Statue revives photography

Auxilia Katongomara Saturday Leisure Correspondent
DO you remember the last time you called a photographer for family photos?
To some it is ages. Back in the 90s photographers or cameramen (regardless of gender) as they were affectionately known, were some of the fastest cash-makers in the city and country at large as taking photographs or snaps was the in-thing.
Family photo albums were some of the most important assets in the family as they brought memories and kept families together.

To those in rural areas whose fathers worked in the city, they would easily get his picture as it was a norm to send one home almost monthly.

So popular was photography that cameramen would be seen milling around recreational parks and there would be stiff competition.
In the suburbs, photographers would be seen displaying the best photographs on the front of their bicycles looking for potential clients and they would always find them.

Those who remained in business taking photographs made money from passport and driver’s licence photos which required some expertise as fly-by night photographers could not measure up to the required standard.

But with the advent of technology, things have changed slowly as anyone who has a mobile phone with a camera and memory card can easily take a photograph and have it printed.

The unveiling of the late Father Zimbabwe, Joshua Nkomo statue in Bulawayo recently, has, to some degree, revived yesteryear memories as hundreds pose for photographs everyday at the colossus of the liberation icon.

Photographers are making a killing with their instant photographs unlike back in the day when one had to wait for about seven days as the film had to be “full” first.

Saturday Leisure spoke to some photographers at the statue who said the monument was unveiled at a good time as it was the festive season and most people had money to spend on photos.

“As from Sunday 22 December, this place has seen different people coming here to take photographs at the statue of our father. I want to commend the government for erecting this statue as people love their leader,” said one shy photographer who declined to be named.
He said the photographs were going for $1 for two portraits and customers were happy with their service.

Families are also taking photos at the statue proving that it is a treasure and hit for the Bulawayo people.
Another photographer said he had relocated from Bulawayo Centre, which he claims was also a hit soon after the opening of the mall at the turn of the millennium.

“There is more money at the statue these days; it is like a tourist site because there are people after every few minutes who wish to take photos especially injiva, who will share the photos with loved ones across the Limpopo,” said another cameraman, Brian.

President Mugabe unveiled the statue, commissioned the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and renamed Main Street after the late icon on Unity Day.

The Centenary Park, the traditional spot for people having their pictures taken, particularly for weddings, is even losing its glamour to the statue.