My life as a creative photographer

 

Hello there, my name is Shalom Uri, I am an “under 30” Professional drone operator, photographer, and head of productions Brandkings Kenya ltd, here in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m passionate about visual art, creating memories, entrepreneurship, tech, and travel

 

My Journey

I joined Brandkings Kenya Ltd, a digital marketing agency aiming to help brands leverage on the internet to reach the right audience and grow their revenue streams in 2019.

Due to my love of camera work and video production, I started as a basic photographer doing camera works and reels for our clients, until the production department was born giving an opportunity to Acejoe.m, the most creative and talented photographer I have worked with so far.

As the production, we have faced multiple challenges In our journey, failed, solved, and learned a few valuable lessons. From budget restrictions to lack of better equipment to counter the ever-growing competition to government interference in terms of taxes and restrictions.

Here are a few tips for all young photographers and creatives :

Work on your skill

If you want to become successful, when it’s hard, push harder. Do more practice to improve skill, read more books to increase your knowledge, practice time management, have a professional relationship with your client, and lastly work towards better mental and physical health, because when that suffers, so does your skill.

Know your worth

In the creative industry, it’s business like any other. Some clientele tends to think photography & videography is just taking a camera and taking photos and videos, no there is a lot more involved. From expensive gadgets to labor-intensive shoot and burning the midnight oil to beat deadlines. Do not be a FREEBIE!

Your work is the best

As young creatives, we are presented with virtually countless opportunities to imagine and actualize, but in studying successful creatives around the world, you find common beliefs and mistakes made by other photographers. Before others can believe in your work, you need to believe passionately in it, and in yourself.

Wise spending

As a young creative, you can make many wrong financial decisions in the race for early success. You’re most likely going to make some good cash on good days, and a few bad decisions considering you need to spend money on cameras, lenses, and lights which you don’t need or you see your colleagues with. Make sure to set a strict budget depending on what you need, but one that includes an emergency fund.

Eyes on the focus

Always have a plan that will move your skill forward and depend on it, even if the progress may not be moving as quickly as expected. That further means focusing on what you can control, taking one day at a time, and learning through each experience is the best way you can stay afloat.