adminBULAWAYO has always proven to be the artistic hub of the country with the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, which ended last week, proving this reality once again.
Yet, with all the artistes who showcased their talent at the most prestigious arts festival in the city, there are more craftsmen who are not yet known.
Thirty-two-year-old Khumbulani “KB” Mpofu is one among the many self-taught freelance photographers who is destined for great things but is yet to be discovered. KB feels there is more room for growth in the photographic industry if those involved add more artistry and not just do it for the sake of work.
Sunday Leisure correspondent Bruce Chimani (BC) had a brief chat with the photographer who has a background in journalism and communication. Most of his photographs are exquisite, clear and they tell the story in a thousand words while his sense and appreciation of the art is natural. KB grew up in Mzilikazi, Bulawayo.
Excerpts of the interview are below:
BC: Tell us about yourself, KB.
KB: Light inspires me as a photographer. Great natural light inspires me to take pictures. I also love experimenting with artificial lighting, the possibilities are unlimited. My aspiration is to be the best photographer I possibly can be, so there’s still quite some hard work to be done.
I have formal qualifications and work experience in journalism and public relations. Photography, so far, has been self-taught so that keeps the excitement alive because every shooting experience comes with different challenges and a chance to learn something new.
BC: What have you been up to in your photography? When and how did you start?
KB: All sorts man, events, fashion shoots, studio portraits and a bit of some personal projects, you know to keep the love (for photography) going. Started not too long ago, in 2011, when I got my first DSLR camera. I suppose I am, as the saying goes, a late bloomer.
BC: What do you think about the photographic sector in Bulawayo and also in Zimbabwe?
KB: Can’t speak for other places in Zimbabwe, but in Bulawayo I think it’s more of a commercial endeavour (understandably) than an artistic one.
BC: What is the purpose of your artistry?
KB: To be able to capture things differently and bring out the beauty in the mundane, you know, those things that we see everyday and that we take for granted.
BC: Why did you choose photography though?
KB: My love for aesthetics I guess. I’m fascinated by the visual aspects of life, and the curiosity of what lies beneath the appearance of things. I am also more interested in telling my stories through pictures and I hope it drives the message in a more artistic way too.
Online Reporter