Brian Ogutu, a student who had pursued an undergraduate degree in media and communication technology with IT at Maseno University, had not only found his passion in photography but had also turned it into a successful business venture.
Brian’s journey into the world of photography began in 2017 when he first stepped foot on the Maseno University campus.
Armed with nothing more than a smartphone, he embarked on a journey of capturing the beauty and essence of his surroundings.
His fascination with photography had grown as he continued to explore the campus, snapping shots of the stunning scenery that surrounded him.
With meager capital, derived from savings from pocket money and allowances from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Brian had taken his first steps towards building what would later become “Mtaani Photography,” his own brand in the world of digital photography.
Mtaani, which meant “neighbourhood” in Swahili, had reflected his initial focus on capturing the local beauty and life around Maseno University.
Brian’s dedication and passion for photography had soon started to pay off.
He had begun to attract attention from his fellow students who had admired his work.
As the demand for his photography services had grown, Brian had made a pivotal decision to invest in better equipment.
As of 2020, he had boasted five Canon cameras, all of which had been in constant demand as they had been hired by his peers on a daily basis.
What had set Brian apart from many others had been his ability to balance his academic pursuits with his thriving photography business.
His journey had not been without its challenges. Juggling a full day of classes, numerous assignments, and exams had been overwhelming.
Yet, Brian had persevered, often burning the midnight oil to ensure he had excelled both in his studies and in the field of photography.
One of the challenges Brian had faced had been managing clients who had hired his cameras but had sometimes failed to return them on the agreed-upon date.
This situation had been stressful, but Brian’s determination had always led him to find a solution.
Mtaani Photography had not only been a source of income but had also allowed Brian to partially alleviate the financial burden on his parents.
On average, he had earned between Sh1,000 and Sh5,000 per day from camera rentals and event photography.
The lush and captivating scenery of Maseno University had ensured a steady stream of clients, as students had cherished the opportunity to capture the beauty of their campus.
Beyond the financial aspect, Brian’s journey into entrepreneurship had had a positive impact on his life.
Brian Ogutu had mentioned that photography had kept him busy and away from idle activities that could have led to drug abuse and risky behavior.
In the free time he had had after classes, Brian had seen an opportunity to build a brighter future for himself.
