Buzzapp Master 
Felix ‘Crown’ Adebayo, award-winning creative photographer, AI enthusiast, and founder of Felix Crown Fotografi. He is a creative strategist shaping the future of visual storytelling through his lens.
In this interview with Chisom Michael, he reflects on his journey from NYSC to building a premium creative brand. He shares thoughts on the evolution of photography, the role of AI, and the value of authentic storytelling. He also highlights how he mentors young creatives to navigate the industry. Excerpts:
Can you describe the transition from your National Youth Service Corps experience to establishing yourself as a professional photographer?
NYSC was the turning point. I wasn’t just serving; I was also studying people, understanding what moved them and what they valued. That was the season I realised photography wasn’t just an art form; it was a business of perception. I started charging during NYSC, even if the pay was low, but I showed up like I was worth 10x. That mindset made the transition smoother. I didn’t wait for a perfect moment; I built as I grew.
With over a decade of experience in photography and creative strategy, how have you seen the industry evolve?
It’s changed drastically. Back then, it was about owning a camera. Now, it’s about owning a vision. Clients are more informed, aesthetics are sharper, and digital storytelling has taken over. We’ve gone from just taking pictures to creating full experiences. The biggest shift? People now buy how you make them feel, not just how good the photo looks.
How do you define a client’s ‘natural essence,’ and in what ways do you capture or reflect that in your work?
Essence is who they are when the world isn’t watching. It’s in their pauses, their insecurities, and their confidence. I listen before I shoot. I ask questions that have nothing to do with photos. Once I understand who they are, I let that lead the direction, light, styling, expression, posture, everything is shaped around that truth.
In what ways do you believe AI is transforming the relationship between the photographer and the subject?
AI is forcing us to rethink and elevate. But that’s not a threat, it’s an invitation to deepen connection. If used well, AI doesn’t replace intimacy, it enhances experience and storytelling. It can remove technical distractions so I can focus more on the person. The mistake is thinking AI should lead the process. No, it should serve it. It’s just another tool.
How do you ensure authenticity in your work while integrating advanced technologies such as AI into your creative process?
Authenticity starts from intention. Every AI tool I use is guided by a clear creative purpose. I never let the tech drive the story, I let the story dictate the tech. Whether it’s enhancing a background or manipulating lighting, I make sure the final image still has the human story. It has to evoke something real. If it doesn’t, I discard it.
Could you elaborate on the strategic considerations you apply when choosing projects or collaborations, especially early in your career?
At the start, I looked beyond money. I asked: Will this build my credibility? Will it align with the brand I’m building? Some projects are paid in visibility, others in relationships. But I was always intentional. I avoided jobs that diluted my vision just because they paid. That’s how I stayed consistent and built a premium perception from the ground up.
What challenges have you encountered in elevating commercial photography standards for major brands, and how have you addressed them?
Many brands didn’t understand the value of premium visuals at first. They were used to quantity over quality. I had to educate, not just execute. By showing real-life examples and creating moodboards, I gave context to each image. And most importantly, I aligned the visuals with their brand goals. Once they saw that great photography could boost perception and sales, the conversation shifted.
How do you mentor young creatives to navigate the evolving landscape of the creative industry?
I teach them to think beyond the lens. Master your craft, yes, but also understand branding, systems, and psychology. I’m big on helping creatives build structure. I don’t sugarcoat the journey, but I show them that with clarity and strategy, they don’t have to starve to be artists. Most importantly, I lead by example. They see my process, not just the results.
What insights can you share about leveraging photography as a tool for storytelling in brand campaigns?
Storytelling is the difference between a photo that looks good and a photo that works. I ask brands: What do you want people to feel, remember, and act on? Because photos don’t just freeze memories, they shape perception. Whether it’s a fashion label, a celebrity rebrand, or a corporate campaign, I create images that reinforce identity and spark connection. That’s where storytelling begins, in the details.
Looking ahead, what future trends excite you the most in creative services, and how do you plan to lead or influence those developments?
Three things excite me: immersive visuals, AI-human collaboration, and brand personalisation at scale. I see a future where creative services are more experiential, like interactive galleries, hyper-realistic virtual sets, even branded AI avatars. But while the tech will evolve, the human story must stay central. That’s where I come in. I plan to lead by blending emotion, innovation, and cultural relevance, creating legacy visuals that move people and shift perception.
Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.
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