Photography, a career taking many shapes

Zahara Abdul started her career in photography in 2016. Photo by Andrew Kaggwa

What you need to know:

Are you passionate about photography? Do you want to take it up as a career? Here are the most important things you need to know about it.

Once, I attended a school career day for Senior Five students. At one point, some students were asked what they wanted to become in the future.
As expected, many said they wanted to become accountants, doctors and lawyers attracting cheers from parents. However, right at the back of the hall, one male student put up his right hand and mentioned something I found very interesting.
The student, who identified himself as Gabriel Musoke, 18, said he wanted to venture into either the film industry or photography after completing his studies. When the moderator asked him why he was interested in taking up photography, his response was thought-provoking.
“It’s something that many people do not like and yet, there are many opportunities to make a lot of money,” Musoke said amidst murmurs from the audience.

Succeeding
Without a doubt, photography is a lucrative business, says Shaban Birungi, a wedding photographer. “It is an industry that is undermined, yet, attracts a lot of money,” he says.
However, to succeed in this business, Birungi emphasises that one needs to be passionate about it. “If you are a creative person who loves taking pictures, you won’t find the business difficult,” she says.
Secondly, Birungi says one needs to have working gadgets. “I do not mean your phone, rather, you should invest in getting a professional camera which comes with different functions and can take great pictures,” he says.
You can get a professional camera ranging from Shs1 million depending on the type.

Easy to get clients
“For instance, post some of your work (photographs) on Facebook. It is a way of informing people about your service and trust me, some will reach out to you,” says Arthur Okiror, a freelance photographer. But also, use word of mouth.
“Tell others what you do including family members and friends. That way, they can always inform other people about your services,” Okiror says.

Keep them hooked
Patience is very important in this field, says Imelda Mugoya, a freelance photographer.
“You cannot just rush your subject simply because you want to shoot and move on. Give them time to prepare for the shoot,” Mugoya says.
But also, Mugoya emphasises the importance of photographers interacting with their clients before and during the shoot.
“Do not just keep quiet while taking the pictures. Engage the subject, talk to them, and show them how to pose. This way, they will enjoy the photography session,” she says,
To sum it up, Giulio Molfese, a renowned fashion photographer says professionalism is also crucial in this business. “Customer care is the key to success. Respect your clients,” Molfese says.

Boost your skills
Arthur Okiror, a freelance photographer, gives the following tips
• Practice every day by photographying subjects around you.
• Enroll for online photography courses. Also, there are tutorial lessons available on youtube tackling photography.
• Attend photography themed workshops that will help you perfect the art of taking pictures.
• You could as well consider enrolling for university courses that offer photography lessons as well, for instance, a Bachelors degree in Mass communications. The program gives students both the opportunity to learn journalism and photography.