African Shooters is buWilding a community of photographers in Africa and bridging the gap between the continent’s photographers and the global photography industry.
Founder, photographer and filmmaker, Ebuka Mordi, disclosed this at the third edition of the Scott Kerby Photowalk and the launch of the community, held recently in Abuja.
Mordi, who spoke with the media, said there exists a huge gap in the African photography industry, with African photographers being underrepresented in the global photography market. The community is meant to fill that gap and, in the process, project Nigerian and African photographers to the world.
African Shooters, a subsidiary of World Shooters, a community of photographers from different parts of the world with reputable standing with global brands and a positive influence over the photography market, aims to build a strong community of African photographers that will not only highlight the unique talents inherent in the continent but also put Africa on the map.
This it achieves through its motto, “events, vibe, and shoot.”
By hosting events, community members get to network and have fun while creating images.
Through events like the photowalk held at the World Trade Centre, participants comprising fledgling, amateur and professional photographers find a practical and safe space of learning, and connections that can lead to jobs and referrals.
Amateur photographer and media host, Faisal Raji, who has been away from photography for a while, saw the photowalk as a means of reconnecting to her first love.
“Photography keeps me observant, which impacts my daily life. As photographers, we need a community. If you don’t go out of your comfort zone to do things like this to learn new techniques or skills, you won’t grow. You’ll remain stagnant.”
She, however, cautioned against a tunnelled focus on commercialisation, as it can negatively impact one’s love for the art.
Fashion artiste and designer, Chioma Okoro, saw the photowalk as an opportunity to learn, explore, and develop her mobile photography skills.
She is deploying the photographers as backdrops in the narration of the events at the World Trade Centre.
Beyond AF Shooters resonance with the World Trade Centre’s affinity for collaboration and a bridging of local organisations and entrepreneurs to the world, the venue poses a challenge to photographers.
