Until recently, photography in Rwanda was often synonymous with harrowing images of the past history, refugees, and suffering. Now, photographers in the country shoot breathtaking views, capture day-to-day Rwandan life, and generally create works of art. Photography is one of the sectors in the arts that has experienced a boost in the creative industry locally and internationally. Rwandan photographers have merged to a global level where they are recognized worldwide and exhibit their artworks in different areas of the world. Every year on August 19, the world comes together to celebrate the origins of photography. World Photography Day commemorates the day in 1839 when the French government purchased the patent for the Daguerreotype, an early photographic process and released the process in full as a gift to the world. To celebrate this day, The New Times spoke to different key players in this industry and traced the growth of photography in Rwanda. Alice Kayibanda, a Kigali-based photographer, attributes the growth of photography in Rwanda to easy accessibility of the internet among the young generation. “I would say that the younger generations access to the internet boosted their interest in arts and sharpened their creativity,” she says. According to Cyrille Ndegeya, a photojournalist, increased competition is one of the main reasons behind the boost of this industry in Rwanda. “When competition increased, photographers revised their work and built creativity. This also made Rwandan photographers hungry for modern equipment, hence the improved quality of their pictures,” says Ndegeya. “Photographers were also inspired to adopt different styles of photography, as opposed to focusing on just weddings. At first, it was hard to find photographers doing wild and fashion photography but now we have many players doing these kinds of photography. It really proves a boost in our industry,” he added. For top videographer and photographer Meddy Saleh, the government also played a huge role in the growth of photography by making it easy for individuals to start businesses locally and supporting the creative industry. “Previously, we were called ‘Gafotozi,’ a name that described a low-priced photographer but now, we are recognized on an international level due to the role we play in the media and creative industry that earned us respect. Government also provided opportunities for photographers, both the youth and old,” Meddy Saleh said. “The growth of photography in Rwanda can be seen in the way photographers are proud of taking cameras around and introducing themselves as photographers. It feels good, which wasn’t the case in the past,” he adds. Rwandans have started understanding photography in a diverse way however, there is still a long way to go especially in photography education according to Jean Bizimana a photographer for a British newspaper, The Writers. “Looking back at our past, photography has made a huge step forward in creativity. It is an achievement that we can credit to many things, including international schools which organise seminars in Rwanda that help photographers grow their potential and skills every day,” says Bizamana. “Rwandans have also realised that photography can change lives financially like other professions. This has seen many players joining, thus boosting it,” he says. Bizimana concluded by advising fellow photographers to view this profession as a career rather than just a hobby. “It is time that we start learning photography and make education a first priority before joining this career. The government can also consider setting photography schools, this will facilitate people who can’t afford travelling abroad to study,” he said.
