ONEXTRA: Peter Cacah

Peter Cacah is a Kenyan photographer specialising in humanitarian, lifestyle and fashion photography. PHOTO| FILE

What you need to know:

  • Langiri and his team are hoping to produce and post at least 13 episodes by the end of the year and eventually make a full length movie next year, depending on the availability of funds.
  • The Rolda Web Fest is an international festival of Web Series that is carried out in Roldanillo Colombia and brings together high artistic level projects that have been created or showcased on the internet.
  • They aim to promote art and culture as well as artistic talent of producers, directors and actors from all over the world.

Peter Cacah is a Kenyan photographer specialising in humanitarian, lifestyle and fashion photography. The shutterbug is making a mark in an already dominated industry, and is finding purpose through photos. He spoke to Karen Muriuki
For how long have you been in photography?

Professionally, about eight years now. But I have been in the industry for about 11 years.

Describe your career path.

I started out as a graphic designer, though I liked taking photos. I used to design newspapers and magazines and I was occasionally forced to use poor quality photos. That’s when I decided to buy a camera and start taking photos.

While at it, I met the likes of Boniface Mwangi and learnt that he actually made a living out of photography alone. As I studied and interacted with him, I realised that I was more of a photographer than a graphic designer. I am much better than most photographers because, with my background in design, I am able to weigh how each photo would look best, depending on where they are to be published.

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

That it’s never easy to build a brand. It takes a lot of patience. Normally, people think that photographers have a lot of time when, in real sense, it is a career like any other that needs time and commitment. You cannot do it both as a hobby and as a profession.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

Through online tutorials, asking questions and discussing with other photographers whenever we meet. I learn a lot from my friends.
Would you say photography pays well in Kenya?
Any industry pays well depending on one’s effort. Re-inventing yourself and keeping up with trends ensures you never run out of business. It is a business like any other.

What do you want to say with the pictures you take?

I like telling stories through my photographs and, if possible, change some stories. I am currently working with an NGO called CBM which does a number of cataract surgeries. We have been able to change people’s lives from the photos and videos we have taken for the past three years.

The photos and videos are used to tell stories of the beneficiaries as well as those of people suffering from cataracts. With that, they are able to get donors and funds from people who have been touched by their stories. The Miracles Week happens on October 9 to 13, where they are able to perform many surgeries for free.

Funds that make this happen are usually raised all year long through our photos and videos. It will be held in Bomet this year. We are looking forward to it. Seeing these people being helped makes me feel like I have fulfilled my purpose.

What motivates you to continue taking photos?

If you walk around the country, you may be able to see lots of issues that the middle class and upper classes may never notice. It is through our cameras that we are able to showcase them to everyone. Changing the life of a person through my work motivates me.

I wake up on some days feeling like I have done my time in photography, then I remember all the projects we have done all over the country. People from these communities take me to be a hero, because through my work, their voices were heard. That gives me the motivation to keep taking photos.

Among your many works, which is your favourite?

There is a story we did in 2015. It was about a family of nine, seven of whom were suffering from cataracts.
Through Capital FM and CBM, we were able to raise money for the seven to undergo surgery. As we speak, all the children are back in school. Their father is also able to provide for his family. Before the surgery, he was almost completely blind.
We have also worked with Amref, where we did an orthopedic story last year of a child who had knocked knees. He was operated on at Kijabe Mission Hospital, with the assistance of Safaricom. He is now in school, and is able to walk and play with his classmates.

Whose work has influenced you the most?

Locally, I love the way Allan Gichigi shoots. He does nice portraits and his photos tell lots of stories. Internationally, Katie Nelson does some really nice portraits. I really like her pictures.

Describe the moment when you knew that photography was something you just had to do.

I started doing photography at a young age.

Most of my friends were getting into careers such as engineering, medicine and law. I used to ask myself what was wrong with me. (Laughs). But, when you love doing what you do, there is no pressure of trying to fit in society. Through photography, I have been able to interact with those engineers, doctors and lawyers, in various projects.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Consistency. It is important to take time to study instead of trying to beat another person at what they do.
What would you say is the greatest achievement in your life this far?

Having two children. There is nothing bigger than that for me.

How are your days like?

My day starts at 5am. I am usually in the studio by 6:30am, when I start replying to emails. I try to do my shoots in the morning. I then edit and meet clients later in the day. I leave for home at around six or seven in the evening.

Your advice for aspiring photographers?

Never be afraid of critics. Use criticism to build yourself. I used to show my work to Emmanuel Jambo, Allan Gichigi, Jim Chuchu and the like. I would ask them to criticise it and they would. With that, I have become my own person.

What kind of gear do you use for your work?

I use the professional DSLRs, but I mostly prefer Nikon brands.

On the same note, what software do you use to edit?

I rarely edit my photos, but I do some touch-ups using Photoshop and Lightroom.

Favourite lens? And why?

A 70-100mm. I like it because it gives me the freedom and privilege to take pictures in a more natural setting and without being noticed. You can hardly see me working at an event I am covering.

What do you take with you when you travel?

The same lens. I love it so much. If I’m not using it, I use the 50mm fixed lens.

Is there a gadget you wish you had never bought?

No, not one in my life.