Photographers lack business and leadership skills

In a bid to ensure that photographers across the country are equipped with business and leadership skills, the Photographers Association of Malawi (Photama) last Friday trained its Southern Region members on how best to regard the art as business.

The training which was done with funds from the Cultural Support Scheme is one of the many activities the organisation has conducted across the country.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates to participants, Dick Mlazie board chairperson of Photama said it was sad to note that most photographers do not value the art as something that can bring money into their coffers.

He also said it was unfortunate that the association has no equipment to enable it dominate the industry, as opposed to the current situation where most of the photo studios in cities and towns are owned by foreign nationals.

“Let’s regard this profession as business. For those that think the art is for low profiled people, then they are making a mistake,” said Mlazie. He said there is need for the association to provide civic education to its members underscoring the business aspect that lies in photography.

President of Photama Lucky Mkandawire said they decided to train their members after a survey showed that there is little consideration that photography is a lucrative business in other countries.

“The problem in Malawi is that not all know that a camera can give them money to support their families,” said Mkandawire.

Photama is one of the organisations that receive funding from Copyright Society of Malawi’s Cultural Support Scheme which is funded by Norway.