Business tricks enabling Naivasha street photographers to make Sh 10,000 per day

Three street photographers, stand at different corners of Naivasha Municipal Park, cameras hanging from their shoulders and soft boxes (used to control direction of light) at their sides. 

They scan the area, searching for potential clients, waiting for someone to approach them for a photo as they kindly offer their services to passers-by.

Vincent Kemoi is one of them.

He began street photography six months ago, shortly after completing his internship.

Already owning a camera, he teamed up with Brian Karanja, who had a soft box, and together they embarked on their photography venture. 

However, Kemoi says they initially struggled to attract clients, as most visitors preferred photos taken inside the park.

“We asked for permission to shoot in the park, but we were told we needed a license that costs Sh. 3,500 annually,” Kemoi explains.

Now, they work from Tuesday to Sunday, as the park is closed on Mondays starting at 9:00 am.

Karanja shares that they charge Sh. 100 per photo, with the potential to earn up to Sh. 10,000 on busy days. 

After editing, they send digital copies to clients via WhatsApp, although they also offer printed photos for an additional fee. 

“Most of our customers are young and prefer digital copies, while older clients tend to choose hard copies. In such instances, we work with other people to process the hard copies and ensure timely delivery,” says Karanja.

Karanja also notes that they send the photos to the customers in the evening; hence, they ensure they have the records of the customers for easier sharing.

One major challenge they face is the threat of mugging, especially on busy days since not everyone in the park is there for leisure or photography. 

Despite this, Kemoi and Karanja have managed to expand their work through referrals to include event photography, which has boosted their income.

Wilfred Mburu, who has been a photographer for two years, also shifted his focus to Naivasha Municipal Park to increase his earnings. 

Previously working at a public beach on the shores of lake Naivasha, Mburu says he wasn’t making enough money.

His decision to switch to the park has paid off, allowing him to become financially independent.

“I used to struggle, but now I’ve moved out of my parent's house, and this job supports my needs,” Mburu shares. 

Like Kemoi and Karanja, he charges Sh. 100 per photo and works from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm at the park, followed by street photography until 8:30 pm. 

"In this job, you must be trustworthy especially because I send photos in the evening and my customers today might recommend me to three more customers tomorrow," he says.

However, theft remains a significant issue, especially when he’s working on the streets. Mburu recalls losing a speed light to thieves during a shoot. 

Despite such setbacks, the 23-year-old is determined to one day open a photo studio where he can employ young people, encouraging them to pursue photography as a rewarding career path.