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By Ndanatsiwa Tagwireyi
SINCE the first world’s photograph was taken in 1825 by Nicephore Niepce as most written records show, a lot of transitions have existed in the field of photography and videography. The paradigm shift in technological advancements and ultimate arrival of the digital age has come with a lot of opportunities for entrepreneurs who utilise available resources to make a living.
Nowadays, the demand for pictures and videos has grown as people need to create memories about their special events like birthdays, engagement parties, lobola ceremonies, baby showers, kitchen parties among others. People want their instant pictures done in a professional manner unlike back then when an individual had to wait for a month or two before getting his or her own printed photos from a photographer.
For Irvine Kapapera (29), having a humble upbringing in Zvishavane’s Mandava high density surbub did not give him a myopic mind-set as he knew he had to tap into available opportunities in photography and videography from a young age.
“To me, photography and videography is an inborn thing as I used to do these things back in high school,” Kapapera told the Entrepreneurial Magazine. “I started photography and videography back in 2010 when I was using a small digital camera and a camcorder which uses tapes for videos.”
Since it takes time for one to master some of the most important camera techniques and movements that can capture breath-taking pictures, Kapapera knew he had to soldier on for him to shift from just being a backyard photographer to a professional, citing that he drew inspiration from Angel Arts and Slimaz Production.
“Constantly viewing their work and seeing how it had an impact in the arts industry made me believe that only the sky was the limit for me to do wonders in this field,” Kapapera affectionately known by fans as Sir Ikap revealed. “That is when I decided to take my work seriously.”
Specialising in photography, video filming, musical videos, commercials, corporate events, weddings and graphic designing, Kapapera started his own unique brain child ‘Sir Ikap Media’. Currently he is proving to be one of the forces to reckon with when it comes to photography judging from his signature brand presence on various social media platforms.
“We have opened a studio at Pelhams Keats building in Zvishavane Central Business District and so far I am proud to have served big names like FC Platinum Holdings, Pote Holdings and other fashion boutiques around Zvishavane,” the positive minded entrepreneur said.
His work is also evident in music circles as he has worked with several artists in and outside Zvishavane.
“The industry is big, and as a company we have been able to work with artists like Bazooker, Pah Chihera, Mathias Mhere, King Shady, Agartha Murudzwa, Chief Shumba, and many more local artists like Datler.”
Back then, camera persons used to walk in parks looking for potential clients to take photos. With photography and videography technological advancements, Kapapera believes there is a smart way of doing things as he markets his work on social media platforms and still reach out to a considerable number of people. According to Kapapera, in the current digital age, his field is also feasting on a change in people’s lifestyle.
“Back then I used softwares like Ulead Video Studio, Pinnacle, Nero and Cyberlink power director but now we have upgraded as a company as we now use Adobe products like light room, Adobe Premiere, after effects and so forth,” the 29 year old said adding that these days they do not have to download tapes like what was done back then.
“Indeed, trending fashion, culture and lifestyle have a major positive impact on our work and the more these things change is the more we have to work.”
While the arts industry has been hard hit by the novel corona virus but Sir Ikap believes business has to be constantly won despite tough competition and difficult circumstances.
“Currently we are having challenges as social activities have been banned but we are still being called by companies to do advertisements as well as to cover small events where people adhere to maintain social distancing and sanitization,” Kapapera said.
“Photography and videography is quite interesting and inspiring because it makes you capture those rare and unique moments.”
For this ambitious photographer, his prospects for 2021 and beyond are bright as he looks forward to work with big companies showcasing his company whilst covering big events.
