No exhibition on World Photography Day—Photama
Yesterday was World Photography Day. On this day people celebrate the ability to communicate through the powerful visual medium of photography. Elsewhere around the globe, on this day, professional and amateur photographers hold exhibitions and share the secrets of the art of photography.
Speaking to The Nation in a telephone interview, president of Photographers Association of Malawi (Photama), Lucky Mkandawire, said the association has not organised anything in form of an exhibition.
“We are meeting as an association for members to share experiences in our endeavour as photographers, but also to reflect and look back at some of the challenges and what ought to be done to make photography even better in Malawi,” said Mkandawire.
He said their association is proud of the progress the photography industry is making. He said the quality of Malawi’s photography is improving and can compete with other countries on the globe.
“It is very encouraging to see Malawian photographers scoop awards at international level like Thoko Chikondi who was awarded best photographer in southern Africa. That tells you something about where photography is going,” added Mkandawire.
The Photama president was quick to bemoan the tendency of looking down on photographers as low-class people with nothing to do in life.
“People should know that photography is a career and that people can earn a good living through it. Even graduates can become professional photographers,” explained Mkandawire.
