How an S6 vacist turned passion for photography into big enterprise

Frank Axel Nyabagabo is no ordinary teenager. The high school graduate is already rocking the events and photography sectors. At only 19 years of age, Nyabagabo has already successfully organised social events, which bring together high school students and fashion agencies. He also shoots pictures like any professional would, having an eye for the hot shot, and quick in his movement. As I watched him take photographs at a recent event, all this seemed to come naturally, and effortlessly. Nyabagabo has been doing ‘professional’ photography since the age of 16. His passion for the art was to later expose him to the world of events and graphic designing. The young entrepreneur, who studied maths, economics and computer science in high school, is waiting to join university in September. Starting out Nyabagabo says he was exposed to the computer at a tender age since his father is computer scientist. His dream then was to become a programmer. He, however, says though he had a passion for photography, it was his father who inspired him to take it as a career. “Because of my love for photography I was always the one taking family pictures for fun. When my dad realised my passion for photography, he bought me a professional camera when I was in senior three,” he says. He says that a few months later he set up a photography agency in 2013 that mainly concentrated on doing freelance work at different events and concerts. Later, he introduced videography and graphic designs. He says he used the money earned from such jobs, and support from his father to set up his own photography studio. Nyabagabo says he honed his skills on the Internet using the YouTube channel, which “I visited regularly to help me improve my videography and photography skills”. The F2 Images Studio chief, boasts of working with different media groups, like yegob.com. This has set him apart from his peers as a remarkable photographer and videographer. Organising events Nyabagabo confesses that at the beginning he was doing photography for fame. “However, when I started earning a lot of cash from it, I realised that could be a real business venture that I could develop further as a career. From then on, I run it as an enterprise, and used the Internet to improve my skills to serve my customers better,” he says. His sharp eye for unique pictures won awards when he was still in high school. With the recognition, he decided to venture into the events management business. “I realised that I could use some of these connections to kick-start an events enterprise.” He says he was also encouraged by different events organisers who were impressed by his photography and work ethic to start organising events. “I realised my potential when I started getting awards in competitions, like High School Idol and Youth Culture. I was then motivated to work hard to earn more profits,” Nyabagabo says. He says he was able to start on high a note because he was working with many different modelling agencies while he was still in high school. “I came up with the idea of fashion shows to help bring the students together so that they can showcase their talents,” he says. Together with his young brother, Fleury Nyabagabo, and a friend called Fred Cezar they organised their first event, the Red Carpet Fashion Award in November 2014, which attracted over 800 people. This introduced him on the events scene, and he has not looked back since then. He says being first-time events organisers, the 800 attendance rate was a big success. They have since organised more events in Kigali. Challenges Nyabagabo says operational costs are some of major hindrances affecting the venture and its growth prospects. He says, this has ate into the profits. “My father has been my only sponsor so far, and he cannot cater for all the expenses,” he says. Achievements Nyabagabo was awarded best photographer of the year 2014 at the Youth Culture Carnival in Rwanda, and his studio, F2 Images, has been recognised as the best photography agency. Besides photography, he is also a creative designer at a marketing agency, where he does graphics design, making logos, billboards, and company profiles. He says he landed a TV job on TV10 to present a show called Code250 because of his videography skills. He helped transform the then radio show into a TV show. Nyabagabo says he employs two permanent staff at his studio located in Kimironko, Gasabo District, and always hires two more when he is covering big events and weddings. He scored 40 points at A’Level, and plans to study information technology at varsity. Advice to the youth Nyabagabo advises the youth to follow their dreams to realise their potential. “Use every opportunity that comes your way maximally. We are the future of this country and, therefore, we should work hard toward building the nation we want for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. “That’s why all of us should do something that builds the country and improves our lives,” he says.

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How an S6 vacist turned passion for photography into big enterprise