Photography

Photography has its controversies.

The process of taking a picture restricts the photographer to the narrow, constructed frame of the lens, taking away the reality of the moment. And yet, it could preserve this moment for an infinite period of time.

In the media, it is an unbiased form of reporting information to the masses. And yet, it has also been accused of sterotyping groups of people. What is the first thing that comes to mind, when you see a picture of skin to bone children with swollen bellies?

Africa?

Surely, I have been affected by these stereotypes, and had preconceived notions of what African countries are like, and this was, undebatably affected by photos I have seen.

Photography that could be a truthful representation could be misleading and controversial.

In the last few months, I have had a chance to practice this and I wonder about the role I am playing in this controversies. And I have also witnessed some contradictions.

Here is an example- Walking around with a camera invites different reactions from the locals, depending on where I am. Sometimes, it makes me the star of the moment, when people (children especially) want me to take their photos. On other occasions, I had to ask if I could take a picture and the responses vary. Some would say a blunt no. Some would smile in response. Some say no, but really meant yes.

And sometimes, I would be asked for money. These are the people who feel that they have been exploited by photography and tourists who feed on the visual representation of their lives, that are often representations of poverty. To these people of urban slums, photography has negative connotation, related to exploitation of poverty by the rich, insensitive tourists or foreigners.

Not always though.

An organization called The Mwelu Foundation has used photography as a stepping stone to instill life skills and leadership in children of the Mathare Slum. I had the privilege of visiting one of their meetings one Saturday and it is startling how motivated these children are.

Every Saturday, they would meet in a humble but welcoming apartment to learn about photo taking and editing skills. But before each meeting, all of them (about 20 odd children) would cram into a small room to discuss topics pertaining to life. The topic of that afternoon was success. The discussion was facilitated by an 18 year old, but facilitation was barely necessary. The kids were mature and confident to talk about the success, what it means, how to achieve it and so on. It was actually harder stopping the discussion than starting one.

It was my first time there but I could sense that their spirit of community was strong, and that they enjoy these meetings. To these kids in the slums, photography was something they look forward to.



Here are some photos I have taken to appease children who are eager to be photographed:



Children in Shirazi (small village in the south coast) gather to play their afternoon away. They would play soccer, catching or pretend to be swimming in the sea of dust and sand.


This is another side of the life of children who grow up in an environment unlike Shirazi.
These pictures are taken at a private nursery in Mombasa called Teddy Steps, when they were having a swimming competition.