Meet one of Byo’s best photographers

Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Reporter
TAKING iconic pictures goes beyond just using a camera to capture a moment.

Bulawayo-based professional photographer Mr Phillip Chipeta (30) believes it takes a lot of effort, passion, motivation, ambition, hard work and an adventurous spirit.

Through his captivating pictures, Mr Chipeta has become an overnight sensation on social media where he regularly posts his enchanting images depicting the exquisiteness of Bulawayo and its environs.

Going by the name “VisualsByCorey” on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, Mr Chipeta has become a household name in the field of photography.

He also uses photography to showcase the city’s magnificent historic building and its clean boulevards.
Mr Chipeta, a self-taught photographer, is now recognised for his portraits and commercial photo shoots of local and international celebrities.

Some of those notable personalities include South African actor and presenter Mamarumo Marokane known for her appearances in Shadow and MTV Shuga and South African female rapper Gigi Lamayne. Local artistes include Msiz”kay, Mzoe 7, Takura, P.O.Y, Qeqeshiwe, Novuyo Seagirl and Lee Mchoney among others.

When Mr Chipeta started photography two years ago as an amateur, it was more of a hobby.

Today he is rated among the city’s best and most sought-after professional photographers because of his beautiful work that he posts on social media.

“When I decided to venture into professional photography two years ago, little did I know that one day I would be one of the most recognised photographers in Bulawayo. Since I started sharing pictures on social media, I have been receiving positive responses from my followers,” he said.

“For me photography is more than just a profession. It is actually an adventurous experience and through passion, motivation, ambition, hard work and willingness to explore new things, I managed to pursue my dreams. It might have taken me some time, but with determination, I have actually made it into that list of inspiring photographers who have carved a niche for themselves in Bulawayo.”

Mr Chipeta said he honed his craft through interacting with various and well experienced photographers.

“I was so fascinated with the manner in which other photographers that I used to meet captured their images. Initially, I was into filming mostly doing weddings and music videos including editing them when I had an opportunity to join Fusion Media Group (FMG),” he said.

“Since it was a media house I also got exposed to photography. Most of my colleagues were professional photographers and I got inspired to broaden my skill and try my photography.”

Mr Chipeta said after leaving FMG, a friend took him under his wing and mentored him in the field of photography.

“My friend is one of the people who really pushed me and taught me most of the basic things in photography. The most challenging part was getting my own camera and the right equipment, which is a critical component of photography,” he said.

“To be honest photography equipment is not that cheap. When you are talking about professional photography it’s not only an issue of acquiring a camera. You need lenses, a high-speed laptop, tripod stands, speed lights among other things.”

Mr Chipeta said he bought his first camera, a Canon EOS 200D, last year in August after a friend spotted one of his posts on Facebook and offered to help him.

Mr Chipeta said while great photographers are pacesetters creating distinct photos that people go searching for, they should also have a brand and a name in their niche.

“My passion is capturing story-telling pictures and some of these images are inspired by my own surroundings and places such as Bulawayo’s beautiful buildings, which I also help showcase to the outside world,” he said.

“I love my city and each time I post Bulawayo pictures, I get favourable comments from my followers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, especially those in the diaspora who will be feeling homesick. Some people from other countries who have never been to Zimbabwe also make inquiries.” — @mashnets