Dreams often start with admiration, that feeling of wanting to stand where your heroes stand, to create like they create. But sometimes, in the excitement of chasing that dream, we forget that even passion needs boundaries.
Recently, a young Nigerian photographer learned this lesson most unexpectedly after he tried to visit a TG Omori shoot and was turned away.
The photographer, known on X (formerly Twitter) as @Scripture231, shared how he had gone to one of TG Omori’s production sets where a “renowned Igbo artist” was shooting a video. His goal was simple: to meet his mentor and maybe take a few behind-the-scenes photos to document the experience. But things didn’t go as planned.
He tweeted:
“TODAY WENT FR A TG OMORI SET WITH A RENOWNED IGBO ARTIST, THOUGHT TODAY WOULD BE A GREAT DAY MEETING MY MENTOR BUT THE PRODUCTION MANAGER BOUNCED ME AND SAID I CAN’T TAKE BTS PHOTO!!
NOTE TO SELF ONE DAY THE DREAMS WOULD BE REALISTIC.”
For many young creatives, that tweet hit home: the frustration of being passionate but feeling shut out, the mix of admiration and disappointment when someone you look up to seems unreachable.
But TG Omori’s response carried a message far deeper than rejection. It was a reminder about respect, boundaries, and the discipline behind creativity.
He replied:
“Even if you become the number 1 photographer in the world tomorrow, you have to respect people’s privacy. A closed set is a closed set. How do you expect to walk into my production set and start taking behind-the-scenes images without the producers’ consent because you have a dream! Talking about my dreams are valid.”
At first glance, Omori’s tone might come off as blunt, but if you listen closely, he’s not crushing a dream; he’s shaping it. Every professional space has its structure. A film set is not just a playground for creativity; it’s a coordinated effort where everyone has a role. When someone walks in uninvited, even with good intentions, it can disrupt the flow, the privacy, and sometimes the vision.
Many people forget that success isn’t only about talent — it’s also about emotional intelligence. Knowing when to observe, when to speak, and when to step back shows maturity that opens more doors than forcing your way in ever will.
In creative industries, especially, respect is currency. The same people you admire today could be your collaborators tomorrow, and how you approach them matters. One day, @Scripture231 might actually find himself shooting side by side with TG Omori, but moments like this are the quiet teachers that prepare him for that reality.
Dreams don’t just happen overnight. They are built through lessons — some exciting, others humbling. And while it hurts to be turned away, sometimes that rejection is the very thing that refines your approach.
So if you ever feel unseen while chasing something you love, remember this story. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Respect the process, and in time, the same people who once said “not today” might be the ones calling your name for a collaboration.
Your dream is valid — but so are boundaries.
It gets better, right?
Wishing you well.
