He shot us for the launch of our site, so it was only a matter of time till we turned the tables and put HIM on the spotlight for a change.
So yes, for MonoCareer this month we chat to photographer Martin Amushendje. Find out why and how he is more than just a photographer.
So who is Martin Amushendje?
– I am an open-minded person; I like to spread positive energy. I have a good sense of humour and I have a strong presence. I am creative and very interested in the arts. I believe in hard work so I like to motivate people to work hard as well as remind them to stay humble an never settle for less.
You do so many great things, what do you identify as the most?
– Photography
So how did you get into photography?
– My mother got me into it. I was 16 or so. I would shoot work functions and family gatherings. I found the editing aspect of photography quite interesting. My 21st birthday came around and my Mother got me my first camera. That’s when I would say things officially kicked off.
When did you know that’s what you wanted to do?
– When I started putting my studio together.
Other career aspirations?
– Media Proprietor
How has the journey been so far?
– It’s been a rather fruitful journey so far and I hope for it to get better.
What do you appreciate? What would you take away?
– I appreciate the fearlessness it took for me to make some of the decisions I have made in order for me to live my best life. I’m working hard to maintain that power throughout my life. It should be a natural thing.
Fashion, commercial, corporate, what’s your poison?
– Conceptual Photography
Describe your favourite (type of) image? Mood, scenario, etc
– Dark – We learn a lot about ourselves from moments in darkness.
Describe your ultimate subject?
– A woman. Everything about her.
Describe your worst type of client?
– A non-existent one.
What is your favourite project to date?
– A set of photographs I did with a friend I call “Black Swan”. (seen above)
Top 3 favourite images ever? We know it’s hard but please.
Blood on her face
Talk to us about the concept behind that?
– BOHF came to me in my sleep. I saw a woman and I immediately woke up to sketch her down. I chose photography as the medium continuing on and I tried to bring as much of my vision of her to life as possible. I thought it would be interesting to create more characters and create a series. Then later I thought “hey, why not host an exhibition”. The ideas came as I continued to go down the rabbit hole.
How long was the production process? (From conception to final product)
– It took about 2 months to get it to print from conception.
Okay, talk to us about the process? What went into production?
– After conception I looked for models on Instagram. After doing that I went to get supplies/props to build the set as well as style the models. I selected four models and shot all four of them over two days. Shoot day started with hair, make-up, and the building of the sets and then shooting. We would be done within an hour or 2 of shooting.,
Who was involved in the project?
Hair – Haircraft Unisex Hair Studio, Maerua Mall
MUA – Nicole Benade
Production Assistant #1: Tuwilika Nafuka
Production Assistant #2: David Tiboth
Models: Sharny Engelbrecht, Sharon Tjimbundu, Tatjana Theisinger, Zavia Johr
Are the artworks for sale?
– Yes, the artworks are for sale.
Would you be doing something like that again?
– Yes I would, definitely.
Martin Amushendje the brand
You recently started vlogging? How’s that going?
– Vlogging is really fun, I appreciate it a lot because it’s helping me speak better. I have a tendency to “over-explain” things so I’m learning to say more with less words. Haha! Otherwise it’s going pretty well. The audience seems to enjoy them so I’ll keep doing the vlogs.Haha
What do you think of the Namibian creativesphere at the moment?
– There are so many artistic people in this country, a lot are not noticed I guess because of their brand not being strong enough. I have recently come to understand that the business/marketing aspect of being an artist is just as important as knowing how to make your art. I believe that an artist needs a solid following to make an impact.
Hopes for it?
– I hope that one day in the future Namibia will have institutes that strengthen the creative and artistic mind in it’s craft as well as teach them how to work for themselves in the corporate world. Also, create more platforms that award creative/artists for their abilities and achievements which in turn will encourage the industry to work harder and enjoy themselves.
You are always working on the coolest things, what can we look forward to this year (the rest of it)?
– Growth in how I conduct myself as a businessman and an artist.
You had a photography workshop earlier in the year? Talk to us about that? When is the next one?
Never did I think I would ever teach a class. It was a great experience. I would definitely do it again.
From what I saw, the people in attendance were really interested in what I had to share with them and seemed very excited for the next one. I just need to make sure that next one is even better.
Plans for your brand?
– Establish relations with more industry members.
Lastly, please give us pro-tips to taking a perfect selfie.
– If you are shooting with a DSLR? A tripod and Shutter release cable will do the trick.
Follow Martin on Instagram to see what else he is up to.
