Canon ignites minds of aspiring photographers at week-long workshop in Kenya

Canon, a world leader in imaging solutions is hosting its third professional photography workshop in Nairobi from July 29 – Aug 4, 2015, as part of its commitment to the EMEA communities in which it operates. The week-long session, held in partnership with the Kenya Methodist University and Office Technologies (OTL), Canon’s local distributor in Kenya, is igniting the imaginations of 10 young, ambitious photographers who are jointly exploring their homeland Kenya through a series of images produced by them.  

The workshop hosted by the world renowned photojournalist Gary Knight, a Canon Master, has been organised to provide the youngsters the opportunity to gain new and greater understandings of the technicalities of editing, along with the subtleties and nuances of capturing beautiful images whilst having access to Canon equipment.

A number of workshop lectures will be conducted by Gary Knight, with the support of Canon employees, in addition to guest lectures by other successful creative artists. 

On July 29, guest lecturers Jonathan & Angela Scott, photographers, conversationalists and Canon Ambassadors will give the first lecture on wildlife photography and how it aids awareness around conservational issues. This will be followed by a session with Thomas Mukoya, photographer and Photojournalist Association of Kenya (PAK) President on July 31. Julius Mwelu, photographer and director and founder of the Mwelu Foundation will speak on 01st August and Jinna Mutune, a multi-cultural film-maker and entrepreneur will close the week-long session with her talk on directing films and creating strong stories to tell. 

Students will review their projects with the Canon Master Gary Knight before a selected edit is showcased in an exhibition at the end of the week. Canon offers onsite printing of portfolios using the Canon Pixma PRO 100 & IX6540, in addition to providing access to additional loan lenses for the duration of the workshop. Participants include, Grace Thuku, Benadett Wanjiru, Sarah Waiswa, Thomas Maina, Royce Bett, Judith Atieno Onyango, Emmanuel Shaffi Abdi, Billy Odhiambo and Caroline Wanjiru Wangari.

Anurag Agrawal, Managing Director, Canon Middle East said: “Canon is keen to provide continual support to creative minds in the EMEA region. Our equipment is being used across the world by young and old, alike, as it has the power to generate incredible images. With Canon’s professional workshops, students in evolving communities are being given the opportunity to grow under the instruction of some of the best photojournalists; we hope our students will become Canon Masters in their own right someday.”

Dr. Barnabas Githiora, Chair, Department of Communication and Journalism, Kenya Methodist University, said: “The Canon and Kenya Methodist University 2015 workshop offers an excellent opportunity for participants to learn the art and science of photography. The workshop participants will relish the chance to interact with guest speakers who are sharing their wide knowledge and experience of the subject with the students. At the end of it all, we hope the participants will have a better understanding of photography as a powerful tool for social and economic change.”

Commenting on the workshop initiative, Gary Knight said: “This is the third Canon workshop I have been a part of in Nairobi in recent times.  Each time it confirms that the talent in Kenya is terrific. I am really committed to working with students and young photographers across the region, for they encapsulate the passion and creativity that we are so keen to keep fuelling across Africa and the Middle East.”

In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon Middle East undertook a range of youth-based initiatives across the EMEA region. In the UAE, Canon Middle East worked with students across the country to promote sustainability at a grass-roots level, starting with solutions to environmental problems that could be implemented at schools themselves. 

Canon Middle East serves as an active partner in the communities it operates in, by working with governments, scientific, academic, humanitarian, and arts and culture organisations, to integrate corporate social responsibility across all elements of the business.