Today we’d like to introduce you to Afolabi Adebiyi
Hi Afolabi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Reflecting on my journey with photography, it truly feels like art was an innate part of me from a young age. Growing up, I was a very quiet kid, but I found my voice through my endless creativity and ability to conjure up creative ideas on the spot. These traits set me apart early on and led me to explore photography initially for fun in high school. It started as a creative outlet to make dramatic edits of myself and my friends to look like the stars of our own stories. Because I believe were all main characters of our own story and the ability to transform ourselves into anything we wanted to be through photographs really resonated with me. I realized that I had a unique vision and a distinct way of seeing the world that could redefine traditional photography.
What began as simple and fun edits evolved into a passion for capturing moments that transcend the ordinary and transform them into cinematic masterpieces. I want my subjects to see themselves in a new light, a way they have never seen themselves before. I want my Images to look like a screenshot or cinematic scene from a block buster movie, where you can feel every emotion. I wanted to share this vision with the world, and this led to the birth of Trifekta Imaging. This venture was the culmination of my relentless pursuit of extraordinary imagery, from high school escapades to the bustling streets of Houston, and now expanding to the Austin area.
However, the journey was far from easy. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was self-doubt, especially when it came to developing a unique style that could stand out in a crowded industry. The pressure to conform was intense, but I held on to one of my favorite sayings: ‘The world will adjust.’ I was determined not to follow the crowd, instead focusing on refining my distinct style. I believed that with time, people would come to appreciate the originality and effort I poured into my work, and that belief eventually proved true.
Elevating my craft to a professional level required immense confidence and perseverance. When people ask, ‘What took you so long?’ my answer is simple: I spent five years perfecting a style that was entirely my own. Although what I was bringing to the scene was different, I was certain that people would eventually embrace it. I began shooting again just for fun, constantly tweaking and refining my approach. Today, I continue to learn and grow, deepening my understanding of my style, connecting with people, and confidently sharing my gift with the world.
Trifekta Imaging is much more than just photography; it’s a statement. It’s about creating impactful experiences through photography and ensuring each shot not only captures a moment but tells a powerful story. Where I stand today is a testament to years of experience, an unwavering dedication to my craft, and the supportive connections I’ve nurtured. At Trifekta, we don’t just take pictures; we capture emotions, we narrate stories, and we turn everyday moments into cinematic masterpieces
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was self-doubt, especially when it came to developing a unique style that could stand out in a crowded industry. The pressure to conform was intense, but I held on to one of my favorite sayings: ‘The world will adjust.’ I was determined not to follow the crowd, instead focusing on refining my distinct vision. I believed that with time, people would come to appreciate the originality and effort I poured into my work, and that belief eventually proved true.
Another significant challenge was increasing my reach and audience. As a transfer student to the University of Texas at Austin from Houston Community College, I didnt know where to start because I found myself in an entirely different environment where I barely knew anyone, and hardly anyone knew me. Adapting was tough, but I made it a priority to show up every single day. I attended as many organizations as I could find, struck up conversations with random people, and worked hard to build meaningful connections. My primary focus in launching Trifekta was to impact and give back to my community, offering free value rather than chasing monetary gains. This commitment to my community was at the heart of my brand, and in return, I’ve received incredible support from those around me.
Also, elevating my craft to a professional level required immense confidence and perseverance in myself. When people ask, ‘What took you so long?’ my answer is simple: I spent over five years perfecting a style that was entirely my own. Although what I was bringing to the scene was different, I was certain that people would eventually embrace it. I began shooting again just for fun, constantly tweaking and refining my approach. Today, I continue to learn and grow, deepening my understanding of The Trifekta Touch (TTT), connecting with people, and confidently sharing my gift with the world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in portraits, encompassing branding, lifestyle, and graduation photography, as well as events. My work is organized into three distinct branches:
1. Trifekta: This branch is dedicated to providing the highest quality branding photography. My goal is to make business owners, entrepreneurs, and other notable individuals, feel like the main characters of their own story, with images that not only elevate their brand identity to new heights but also make them stand out in a crowded market. I focus on capturing the true essence of their brand, ensuring that each photograph reflects their unique vision, values, and personality, allowing their brand to resonate powerfully with their target audience.
2. Trifekta Grad: This division focuses on graduation photography, delivering the best quality and experience for all Texas grads. Here, I aim to capture the pride and excitement of this significant milestone, creating breathtaking images that graduates will treasure for a lifetime.
3. Trifekta Studioworks: The lifestyle and events division of Trifekta, where we focus on turning ordinary, everyday moments into cinematic masterpieces. Whether it’s an intimate event or a casual lifestyle shoot, I strive to transform these moments into something extraordinary.
What sets me apart is the way I make my subjects the main characters of their own stories. Who says we have to be a top 1% earner or have a star on the holly-wood walk of fame to feel important ? to feel like an icon? a superstar? My goal is to help my subjects see themselves in a new light, in ways they’ve never imagined before. I strive to create images that resemble a scene from a blockbuster movie, where every emotion is frozen in time and every detail tells a story.
Another aspect that distinguishes my work is my genuine interest in people. Every day, I make it a point to start conversations with new people, and I treat my clients like friends and family rather than just another transaction. For me, while the quality of my product is incredibly important, the relationships I build with my clients are equally as valuable, if not more. My approach goes beyond just capturing a great image; it’s about truly connecting with people and making them feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories takes me back to Nigeria, where I grew up. It was the day my parents gifted me an Infinix Zero 4 phone for my birthday. They had noticed my passion and creative interest in photography, and knew how much I admired the Infinix brand, especially after the Zero 3’s impressive 20-megapixel camera had set new standards. When the Zero 4 was released, with its advanced features, it was at the top of my wish list. Receiving it as a birthday gift was a dream come true, and I was beyond excited to start capturing the world around me through its lens.
I vividly remember the day we went to the store to purchase the phone. After we paid for it, I held it in my hands, thinking, “Wow, this is mine.” I couldn’t wait to show it to my friends at school. The next day, I brought it to school, and it was like I’d instantly become the most popular kid around. Everyone wanted me to take pictures of their class parties or group photos. Before I knew it, I became the unofficial school photographer, capturing moments for everyone with that incredible camera.
What started as just a fun way to use my new phone quickly grew into something more. I began to explore the world of photography seriously, learning how to color grade and edit photos right on that phone. That was the moment when my passion for photography truly took root, and it’s a passion that’s stayed with me ever since.
Looking back, that memory isn’t just about getting a new phone—it’s about the start of a journey that has shaped who I am today. It was a simple gift that opened up a world of creativity for me and set me on the path to becoming a professional photographer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trifektaimaging.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trifekta.jpg?igsh=ZmRjc29mbmh4YjE0&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/trifekta.grad?igsh=MjBseWpwZTF1OHdl&utm_source=qr
