Meet Allan Gichigi, nominee for Sony World Photography Awards 2014

Congratulations for being shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards on February 4 this year. Tell us about that:

 Thank you. The photo I submitted was as a result of a project by Safaricom dubbed Capture Kenya. Many people applied and I was among the five photographers picked and asked to capture the beauty of different parts of the country for their 2014 calendar. Only four of us had their photos featured in the calendar.  I was impressed by the picture; it was authentic and spoke reality that is why I took the chance to submit the photo for the competition. I did not, however, imagine it would be among the top ten out of 140,000 photos from 166 countries. It was shortlisted in the Split Second category of the Open competition for photography enthusiasts. Names of winners will be announced on March 18 April 30. I am crossing my fingers and praying that I win.

 That is impressive work. What was the inspiration behind the photo?

 The idea of Capture Kenya was to take photos of people getting on with their business in beautiful backgrounds. I was assigned to the western region; I knew a fisherman shot would best represent that region. The task was now to make my image different from the fishermen images I had seen. I think I succeeded in that.  I took the photo of Morris (fisherman) late in the evening. The photo was accepted by Safaricom and it is in their calendar in the month of April.  It will further be exhibited by Sony Awards ceremony at Somerset House, London from 1-18 May.

 You must be very proud of yourself

 I feel more confident in my. But let me point out that I did not do all the work alone. I have been honored to work with great teams through the various projects, who put their time and efforts in this and many other projects.

 Who is Allan?

 I am an independent filmmaker and a photographer based in Nairobi. I do a blend of both with equal passion. In photography, I have immersed myself more on documentary photography, portraiture, wedding photography, nature photography but of course I am ready to take up new challenges. I am also a part of a crazy group of guys called Ark Africa, a branding/advertising agency.

 Aside from work…?

 I am a very regular guy who takes great delight in cycling and traveling. I also enjoy a good meal.

 Tell us about your journey

 I completed a degree course in Communications at Daystar University in 2006 worked for a year and a half at the UN before going for the Master’s degree at University of Canterbury Christ Church in UK.  I was not that very active in photography while in campus. I began serious photography work in 2007 when I was working for UN. I have been doing it professionally ever since.

How did you get into wedding photography?

 It started with friends asking me to come to their weddings and carrying a camera, before I knew it I was shooting weddings. I actually quite like the chaos and beauty of wedding days. I had the pleasure of shooting some high-profiled weddings. My style moves away from the traditional and incorporates photo journalism.

 Who is your inspiration?

 My father. He was a top photographer for Getty Images in the UK before retiring and he has been the greatest inspiration towards my success. Internationally, I look up to Joe McNally, Joey L and Karl Taylor among others.

 What are you currently up to?

 I am working on a few personal projects and some commercial projects. Like we are currently shooting a documentary for one of the local NGOs.

 What other projects have you been working on?

 I am not that good with dates. I remember working on a project 24 Nairobi where we got to take photos of the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city for 24 hours. I was also part of a project called Kenya Burning, a photographic exhibition which highlighted events of the post-election violence. There was another photo I did for KICC showing its reflection from Uhuru Park Gardens. In 2012, I was part of the crew for Something Necessary, a feature film produced by Nairobi Half Life production team, One Fine Day films and Ginger ink.

 Highlights in your career….

 My work has been featured in numerous exhibitions in Kenya and US, and won the UNDP category 5 Picture this competition. A documentary I did, A Story of the Urban Poor, with a great contribution from my photo editor, Justin Wachira, on Korogocho slums won Best Documentary in Slum Film Festival 2013. I took a photo of a long queue of Kenyan voters while working as a freelance for The Standard newspaper which grabbed the front page of the paper. Being part of filming crew for Something Necessary and taking part in Safaricom's capture Kenya competition.

 When has been the most satisfying moment in your career?

 There was a documentary called Matatus that I did in Nairobi as part of my master’s degree course. I had a goal of showing life through the eyes of a driver called Ng’ang’a.  It follows the cat and mouse games that matatu a do with the police, covering issues like bribing, music and so on. I consider it one my most fulfilling projects.

 Your work offers many traveling opportunities:

I am privileged to have traveled places among them UK, South Sudan, Somalia, and many other places within the country.

 Do you have a dream destination?

 None in particular so far.

 Any special person in your life to spoil this Valentine’s?

 (Laughs) no. I am still searching for The One. I guess my work does not give me that time.

 Advice to aspiring photographers?

Passion is what will take you far. Keep at it, be confident and create your own style. When you copy others, you will only be the second best.