I had always seen the world of photography differently – beautiful pictures, perfect moments, and unforgettable experiences. But it wasn’t until I stepped into the field with a camera for the first time that I truly understood what photography demanded.
For the past few years, I have developed a love for photography, and so, when I got the opportunity to join Buta Visuals as an intern to learn more about visual storytelling, it was more than an excitement. It was a moment of fulfillment knowing I was stepping into my world of passion- my dream.
On the morning of my first experience in the field, I woke up excited and nervous, imagining what my day was going to be like. It wasn’t just any normal day for me, it was going to be a stepping stone to something greater. I wasn’t afraid of making mistakes, but I also knew I had to put in my best.
When we arrived on the field, I held my camera with my hands trembling slightly, not from cold but nervousness of capturing my first real-life assignment. My heart pounded, threatening to explode inside my chest, and I started to get sweaty. However, I took a deep breath and assured myself – ‘it’s going to be alright.’ Just after I had calmed a little bit, my boss Geoffrey Buta asked me to fetch an external flash from the bus we boarded to the field. I walked briskly, but before I could get far, I heard his voice from behind.
In this our work, we don’t walk oo If you’re not fast, you won’t be able to capture the moment
Then he dashed past me to get the flash. I followed up, running to catch up with him. First rule of the assignment learnt – Time is of the essence. When you don’t quicken up to capture the perfect moments, then you lose. No one will wait for you to get ready.
I found myself panting after I ran to meet him. I was already tired even before I could take a single shot, but I knew giving up wasn’t an option.
As the day went on, I began to adjust, capturing everything I could. Some shots looked decent (at least through my lens), some not so much, but I was happy and proud that I was making efforts.
In between shots, my boss came in to guide me, and I learned another rule – shoot from different angles. In photography, you do not just stand in a fixed position to capture moments, you learn to shoot from different positions, even if you’re capturing just an individual or an object. This gives you different dimensions to what you are capturing and adds great depth and uniqueness to your photos.
However, I still couldn’t ignore the tiredness that came with the work. Visiting three communities and walking long distances in between was no joke. The sun burned my back, my feet hurt, and my throat dried up at a point. My body needed rest, but I had to keep going- another rule there! Until the job is done, you do not have to relax. Imagine you have to capture a raw moment when you’re under pressure, when your body is screaming tiredness. Well, I learned this hard rule in the field.
Amidst all these chaotic moments, I connected with great people and had exciting conversations. I also got to admire the beautiful natural scenery —the trees, water bodies, children playing, and mud houses. These helped ease the pressure and calmed my nerves.
In all, it was a great experience mixed with fun and invaluable lessons. No classroom lesson could have prepared me enough for the fast pace, unpredictability, and thrill of shooting on location for the first time.
Was it tough? Absolutely! Will I give up? Never! I’m driven to gain more experience and grow as a photographer. When you’re passionate about something, you don’t quit – you lean in. And I’m all in.
