This month we spoke to one of the most sought after wedding photographers of the country, Peter Kanana. He lets us in on his journey and plans.
Happy read!
On how he got into photography…
The journey started in mid year 2012, I was influenced by my elder brother Etuna Kanana. He had just bought a Canon 550D and he used to shoot a lot. Yes I was artsy myself but I just looked at like ‘Hey, dope camera’ and that’s it”. So with him, I always tended to be the model/subject until one day I decided to change roles as I wanted to see how it was to be the one behind the lens. I felt more in control and could capture emotion, I never looked back till today. So it was really just influence.
Change of plans…
I had so many dreams and aspirations growing up. I was a focused young lad in school with a guaranteed office job in the future. I wanted to become a geologist and pilot at some point. Eventually I ended up at NUST studying logistics. In my second year I started practicing photography more. It dawned on me then that photography gave me sheer joy and I decided to pursue it. Growing up I enjoyed being artistic, I used to sketch a lot and I was a big fan of poetry. I never thought it would be a career until after a little self-evaluation and concluded that I loved being practical.
Passion to business…
It became a business in 2016. That’s when I started to believe my passion could actually pay my bills and I started to really invest in it.
On the industry and opportunities…
It really depends on what you want to do because the industry is quiet diverse and every field is promising, it all just depends on how much you WANT IT really. From a wedding photographer’s perspective, opportunities are endless, as every day the demand grows. I can recall in 2012, I could literally count the amount of photographers in the industry but nowadays I can’t keep up.
Is it possible, as a creative, to live off your passion? What would that require?
110% yes! It requires hard work and dedication, perseverance, good service delivery and financial discipline. Take time to nurture your craft. Invest your time & money in networking and travelling to keep improving your trade.
On working for ‘EXPOSURE’…
That’s the first thing that comes to mind when you are coming up, you need to get your name out there and this means pro bono work. I looked at the bigger picture which was in the next few years I will be somewhere because of this. It’s about attitude and my advice is to dream big, and complete the necessary sacrifices they’ll get you somewhere tomorrow.
On rates and pricing…
My rates are fairly reasonable. When setting up my price list, I considered my years of experience, equipment investment and my photography style. Clients that book me tend to put all these things into perspective. I don’t compromise when it comes to quality work. Other prospective clients I am happy to refer other decent photographers.
Niche…
My niche is definitely wedding photography, I do want to become a renowned international wedding photographer. Besides wedding I can also add landscapes photography as I love to travel.
Plans for Milkyway Photography…
I would like to venture into a bit more of advertising work but for now I want to stabilize the market and focus on my niche. I want to do more international weddings so within the next few years I see myself traveling more and networking.
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