribal conflicts between the Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri. This journey would eventually lead him to convince his parents that Lagos offered better opportunities and safety than Warri’s escalating violence.

“I knew early on that a conventional office job wouldn’t be my path,” Ovie recalls. His creative explorations began with music production during his JAMB preparation, though this proved to be just a stepping stone.

When Life Closes a University Door, It Opens a Studio

Financial challenges forced Ovie to leave his Economics program at a private university—a setback that ultimately redirected him toward his true calling. After working odd jobs and receiving family support, he enrolled in a vocational university studying Film and TV Production.

Ironically, Ovie never planned to be a photographer. His goal? Becoming a gaffer in the film industry! But fate had other ideas when his internship led him to a wedding photography company where he started as a lighting assistant.

“Having access to a professional studio was like being a kid in a candy store,” Ovie explains. “I could experiment with lighting techniques without limits.”

Lockdown Breakout: The Birth of Crvfty

While the world paused during the 2020 lockdown, Ovie’s career accelerated. He transformed isolation into innovation—watching tutorials, practicing techniques, and collaborating with models. His boss, recognizing raw talent, began trusting him with clients and sharing commissions.

This was the spark that ignited Crvfty. Through strategic social media marketing and networking, what began as a passion project evolved into a recognized brand with consistent bookings.

The Creative Hustle: Not All Sunshine and Perfect Lighting

Starting without equipment meant renting gear for every gig—an expensive initiation into professional photography. Ovie sometimes worked for next to nothing to build his portfolio, investing in his future through present sacrifices.

Then came the client conundrums. In a perfect illustration of the photographer’s paradox, Ovie found that clients who paid the least often demanded the most—including impossible edits like facial restructuring. Meanwhile, high-end clients respected his artistic vision and rarely requested revisions.

And let’s not forget the uniquely Lagos challenge of navigating “area boys” during outdoor shoots, who appeared like clockwork demanding payment for imaginary permits!

From Local Lens to Global Gallery

Through perseverance, Ovie’s work transcended borders—his prints now sell internationally, and his photography graces foreign magazine editorials. As studio manager and technical lead for various organizations, he’s built an impressive network across the creative industry.

Today, Crvfty’s client roster reads like a who of Nigerian business executives, musicians, and fashion designers—all drawn to Ovie’s distinctive visual storytelling.

The Next Frame: Crvfty’s Expanding Vision

Ovie’s ambitions extend beyond photography. He envisions Crvfty studios in every major Nigerian city and plans to return to his first love—film production.

“Nigerian advertising hasn’t reached its full potential,” Ovie observes, revealing his ultimate goal of creating an advertising and marketing firm that harnesses visual power to tell compelling brand stories.

From a curious child photographing TV screens to a visionary creative entrepreneur, Ovie’s journey with Crvfty isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about framing Nigeria’s creative future through an innovative lens.