Taking pride in photography

Ben Kiruthi

Ben Kiruthi, 29, is an engineer, but his love for photography made him quit a comfortable job to pursue his passion. He talked to SHIRLEY GENGA about his success and mission to give back to society 

You are currently one of the most sought after wedding and lifestyle photographers. When did you get into the photography industry?

I got into photography two years ago. Before that, I worked at Orange as a network engineer. I started photography as a passion and hobby, and my first camera was my Nokia phone. I would take photos with my family and friends and I realised I not only enjoyed it, but I was also good at it.

I made the decision to do it professionally after a client inboxed me on Facebook and asked me how much I charged for a fashion shoot. I then started it as a side hustle, but once it was able to pay me more than what my employer gave me, I tendered in my resignation and quit to follow my heart’s passion.

What has been you greatest achievement so far?

Being able to grow my brand has been my biggest achievement. We are currently one of the leading wedding and lifestyle photography outfit in the region. We do an average of 36 weddings a year, which is a major feat and we thank God.

What are some of the big jobs or important personalities you have shot?

One of my favourite is a wedding I shot at the Nanyuki Airfield. It was very artistic and visual because there were warplanes in the background. I have worked with celebrities like Avril, Brenda Wairimu, Frasha (P-Unit), Jimmy Gait, DK, Jua Cali, Marya, Holy Dave, Juliani and Palek.

What do you think makes you stand out?

A lot of things make me different. I take photography very personally. I make it about me, my relationship with God and my fiancée. Apart from being great at what I do, I am not afraid to be vulnerable and to share my struggles and joys. It makes people relate more to me and my business. I also ensure that I capture the emotion of the day and most importantly the personalities of my clients.

Tell us a little about yourself…

I am a Christian and the last born in a family of three children. I lost my parents when I was 15 years. Our uncle took us in and even though we had support, it was very difficult to live without our parents. God took my pain and healed me. That is why I choose to serve Him in everything I do. I am the youth leader at Presbyterian Church of East Africa. I am also engaged to Gathoni Mwathi.

Give us your education and professional background…

I have a degree in Electronics and Computer?Engineering and an MBA in Entrepreneurship. I first worked at a smart card company in systems support before I moved to Orange to work as a network engineer. I then resigned to focus my energy and time in growing my photography business.

What photography?jobs do you find difficult to do?

High fashion shoots are the most difficult. When I was getting started, I used to love doing them but with time, I realised that some elements of the fashion industry, like the scanty dressing of the models, posed big ethical questions to my faith and served as a stumbling block to my audience. So nowadays I reject most high fashion jobs and choose to focus my energy on what I love doing?— lifestyle and wedding photography.

What do you do to prepare for a shoot?

I ensure all my gear is ready. Next, I scout the location, looking for and making a mental picture of all the locations I intend to use. I also do a lot of online research to get ideas on styling and poses. Lastly, I pray and ask God to guide me and give me creativity.

I also envision the entire shoot/wedding from start to finish and see it as a success.?Every time?I leave the house for a shoot, I keep repeating to myself that is the best shoot I have ever done and most declarations come true.

What are some of the challenges you face as a photographer?

Photography equipment is very costly. It costs over Sh200,000 to get into the field. A lot of the equipment is also not available locally, so we have to import. Some customers bargain too much and do not realise the amount of work that goes into creating a good photo. Nowadays, I stick to my price, which pushes away some customers, but most book me anyway.

?Growing my business is another challenge because I can only do one job at a time. I do not want to compromise my job by rushing or sub-contracting.

A great photo is one that….

Communicates the heart, soul, intention and purpose of the photographer to those who will view the image. A great photo also captures the emotion of the moment and tells a story better than any words can.

What is it about photography?gives you the greatest joy?

I get to do what I love and get paid while at it. It is like being paid for having fun. I always say I have the best job in the world and would not trade it in for anything else.

?You also have an initiative called Imani. Tell us about it…

It is basically a training and mentorship programme where we train aspiring photographers and photography enthusiasts on how to get a good shot. Apart from that, we also train participants on how to begin and run their own photography business. It began with a conversation I had with my fiancée Gathoni. We were thinking of way to give back to society.

That is when God placed it in my heart to start Imani.?We now go round the country training photography enthusiasts. The training is free of charge and we also cater for transport and accommodation. So far, we are grateful for the chance to share our story and also inspire the next generation of professional photographers.

What is the next level for you?

With God’s help, I hope to become the best wedding and lifestyle photographer in the world in the next three years. I also hope to have trained thousands of photography enthusiasts all over the world through my initiative.