20-year-old Lemeutier Kenovia is a professional photographer whose goal is to own a filmmaking company to equip the youth with photography and filmmaking skills, hence, curb unemployment. But, he says, he still lacks the equipment and money required to see this through.
However, insufficient capital hasn’t stopped him from practicing his profession. He rents cameras and other equipment to execute his work. A day, he is charged Rwf 10,000 to rent one camera, and Rwf 10,000 for camera accessories, per day. He says, sometimes the prices surge, especially at events like weddings or parties.
Kenovia is enthralled by artistic photography, and mainly focuses on travel, and models, as he finds them both unique. Once in a while, he goes into other events for some extra money.
He says he ‘fell for photography’ way back, before he even knew how to hold a camera or use it. He had a phone that he liked taking photos with, especially when he travelled. Nature and wildlife were mostly his focus at the age of 16.
One of Kenovia’s photos of a model. The photographer also takes random pictures of the environment. Photos/ Courtesy
Kenovia started exploring the surroundings through the lens. Having been born in a family of photographers, it was natural.
His father is a professional photographer who taught all his three children to take photos. Having used his phone for so long, it was time Kenovia learned how to use a better camera. In 2017, his father taught him the basics, for instance, learning the settings, ability to capture light, shutter speed, focus, and angles.
The youngster found the process fun. He was captivated to learn more with YouTube tutorials. He would borrow his father’s Canon EOS 6D camera, whenever he yearned to create a moment. With practice, he enhanced his ability.
A dream in action
In 2019, he embarked on photography as a profession. After one of his friends viewed his work, he was intrigued and connecting him to a modelling company "Imboni Creative”, where he started work as a part-time photographer, till today.
This gig, he says, has opened doors to other part-time deals and connections.
He says what makes him stand out is his unique editing, using pre-sets, and colouring with light room, but mostly, the art of telling a story.
He views photography as his most important self-expressive activity because he shares his unique vision of the world with the world.
For him, being a good photographer is more than just using the camera or owning the best gear, instead, it is about the basic abilities that permit a photographer to see beauty in the most sudden places and capture that beauty.
"Photography is a fun and tricky activity, there are those days that lighting won’t coordinate, or you have to take many photos just to choose the best,” he says.
Kenovia is of the view that when you’re taking pictures of people, taking a good photo is not enough. You also have to learn how to interact with your subjects to make them comfortable, and create the right feeling at the moment.
He is currently saving to buy the kind of camera (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV) he wants to start his company with, which goes for Rwf 1.5m. The photographer is dismayed that he is prohibited to take photos from some places, yet some eminent photographers are not denied access to such places.
Another challenge he encounters is competition, as he notes that everyone can take any photo they wish with their smartphone. He can’t compete with famous or experienced photographers for a deal because in most cases, they get the job since they have been in the industry longer than him.
"I haven’t started earning from photography as I wish. Since I am still fresh in the business, I am underpaid for part-time deals but I don’t decline such offers because I need the money,” he says.
Kenovia is a senior six graduate, anticipating pursuing a course in photography. His Instagram page where he posts his work is Lanez Art.
You can reach Kenovia on 0782624513