Mercy Corps
PORTFOLIO
By Ifeoluwapo Ojo
Outline
1. Introduction
My expertise is in 'Organisational Communications' and my journey began with a keen interest in photography. My experiences have given me a unique perspective on the power of visual communication. I understand how images can tell stories, evoke emotions, and convey messages in ways that words cannot.
My ability to capture candid images telling stories through visuals will be an asset to the Mercy Corps, helping me stand out as a candidate. Additionally, my experience in the field will give a practical understanding to identify the goal, the challenges, and the opportunities that exists within the scope of the assignment..
I am convinced that my expertise will be invaluable for the assignment where I will prove strategies to use a variety of mediums to create compelling visual content that will impact reporting and engagement outcomes.
Interrelating skills within the Mercy Corps community will go a long way to harness a collective responsibility that will foster visual communicating elements aiding storytelling
2. Storytelling
My early years as a photographer are marked by my interest in shooting weddings. This stage laid the foundation for me honing my skills to become a driving force along my career path. Through this experience, I developed a keen eye for details, using great compositions, lights and colours to tells stories that convey emotions.
Shooting weddings was a learning curve that nurtured creativity, the concept around innovation and service, having these experiences drive my career path.
As I researched and explored different areas of photography, I discovered my desire to create long-term impactful content that can communicate messages and ideas to a wider audience. My journey gradually began to transition from shooting weddings to a distinguished role.
3. Organizational Communications
From shooting weddings into a swift transition documenting and communicating the activities and values of institutions, highlighting the role they play in their engagements. This role waxed my expertise around 'organizational communications', capturing the essence and impact of these institutions. In course of the career path, I have shown flexibility and versatility in adjusting to different opportunities and contexts, and proven my passion and proficiency in documenting and communicating their values and activities.
The interesting part of the expertise is the commitment to service and the capacity to develop contents for communications to any extent.
4. COVID-19 'Social Development' Project
At the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), I documented the Nigerian Government efforts to prevent and respond to COVID-19, creating content that encouraged positive behaviour change in Nigeria to lower infection rates.
A mobile phone production in the isolation centre to urge Nigerians at the time to get tested and also go into isolation when tested positive to COVID-19.
This role enhanced my expertise in organisational communications as I documented the NCDC's activities for archival and communication purposes, and supported the communications unit with social media content.
The full article highlights the significance of the COVID-19 response led by the nation's public health institute. Click here to read.
5. Facilitated Workshop
Training the agency's top management and rapid response teams on mobile phone photography tips was a milestone that proved I am passionate for great storytelling through making a positive impact as a tutor. The purpose of the workshop was to refine the skills to create and share content that would showcase their activities satisfactorily.
The workshop engagement exceeded expectations, leaving a lasting impact that was clearly measurable over time.
6. Staff Spotlight Series
I created a production series that featured staff members sharing their diverse roles and experiences in the organization. The series consisted of short videos that showed staff members at work and interviewed them about their perspectives and insights.
The series was very popular, with staff members eager to participate and tell their stories.
Staff Spotlight
The series yielded interesting highlights that authentically captures the experiences of remarkable colleagues that are passionate about what they do.
7. Photo Reports
Beyond digitally sharing content, producing a photo coffee book is another preferred medium to give a visual style to showcase the documentations I have in the archives. The coffee book is a systematic presentation infused with design to make each publication appealing to viewers respectively. I have produced the Mission to Nigerian States During COVID-19 Response as well as the NCDC Transformational Journey.
The context details the experience in editing and captioning large volumes of photography.
To review the coffee books in detail, view here
8. Content Creation
My photographs are used for various content creation purposes, such as social media posts, blogs, websites, and for marketing purposes. There is value to the quality and creativity of my visuals, which enhance the engagement and storytelling of the contents. The level of collaboration to ensure that the photographs match the organisation's brand and content goals is very significant. This involves discussions, feedback, and brainstorming sessions to make sure that the photographs convey the right message and emotions.
9. Film Documentary
Managing the transition outputs for the outgoing Director-General of the organization at the time, I led a production team to produce the first film documentary for the agency. Leveraging motion graphics and directing the film, the documentary highlights the transformation journey of the institution from inception, the innovations with laudable references to the leadership his tenure showcased.
The documentary follows the evolution of the organization through the eye of its pioneer staff, leaders, partners and its young workforce. Watch the full clip here (See timeline 00:00 - 05:13 and 1:7:22 - 1:08:44)
10. On Becoming a BSBI Ambassador
The future is social media and the big question is; What is your approach to storytelling. The answer to the question unlocks the marvel that the digital age is evolving into which will be a key metric for the evaluation of this role.
My dedication and passion for storytelling and visual communication has been unyielding as reflected in my creative capturing of crucial moments and experiences in photography and film.
I have a great capacity for hardworking, highly motivated spirit and can work with minimal supervision whilst still being a great team member All attributes will serve me well in the course of executing the role and expectation for the assignment I am applying for.it
