“The type of feel i add to my photos is what differentiates me” — Ryan Sinyangwe
Photography has extremely evolved as an art and a business in Zambia, photographers are slowly setting the bar and testing their creative lengths to deliver quality memories in fine print. Akzam had the chance to have a conversation with one of Zambia’s most talented Photographers, Ryan Sinyangwe and this is how it went
Akzam: Good morning what’s your full name and a brief background about yourself?
Ryan: My name is Ryan Niza Sinyangwe, Lungu By tribe 2nd born in a family of 3 and the only guy.
Akzam:Can you kindly tell us a brief history of the work you’ve done? Also what made you start?
Ryan: I started my photography journey in 2018 when I bought my first camera but wasn't so serious about making money with it i just wanted to shoot anything till late December 2019 when i got a Job as a professional photographer at a certain media company.
I started photography because i really love moments and wanted the moments to be kept in a visual form were you can always look at and feel good about when you look at a certain picture taken and i think that makes so much sense.
Akzam: How old are you?
Ryan: I am 25 years
Akzam: Where are you based?
Ryan: I am based in Lusaka, Zambia
Akzam: Why photography and what does it mean to you?
Ryan: I believe something you do passionately brings out what people can not see in the inside and i feel i express myself more when i am capturing i get to put out a story or an expression, photography means alot because i get lost in the moment and it makes me feel like that is how people can get to understand me.
Akzam: Why do you think it so hard to make it internationally as a photographer from Zambia?
Ryan: I think lack of support not from people but even amongst ourselves as photographers, and also exposure we aren’t really exposed.
Akzam: What is the worst photography advice you have ever gotten?
Ryan: well i haven’t gotten any worst advice yet but a bit of hate(beef) in this industry.
Akzam: If you had a chance to take one huge picture to define your works what would it look like ? Who or what could you like to take a photos of?
Ryan : Well not something so mind blowing but something that would remain in a frame for the rest of my life, I would like to take a photo of the canyon (smiles)
Akzam: What are some causes you are passionate about?
Ryan: I just want be a content creator forever
Akzam: Any favorite books?
Ryan: Think big Ben Carson and things fall apart
Akzam: What would be your personal motto?
Ryan: “Capture it till its memorable”
Akzam: What advice would you give to your fellow youths
Ryan: I will advise everyone to believe in whatever they do and never stop!
Akzam: Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
Ryan: yes of course and that is starting my own mini media house
Akzam: What do you think is so unique about You?
Ryan: Well i don't have a specific uniqueness but i know i am quite versatile.
Akzam:What is the biggest challenge you face?
Ryan: My biggest challenge is getting equipment.
Akzam: With so many people doing what you do, how are you different from others?
Ryan: I always add something unique and different, the type of feel i add to my photos is what differentiates me
Akzam: As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
Ryan: At first i wanted to become a pastor then later changed to being a soldier.
Akzam: What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen in Zambia?
Ryan: The Victoria falls, that place is truly a beauty.
Akzam:Why do you keep going, so many challenges but what makes you keep going?
Ryan: The background that i come from doesn’t allow me to stop. I have to keep going and going.
Akzam: Which is your favorite lens?
Ryan: The 18 to 24
Akzam: Among the gadgets that you own, is there something that you wish you hadn’t bought? Why?
Ryan: I really do not have any, i wish i bought all i have.
Akzam: Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
Ryan: I would say all of them because each shoot brings a different story and view.
Akzam: How do you get inspiration to make those amazing graphics?
Ryan: Most of the times i get inspiration from others then make mine more different.
Akzam: Also if not what you do what do you think you would have been doing
Ryan: I would have been a mechanic because i studied Auto Mechanic Engineering.
Akzam : What is it that you like about Zambian people the most?
Ryan: It is a peaceful place to live and Zambian people are peaceful and nice.
Akzam: How do you want people to remember you?
Ryan: I just want them to remember me as a memory creator, a content creator ,someone reliable if they wanted their memories to be taken, a good friend and an all time best photographer in zambia
Akzam: Where can people find out more of what you are doing and contact you?
Ryan: Well on instagram @ryan_sinyangwe @i_create1 facebook Ryan sinyangwe, I create photography
Thank you for reading!
By Inonge Mwaba
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