By Wasike Lloyd
For many young people, photography is often viewed as simply taking pictures with a camera or mobile phone. However, for students undertaking a short course in Photography for Kids done during school holidays at Digital Media and Broadcasting Training Institute (DMBTI), the skill is becoming more than just taking photographs; it is opening their minds to creativity, self-expression and potential career opportunities.
Among the learners is Usher Kaimenyi, who says he is determined to develop his photography skills from an early age and eventually use them to earn a living.
Among the learners is Asher Kaimenyi, who says he is determined to develop his photography skills from an early age and eventually use them to earn a living.
“I’m so determined to use this skill from an early age to earn a living,” Kaimenyi says.
His ambition reflects the growing interest among young learners in acquiring practical skills that can support them in the future. Through the photography course, students are being introduced to the basics of photography, including camera handling, composition, aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
For Kelvin Mugambi, joining the photography classes has changed his perception of what photography entails. He says learning about the subject triggered his curiosity and encouraged him to explore the field further.
“When I heard about photography classes, I got triggered to know more about it. Now I’m in the learning process and my perception of it is very positive,” Mugambi says.
The learners are discovering that photography requires more than simply pointing a camera at a subject and pressing the shutter button. It involves understanding light, composition, camera settings, timing and creativity to produce meaningful and visually appealing images.
Photography can also provide young people with opportunities in areas such as event coverage, portrait photography, journalism, advertising, social media content creation and other creative industries.
As the students continue with their training, their growing interest demonstrates how early exposure to practical skills can inspire young people to explore careers and entrepreneurial opportunities.
For Kaimenyi and Mugambi, the photography course is therefore not just a classroom experience. It is the beginning of a journey that could transform their passion for taking pictures into a valuable skill and, eventually, a source of livelihood.
