Kenyan photographer Donwilson Odhiambo documents the lives and captures the moments of others effortlessly. Connecting people not only, across the globe but also generation to generation, the young photographer is dedicated to creating something unique for the history books. We sit down with him to hear more.
Meet the Contributor: Donwilson Odhiambo
Let’s kick off, how did you get started in photography and why?
I started my photography about eleven years ago with the aim of being able to share what is on the other side of the world. To be able to keep all these memories and moments around us through my lens.
What was your first experience with a camera?
My first experience with the camera wasn’t that easy, I had a lot to learn and understand to be able to be a Photographer. I always engaged with other peoples work and learnt something each time I came across another great photographers work.
What five words describe your photographic style or captured message?
The first five words that best describe my work are: Documentary – Street – News – Travel – Portrait
What is the best element about being a photographer, and most challenging?
The best element about being a photographer is that my Camera identifies who I am to the people around me and what I do. The most challenging thing is that not many are willing to pay the amount respective to the effort I put into my work. Sadly, most media organisations and press agencies don’t seem to appreciate the hard work we put in and the struggles we undergo while doing an assignment.
To you, what is the role photography has in the world?
The role of photography is to be able to connect generation to generation with what happened. It also allows us to record what is currently happening around us through the art of images.
What one important lesson has your work taught you?
In my field of photography I’ve not only learnt to improve technically, but my work has also taught me how to socialise with the people around me, to know when to take pictures of my subjects and when not to. It has also taught me how to be patient and collaborate with different photographers and film makers around me.
What is currently really getting you frustrated or annoyed?
What’s getting me frustrated is that some people are not able to understand our efforts on the ground. That we are also humans who are working day and night to be able to pay our bills and provide for our families.
“The role of photography is to be able to connect generation to generation with what happened.”
If you could photograph any historical event, what would it be and why?
I personally would love to rewind back and photograph the History of Native Americans and the old long gone African Culture.
What does success look like to you?
To me success is when I go out and come back with something different from anyone else in my field or any assignments I take on. When I have something others don’t, it develops into happiness for myself and my audience and viewers.
What’s your go to album to listen to when you’re working right now?
My go to album is from Sona Jabarteh.
Photo: IMAGO. Zuma Wire/Donwilson OdhiamboPhoto: IMAGO. Zuma Wire/Donwilson OdhiamboPhoto: Donwilson OdhiamboPhoto: Donwilson OdhiamboPhoto: Donwilson OdhiamboPhoto: IMAGO. Zuma Wire/Donwilson Odhiambo