This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
On a typical day before the COVID-19 pandemic, Caroline Murang'a, a 31-year-old lifestyle photographer, would be busy documenting her clients' milestones. She would spend her weekdays taking family photographs in her studio in Nairobi CBD and covering corporate events in the evenings.
At weekends, she would travel to different locations to capture weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and graduation celebrations. Her favorite events to cover were weddings, as each one offered a unique cultural experience.
However, the pandemic brought her business to a standstill. With some events cancelled and others postponed indefinitely, Caroline has had to adjust to the new normal. She now focuses on occasional baby bump shoots to keep her business afloat.
Despite the challenges, Caroline has had time to reflect on her business methods. She plans to expand her niche and potentially change her approach when business resumes. She also intends to train more females in photography, as she believes there is still a lot of room for growth in the industry.
Caroline's journey as a photographer began when she attended her first wedding in 2011. She was offered an internship and eventually landed a job as a videographer and video editor. However, the money was not enough, and she decided to buy a camera to supplement her income.
She fell in love with photography instantly and decided to pursue it full-time. In 2014, she collaborated with a local clothes store, which marked the beginning of her business. She registered the business, set up social media pages, and met with other photographers to learn from them.
Caroline's big break came when she started working with the clothes store. She treated her customers like friends, which helped her build a loyal client base. She believes that strangers will support you more than friends, and this approach has been instrumental in her success.
Caroline's business has grown significantly over the years, but she faces challenges as a female photographer in a male-dominated industry. She hopes to change this by training more females in photography and promoting the value of her profession.
