Photographer Louiex.v Is Putting Nairobi Celebrities On A Pedestal For A Reason

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Because Life compels us to document the present so we can remember our history, it is simple to see why photographers play a major role in fostering our memories of the past. Nairobi is a healthy breeding ground for young men and women dabbling with the lenses. 



Louie.IX has established himself as a celebrity photographer slash event photographer slash go-to collaborator for the city's emerging breed of social media models. Recently, he captured Nasty C's tour of Nairobi and we were honoured to receive his frozen time pieces in our mail. 

With very scarce media coverage for Nairobi's  lens men, we thought it would be a good idea to make Louie develop his own list of Nairobi's Top Photographers. All his play mates are on it ofcourse. Plus,  get his ice breaker interview in the sentences below.



The Address: What do you think it takes to make it as a photographer in Nairobi? 🇰🇪

Louie: I'd say uniqueness, referrals and client satisfaction.

Once the client is satisfied you're bound to get more referrals.

 

The Address: Why do most people think photographers have a bunch of girls offering to get laid? What's up with that?

Louie: It's actually true since girls think they're entitled to basically everything. If you as a photographer provide an avenue for a model to actually do that, then  it will become a normality and they'll spread the word. That's how you'll be branded. It's all up to your business ethics.

 

The Address: When that happens, do those female clients continue to hire you for photography? Or does the sex ruin the clientele?

Louie: I don't think they can desist from doing it again and again.

Since you provided the leeway for the exchange.

To curb that situation, I see it fit to use a third party as a manager who will be in Charge of my finances. I will be to just appear shoot and edit.

 

Why do most people think photographers have a bunch of girls offering to get laid? What's up with that?

The Address: What do you think is the current big trend among photographers? Or what do you think the next big trend is going to be?

Louie: I think every photographer. Out there is into Retouching as per the moment... It's actually becoming a competition...but as for me Im more of a natural aesthetics Kinda person...

After this wave I think we're gonna get more pictures that tell stories other than retouched headshots

 

The Address: Clearly you are passionate about photography. Why do you care about it so much?

Louie: I like to describe myself as an artist and photography is one of the avenues I can put out my art into the world. I also do videography gfx design and music production but photography is my means to get to higher levels away from normality into a further space where art is elementary.

 

The Address: What do you consider an ideal success story for any photographer? Is it owning a visual studio, production company, expensive gear..? What does success look like for let's say, most photographers?

Louie: Owning a visual studio with the latest gear.

A space to create on a daily tell stories that can bring a positive impact into the world

That's the ideal success story.

 

The Address: Running an upcoming business might sometime look like running a nonprofit organization. Have you had times when you were not making money in photography and what kept you in the game?

Louie: Yes,most times I have. Especially with Covid around, not so many gigs any more but, we rely on referrals and also have side hustles. As for me I sell beats and make posters. You have to have other streams of income to supplement your main source in case something goes wrong. You can push on.

 

"You have to have other streams of income to supplement your main source in case something goes wrong. You can push on." - Louiex.v


The Address: Who do you think is the most gifted most revered photographer to ever lay hands on a camera?

Louie: Personally I don't have a favorite. But Idd like to work with @gregorio or @shotbysud

 

The Address: Do you see any similarities between yourself and photograohers like Gregorio and ShotbySud?

Louie: Well I'd like to Make the kind of content they're making. But here in Kenya there are limits to what you post, regulations, critics. A lot of negativities. I'm not sure how they would respond if I started doing that kind of full time. But we wait.

 

The Address: Is there any particular way that photographers prefer to be treated by their clients? Please describe

Louie: Yes. With respect

Respect that I put effort and cash and invested in my craft...just don't waste my time

For me. It's one rule -" The client is always right "

So long as the client is happy, then I'm happy.

 




The Address: What was the first maybe five steps you took when you decided to get into the business?

Louie: Market research..

Gear research..

Buying gear..

Exposure and then Branding

 

The Address: As you get better with time, you are compelled to raise your prices.

 

How do you go about raising prices for clients who were used to paying low fees?

Louie: I think they understand

As the gear is expensive as you upgrade your prices have to go up. Camera gear is mad expensive.

 

The Address: What have you invested more in your craft? Is it money for the gear or time to master the art?

Louie: Gear is the basics.

But time to master is the one thing that's priceless. Cause editing is evolving. Software is expensive too. But you can't master everything. We learn a thing a day.

 

The Address: You've shot at plenty of gigs and events.

What is the Louie Event Photography Guideline(s) that you think helps you get the job done?

Louie: Haha. I think in events is about being brave and socializing as much as possible.

Most photographers tend to be shy or unsure. I go all in.

I’m all over artists stage. Wherever I can take a good photo, I don't hesitate.

That has helped me to be a known celebrity photographer.

 


 Louiex.v's List Of Top 20 Photographers In Nairobi 

He insisted that the list is "In no particular order" 


Contentainment and all that other stuff

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