From Side Hustle to Full-Time Passion: Olanrewaju Esho’s Rise as a Wedding Filmmaker

Olanrewaju Esho picked up his camera in 2015 and shot his first wedding and this wasn’t with the idea that he would one day become a full-time wedding filmmaker, but simply as a creative side hustle while still holding down a job in telecommunications. As at the time he kicked this off wedding videography in Nigeria was not taken as seriously as photography which had dominated the industry, with couples prioritizing capturing still moments over investing in films that could tell the entire story of their big day. Wedding films were often viewed as a bonus or an afterthought, added on if there was room in the budget.

However, as I got more involved in this craft, my passion for storytelling blossomed, Olanrewaju shares. He added that, “It was this love for creating stories that propelled me to leave my job in 2016 and pursue wedding filmmaking full-time. Since then, I have had the privilege of shooting over 150 weddings, both in Nigeria and around the world, for some of the most notable individuals, including past presidents and captains of industry. What started as a side hustle has become my life’s work, and I’ve been able to witness the tremendous growth and transformation of the wedding film industry in Nigeria.”

Olanrewaju further pointed out that in the early years, wedding films were not given the kind of attention they deserve. Photography was seen as the main attraction, while videography was relegated to the background. Most couples were more interested in having beautiful, frame-worthy photos to share with family and friends, and while they might hire a videographer, it was rarely the focus. The videos produced were often basic, documenting the event without much thought to creativity, storytelling, or cinematic style.

But I saw the potential in wedding films he discloses. He expresses further that, “For me, it wasn’t just about documenting events but about telling a love story capturing the emotions, the interactions, the moments that can easily be forgotten. I wanted to create something that people could watch and relive the experience as if they were there all over again. As the years went by, the creative aspect of wedding filmmaking began to change. The industry started to embrace a more cinematic style of production, with filmmakers employing more advanced techniques, better equipment, and an increased focus on storytelling. A key driver of this shift was social media, especially Instagram, which gave wedding filmmakers a platform to showcase their work and reach a wider audience.”

“Instagram became a game-changer for me personally. I started posting snippets of my wedding films, and almost immediately, the platform helped me gain traction and attention. Through Instagram, people could see my style of filmmaking, and the storytelling aspect that I brought to my films became a selling point. It allowed couples to see the value in wedding videography beyond just documentation—it was about emotion, narrative, and creating something timeless. Soon enough, clients started to reach out, not just for my availability, but because they specifically wanted my style of filmmaking.” He added.

In recent years, the wedding film industry in Nigeria has experienced exponential growth Olarenwaju states adding that, “What was once seen as a secondary service has now become a must-have for many couples. Videography has gone from being a second thought to commanding significant fees, often rivaling photography or even surpassing it in some cases. Couples are now willing to invest in high-quality cinematic films that tell the story of their wedding day in a way that still photography simply cannot capture. This growth has also been fueled by the demand for destination weddings, which has provided filmmakers like myself with the opportunity to travel the world, capturing weddings in beautiful locations like Cape Town, Zanzibar, Mauritius, Marrakech, and Dubai. While the opportunity to travel is an exciting perk, I never started wedding filmmaking with travel in mind. For me, it has always been about the love of storytelling.”

As the industry continues to grow, the filmmaker shares that, “I’ve heard concerns that the rise of content creators and trends in social media might lead to market saturation. Some believe that with more people picking up cameras and creating content, the demand for professional wedding filmmakers will decline. However, I see things differently. In my opinion, the future is in video. The market for wedding films will continue to grow because people will always want to capture one of the most important days of their lives in a way that is both beautiful and timeless. The more content creators enter the market, the more diverse the industry becomes, allowing for different styles and approaches. I believe there is enough space for everyone to have a slice of the pie. The key to thriving in this ever-growing industry is staying true to your style and continuously innovating. »

“Looking back, I’m proud of the journey so far. From a side hustle in 2015 to becoming a full-time wedding filmmaker in 2016, I’ve had the privilege of telling the stories of over 150 couples, traveling the world, and witnessing the wedding film industry in Nigeria grow and evolve. I remain excited about the future and look forward to contributing to this vibrant, dynamic industry for many more years to come. “ He adds.