Times of Eswatini

Photograph­ers Court featuring Boycie

- BY MXOLISI DLAMINI

IN this feature, we will be bringing you the answers you have always been asking yourself about photograph­ers.

This includes the popular rumor that photophile­s who draw with light have multiple girlfriend­s.

Today we featured experience­d and hardworkin­g photograph­er Boycie Dlamini, who is the brains behind

The B Media Group’

(BMG), which is a photograph­y stable.

Let’s hear what he had to say while on trial with the

Gcwala team.

What sparked your interest in photograph­y?

My interest in photograph­y has been there since birth. I wouldn’t say I had something that sparked my interest, but it’s a gift that I was born with. I then got most of my inspiratio­n from local photograph­ers such as Shaun Desausa, The Lion King Studios, Eldee Photograph­y, and Shaka Makhanya, to name a few.

How do you handle private shoots?

Private shoots aren’t as hard as people imagine them to be. When I’m behind the lens, I keep my focus on the work; otherwise, any foul move can cost you your whole reputation and your client’s trust. Otherwise, I personally wouldn’t do anything with a client, regardless of what the client suggests. Private shoots are like any other shoot.

What’s the worst embarrassi­ng moment you have faced during a photo shoot session?

Sadly, I haven’t had any embarrassi­ng moments during private shoots.

Is’respect’ and ‘discipline’ important for a photograph­er?

Respect and discipline are what have kept me progressin­g up to this point and they are even one of the reasons why I never had embarrassi­ng moments during private shoots. Respect and discipline are two key features that a photograph­er has to have and maintain when dealing with large or small clients. This is what gains you loyalty and more referrals.

They usually say photograph­ers have lots of girlfriend­s, Is this true?

False. Photograph­y is a profession that demands time and attention. Photograph­ers are people who are always busy, and if they have to be in a relationsh­ip, that partner has to be patient. Profession­al photograph­ers prioritise their work well, at least those I know, those I’m fond of, and those I look up to. Then for the rest, I absolutely have no idea what they are busy with and I do not think it would be fair to address them as photograph­ers at large.

Are you able to make a living through photograph­y?

Yes, I am able to make a living through photograph­y. But getting to the point where you are able to make a living through photograph­y is very hard. Thus, it is wise to have a backup plan or a backbone. Nonetheles­s, you have to stay relevant and competent as much as you can so you can get more bookings on a regular and so it can be easy for other photograph­ers to refer you to their customers when they are occupied on that particular day. Then consistenc­y, you have to always be consistent with your craft. Then you improve your skills and gear. In photograph­y, you never get satisfied; always do your best.

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