Jina langu ni Judith K. Manono
- Your name and what do you do?
I am Judith K. Manono, a student at the Technical University of Mombasa, am in my final year undertaking Bachelors of Journalism and Mass Communication.
I am a Photographer, of which it’s a hobby I have taken to the next level of professionalism. I love taking nature pictures as I always feel fulfilled by nature at its best. - What do you like about Mombasa?
I love the culture over here, the culture of dressing among the Swahili people that is from decorations to their Swahili attires.
I also like the ocean view, most of the time when am down and overwhelmed I do go by the shows of the ocean and there I feel relaxed and at ease. - Tell us about your passion for Photography.
I never knew I would ever be into photography at all. It all started when I was based in the Technical University of Mombasa as an intern in the Public Relations Office, It is a necessity to take pictures whenever you sent out of the office to cover any school related event, so taking pictures became part of what I had to do to fulfill my work.So bit by bit I did develop some interest in Photography I would seek more clarity from my supervisor who was always kind and very informative, from him I learnt some basics. I started covering private events and other social forums and I did enjoy every bit. Now my turning point to date is when a friend to the Senator Mombasa County Mr.Mahmoud Noor whom I do appreciate and respect to date Spoke to me about an opening in their office, whereby they needed a photographer, and here I am to date. Since then I have been focusing more on this art of Photography, always taking advantage of any learning opportunity. - In Mombasa, photography is not well received as Nairobi, what could be the reason?
The setting of Mombasa is very different compared to Nairobi whom they are way ahead of us and advanced, This I may say is because Nairobi is a metropolitan town and the people there are more diverse compared to Mombasa.
Here we still catching up in so many things as I may see also from the Music industry where the people still look up to Nairobi artists for growth, other artists may even relocate to Nairobi as they find Mombasa being too slow and unappreciative which is very true, so what I may say is that the People of Mombasa should learn to diversify and accept all sorts of professionalism. - What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos.
That Photography is interesting and it’s a career if taken with the seriousness it requires to make it in this 21st century. - Whose work has influenced you most?
I love Jordan Matter’s Photograph, he is very creative and artistic, he gets to inspire me daily whenever I get a look at his work, locally I love an I do get influenced by activists Boniface Mwangi’s courageous photography skills. - What are your top places to shoot in Mombasa?
I love nature and my number one place that I have gone and been able to do a photo shoot is Fort Jesus both inside and outside, just love the setting, another wonderful place to take nice shots is Haller Park. Awesome environment. And definitely being blessed to be in Mombasa I love taking pics by the shows of the ocean. - If you had a choice of getting any camera, what would be the ideal camera? I would like to own a 5D Mark 111 with lens range 70-200 mm f1.8. Its highly recommended and I have seen its work though I have never used it before, hope I will.
- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Being a student doing Mass Communication I have always wished to later on advance in my Public Relations as I wish to venture in the same, I will have a PR firm thereafter. Also I will be having if not a weekly show a monthly National Television show that is there to inspire souls from all walks of life.
And definitely my passion for photography will have grown and expanded, I will have a fully equipped studio for both indoor and outdoor photo shoots and hopefully JKM Photo hub will be a big name. - Parting shot
Despite the life challenges and odds that come our way in this life we should always strive to move ahead That is me encouraging myself daily. Aiming higher. Let no obstacles that my come our way stop us from achieving our best. Let’s live a life of protest to improve our daily livelihoods rather than live a life of despair.
