Baiphetlhi advocates for photography recognition
Oleosi Kgosi | Friday July 14, 2017 16:12
Baiphetlhi told Arts and Culture in an interview that he founded and established a brand named Square Arts whose main focus is on showcasing his work in photography. He began photography in March this year after his father Raymond Baiphetlhi bought him a camera. He highlighted that he was inspired by his father who is a photographer and videographer to try out photography. “I grew up looking up to my father and wished I could take photos too. I was always good with mechanic so I took his camera, explored it and mastered how to use it on my own,” he said.
The young photographer said he usually does outdoor and daylight shoots because nature is captured well in a camera and the colours always blend in together to create an eye-catching photograph. “I watch online tutorials to improve my skills of capturing pictures and editing them to correct the imperfect shots from the shoot more so that the camera I use is not of a higher quality.” He said he showcases his work on social media and has a huge support base, which always appreciates and praises his work.
Baiphetlhi said even though he is currently doing well, he is still faced with several challenges. “People always fail to pay for my services especially girls who expect me to do photo shoots free of charge for them and this really strains my business as a young photographer trying very hard to make ends meet,” he said. He said he does not have a studio and this requires him to spend a lot of money on transport to meet his clients and also his equipment is exposed to risks of being stolen. “The streets are not safe for us to walk around with cameras. I suggest that in order to solve this, the government should enforce frequent patrols,” he said.
“People don’t treat photography with the seriousness it deserves, they just see it as a mere hobby and a waste of time. They should be made aware that photography is a way of generating money to fend for ourselves,” he explained. He suggested that photography should be included in the curriculum of arts education in primary to cater for those who have passion for it. He said he lacks funds to buy a camera of better quality, reflectors as well as lighting equipment needed for his production.
He further added that his brand is not yet official and he is working on its registration and launch before the end of this year. He aspires to open a photography studio and a learning centre, which will give all photographers to display their work and also impart skills of how they can improve on their work.