FIF: David Uzochukwu

Well HELLO THERE. It’s that time of week again... it's MTV Breaks' F**k It Friday feature where we praise all those who’ve said “f**k it!” in order to take a leap of faith and achieve those #careergoals. 

Cos half the battle is believing in yourself enough to persevere, right?  

So who’s up next in the FIF roll call of honour? Drumroll… it’s David Uzochukwu! 

At just 18 years old, David Uzochukwu has an impressive portfolio. Having first picked up the camera when he was just 13, David taught himself the art of photography and soon became an expert in his field. His pictures were always intensely emotional, and his portfolio of work grew more and more impressive. Nowadays, he's working on a global campaign for Nike. 

But David wasn't always as self-assured as he is now. 

Back when he was starting out he lacked confidence and always felt like an outsider. "When I think of eight year old me, there’s nothing I want to do more than show myself that there’s a space for me in the world. To feel like I belong would have meant everything to me," he told Dazed. 

As well as not knowing where he fit in, he lacked the confidence to ask others to pose for his photographs, even with the talent he had. As a result he only did self-portraiture for a long time.

Eventually though he just said "f**k it!" (probably) and finally plucked up the courage to ask models to invest their time in his work. He put himself out there to challenge himself and build his confidence in his work, and look where it’s led him! David’s also still totally unbothered by the glamourous side of being a successful photographer and says he still does photography primarily to discover the hidden beauty of humanity and heal himself when he’s struggling.

Basically, David doesn't give a f**k, and it's his determination to see out his own vision and be uniquely himself in his work that has won him so much acclaim. He taught himself the skills he needed, challenged his own insecurities, and stayed true to his moral compass. 

David's well and truly a "f**k it!" mastermind for pushing through his insecurities and getting out there to produce work that was unapologetically his own. David, here is your "f**k it" crown, wear it with pride this week. 

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!