Learn How to Become a Professional Photographer and Grow Your Studio Business in Kenya

Since my childhood, I have loved taking photos with my phone. I had over 10,000 photos on my first smartphone. I never even thought of becoming a photographer at one point. I really loved taking photos of anything interesting I came across—animals, cars, and buildings.

How I Discovered Photography

After finishing Form Four, I joined campus in Nairobi, and at one point during the graduation period, I saw a guy with a camera and a strobe light. Since I loved taking photos, I took one, and he was charging KSh 400 per photo. From that, I thought to myself that this could be a good business to start and operate while still studying.

I saved his number, and after some months, I called him and told him I was interested in learning to use a camera.

My First Mentor

Hezy then agreed to help me know how to handle a camera and requested that we meet at the school compound on the weekends. On the day, he came with a Canon 80D DSLR camera.

He told me he would teach me, plus teach me how to edit pictures using Photoshop, for KSh 10,000. So on that day, he showed me the camera features, how to shoot, what shutter speed, aperture, and focal length are, and the difference between using manual and auto mode.

I knew myself that I usually do not get things right at first. I am a slow learner, but if I understand, I become perfect at it.

When that was over, the next day he called me to come to his house in Makadara along Jogoo Road. He had a Dell laptop installed with Lightroom and Photoshop. He went through with me how to use Camera Raw filters, retouching, and how to use basic tools in the software, such as selection, brush, and cropping.

Buying My First DSLR Camera

I was really ready for this. I had to tell my father about it, and he then provided me with some cash, KSh 80,000.

I paid KSh 10,000 to Hezy for teaching me, then I used the remaining amount to buy gadgets.

Before purchasing, I did thorough research on which camera to use. I settled on buying between the Canon 250D and Nikon D5600, which are perfect beginner cameras and cost less.

I went to Nairobi CBD, and using Google Maps, I searched for shops to buy a camera and found one along Accra Road.

The seller guided me on the cameras he had. I wanted the Canon 80D, which Hezy used to teach me, but it was too expensive at KSh 120,000.

I settled on the Canon 250D, which was beginner-friendly. All the buttons were easy to use, and it was capable of taking good 4K video.

It was KSh 65,000, and I used the remaining amount to buy a memory card and a bag.

Growing My Skills

After acquiring my camera, I was really happy, and I wanted to start making money out of it without delay.

I went through YouTube videos. I loved the tutorials from PiXimperfect. I learnt about editing and camera manual use, and within a few weeks, I had the courage to use it confidently.

By that time, it was 2020, and there were still not many photographers in Nairobi town, unlike now in 2026, when the streets are flooded with many of them.

I could go to the CBD streets on weekends and come back having earned more than KSh 5,000.

At school, I was also called to cover events, and by that time, I started becoming famous.

In a week, I could make KSh 10,000.

Though I was doing engineering, my focus really changed, and I started loving photography as it had fast money.

Improving My Gadgets

After my savings began getting better, I went and upgraded my equipment.

I sold my camera at Chris Waves’ shop located in Nairobi town, then I went and bought a brand-new full-frame Nikon D750 and a strobe for lighting at Camera Africa.

My work started becoming good, and clients started loving the quality of my photos.

I created an Instagram account where I gained a large following.

Getting My First Job

After my graduation, I was now really free, and I secured a job with a club along Mirema Drive, Roysambu, Latessara.

They were paying me well—KSh 60,000 per month—for creating reels, taking pictures, and managing their social media account.

I worked there for about 2 years and saved enough money to open a studio.

Opening My Photo Studio Business

I opened my studio in Zimmerman Estate, Nairobi, with a capital of around KSh 150,000.

These are the equipment I bought:

Green, black, white, and brown backgrounds @ KSh 40,000
3 Godox lights @ KSh 50,000
Godox MS300
Seamless backdrop

I charged a minimum of 4 pictures at KSh 2,000, family packages at KSh 10,000, and outdoor shoots of 10 pictures at KSh 8,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Genuine Places to Buy a Second-Hand Camera

For a brand-new one, go to Camera Africa located along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi near Phoenix House.

For second-hand cameras, contact Scott Photography, 0799777175. He has connections with good dealers who will give you a good camera, and he also buys second-hand cameras.

Best Photographer in Kenya

Everyone has their own favourite photographer, but for me, I can say Scott Photography is the best.

He is good at both photos and reels and is flexible in terms of job environment.

He can do events, weddings, studio, and personal shoots.

He has branches in Kisumu, Nairobi, and Eldoret.

Contact: antoneyjuma99@gmail.com

Photoshoot Venues in Nairobi & Mombasa and Their Cost

Entim Sidai Karen – 20K
Thayu Farm Limuru
Lord Errol Runda
Naishola Gardens Limuru
Arboretum State House Road – 1K
Karura Forest – 2,500
Evergreen Kiambu Road – 3,500
Sagret Gardens, Kiambu Road, behind Quickmart
Zereniti Gardens – 5K
Meridian Hotel / Best Western – 2,500 per hour
Royal Tulip Canaan – 2,500 full day
Rosedale Gardens – 20K
Tiyana Garden – 15K off Kiambu Road close to Windsor
Butterfly Pavilion, Mombasa – 5K
K1 Klubhouse – 1,500 per head
Juja City Mall – 1,000
Elysian Resort – 15,000 Kiambu Road
Dinharm Gardens
Cavana Gardens – only buy food
Unicity Mall, Kenyatta University – 1,000 per hour (weekends only)
Munduis House Naivasha – 20,000
Sovereign Suites Limuru – 40K
Maasai Lodge – free if you buy their food/drinks
Creflo Garden Kitengela – spend at least 1,500
Fred’s Ranch Kisaju – buy food and drinks
Hotel Connections Mlolongo – 5K
SOS Technical Training Institute, Buru Buru

Lessons for Beginners

The journey to becoming a professional photographer starts with passion, learning, and consistency. Start small, improve your skills daily, and invest back into your business.