Photographer with an eye on the film industry

His pictures have captured the attention of thousands on social media, and he has built a reputation as a rising photographer. Ironically, Armstrong Too is not a fan of having his own pictures taken. The 25-year-old juggles photography, film and TV editing.

Who is Armstrong Too?

I am a 25-year-old guy who is often mistaken for being non-Kenyan because of my first name and my beard. I am a very simple guy, fascinated by simple things in life. I am passionate about taking good pictures and I aspire to be the best photographer I can be.

How do you start your day?

The start of my day is dependent on my schedule. I make prayer the first thing I do when I get up, and then I turn on my laptop while still in bed and work for a few hours.

Other than photography, what else do you do?

I am a film maker, editor and producer. If I’m not on set or taking beautiful photos, you will find me cooped up in my working area at the office learning more about the things I do.

What do you consider your ‘After 5’ business?

Photography. I am a self-taught photographer and I major in portrait, beauty, glamour, fashion, wedding and commercial photography.

How did you get started with photography?

A lady friend aspiring to be a model had to submit her photos to a modelling agency. She knew I had photo editing skills, so she brought me a point-and-shoot digital camera to take photos and edit them for her. We ended up spending hours having fun taking pictures. Everything changed from that day. I began to see photography as an interesting art and started taking YouTube classes, reading photography blogs and taking photos to improve my skills.

Who are your key clients?

Local celebrities, especially musicians, and runway models are my main clients. Working with them requires a lot of creativity, which is what I like my photos to portray. I have worked with musicians like Anto Neosoul, Monique Kabuye, the band members of Elani, Sage and Kambua.

Your challenges?

Photography gear is expensive and it takes a while before you recover the value of your equipment in terms of money.

Also, it requires a lot of input and working at odd hours, which can leave you with little or no social life.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt so far?

For one to make it, they have to learn how to be patient and be willing to learn. I can attest that this is what has brought me to the level I have now reached, and I’m still holding on to these principles in the hopes of scaling greater heights.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

I believe that God holds my destiny. My will is to nurture more talent in the production industry, but I leave it up to God to direct my life as he deems fit.

What is your main inspiration?

I’m inspired by the fact that photography freezes moments that in a second are history and helps you see everything in a different way — a photo is really worth a thousand words.

bizbeat@standardmedia.co.ke