KENYA: A group of Kenyan photographers are on a mission to build a catalogue of stunning images that will build hope, promote patriotism and dispel negative stereotypes about their country.

Record ID: 346707

  • Title: KENYA: A group of Kenyan photographers are on a mission to build a catalogue of stunning images that will build hope, promote patriotism and dispel negative stereotypes about their country.
  • Date: 24th October 2012
  • Summary: REEDBUCK CAMPSITE, ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK, KENYA (RECENT) (REUTERS) VIEW OF LANDSCAPE / TENT SHRUBS / TREES MEMBERS OF THE 'ONE-TOUCH' PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB SITTING AT A PICNIC TABLE FINGERS TYING ON LAPTOP / CAMERA VARIOUS OF PHOTOGRAPHERS REVIEWING THEIR IMAGES ON LAPTOP PHOTOGRAPH OF PEOPLE WAVING KENYAN FLAG (SOUNDBITE) (English) PHOTOGRAPHER, MWANGI KIRUBI, SAYING: "For
  • Embargoed: 8th November 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Kenya
  • Country: Kenya
  • Topics: Arts
  • Reuters ID: LVAMVCXVUTTUAUZ6GTELDITIG5M
  • Story Text: It's a typically serene morning at the Reedbuck Campsite in Kenya's Aberdares National Park.
    The members of 'One Touch', a photography and film club based in the country's capital Nairobi have already been up for hours, enjoying the scenery and planning the day's shoot.
    Recently, the group embarked on a self-sponsored multimedia campaign they're calling 'Shooting Kenya'. Their trip to Kenya's famed Aberdare Mountain Ranges is the latest in a series of expeditions they're making around the country.
    Their mission is to capture as much of Kenya's natural and cultural beauty as possible and then share it with as many people as they can through social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and even on their individual blogs.

    "For that guy who is just seated in his office or on the back-left of his limousine, reading a newspaper on his way to work, from his iPad, we'd like him to actually go like 'there is something good about this country, it's not all negative, it's not all depressing as we actually see on the TV or read in the newspapers, there is actually something good, and if that is going to make them actually plant a flag on their desktop in the office, we'll be very happy. We just want people to be proud of this beautiful nation that is called Kenya," says Mwangi Kirubi, a photographer and branding consultant.
    Kenya's image and tourism numbers took several hard hits after disputed elections led to violence in late 2007 and early 2008. The members of 'One Touch' say mainstream media coverage has been unfairly skewed in favor of political wrangles and scandals ever since the post-election crisis - especially in the lead-up to general elections scheduled for early next year.
    The group is also hoping that the photographs and short films they share using the hash tag #ShootingKenya, will inspire indigenous Kenyans to look beyond the bars and fast-food joints that dominate entertainment in the country's urban centers.

    "I like it because it's not far from Nairobi, it's only 160 kilometers and you can just take a weekend off, a day off and just come experience the wild Kenya. We've seen falls we've never seen, we've just seen them in adverts, we never knew they were in Kenya but today we've actually gotten to see one," says George Kanyingi, a filmmaker.
    Since they don't earn any income from #ShootingKenya, the group is not able to go on the road as often as they would like. But in the few months that they've been taking and posting their shots online, they've managed to catalog a wide range of subjects.
    'One-Touch' members say their focus isn't just on Kenya's captivating landscapes, they're out to chronicle as many facets of ordinary Kenyan life as they can - even if it's a having a hot cup of homegrown tea in one of the country's countless roadside cafes.
    Pit stops also give the photographers a chance to update their social media accounts with their latest images.
    According to a recent report by communications consultancy firm Portland, Kenyans are the second largest users of Twitter in Africa. Broadband speeds are also among the best in Africa so the group usually gets instant feedback from their followers.
    Websites like www.mutuamatheka.com and www.click.co.ke - which are run by 'One Touch' members - have recorded increased traffic from all over the world since #ShootingKenya kicked off.
    For the group, it's proof that the campaign is working - whether it's in changing perceptions or reducing apathy.

    "It's Kenya, come see your country, come experience the beauty that is in your country and it's really affordable, we just paid 50 bob to come here so it's important to know what your country has to offer," says Njeri Ngige, another professional photographer.
    Although the #ShootingKenya has already crossed off places like the majestic Thomson's Falls, Lake Elementaita and the Ngong Hills from their list, they're hoping sponsors will come in to facilitate trips to far-flung places in East Africa's economic powerhouse.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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