Spotlight: a photographer’s journey

Rickon Mwiinga is a Lusaka-based photographer who focuses on city and architecture photography, as well as portraits and landscapes. He has a Diploma also in Digital Communications and Business Administration from IT College and Tangaza University, Kenya. He says, “I took a break halfway through my Diploma to pursue some job opportunities that were unmissable. I haven’t returned since and am sure I won’t either, even though I learned a lot from my time there.”

He shares and promotes his work on Instagram and Facebook, where he has built up an impressive number of fans. Combining a humble attitude, stunning images, and his unique perspective, Rickon has been able to travel the world capturing images and building an online community that follows along.

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When and why did i begin working as a photographer?

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by cameras and intrigued by the possibility of capturing a moment and saving it forever. As a teenager, I was a heavy user of disposable cameras, but it wasn’t until I got my first smartphone that I started taking photos on a regular basis.

With time, I got more serious about it. I think I did my first “real” gig just over Five years ago. I decided to pursue the dream of working as an independent photographer.

What inspires me when i take photographs? What or who are my favorite subjects?

A lot of things inspire me. My physical surroundings, such as architecture and design, often lead me to a certain atmosphere I want to create. I have a collection of old photos and photo books that I can always look at, learn from, and get inspiration from.

Music is another of my strongest inspirations. I often hear a song and immediately feel the urge to create something based on the feeling the song gave me. I also find people inspiring, especially the ones that somehow stick out, either because of the way they’re dressed, the vibe/emotions I get from them, or my relation to them. To me, they are stories walking around, waiting to be told; I am using my camera as my voice to do so.

As a photographer, there are many things I enjoy photographing. My favorite subjects are city life and my family. Those are the roots and two poles I work from. To me, the city serves as a window into the world and many ways of living, while my family feels more like a mirror of who I am and what I cherish.