 You are still watching hashtag why in the morning and remember the hashtag is the segment rather is Entrepreneurship Tuesday where we bring you interesting conversations about young people who have ventured into various fields to earn a living for themselves And sometimes they are professionals and most importantly is how are they making money out of it? And also what are some of the skills they've learned that can inspire you back at home and make you drop something from it and Take it home and use it for yourself Remember the conversation is on the hashtag why in the morning all our social media platforms Why to fulfill channel is our socials Instagram Facebook and Twitter remember on Instagram. There's an underscore and mines Why do I keep on saying mines mines? He's a Brian Sacoa one or one now joining me right about now live in studio Is a powerful gentleman who's also a photographer who's going to take us through his journey How did he venture into photography? What are some of the lessons he has learned what are some of his big and achievements that he has managed to actually hunk in that field? And I'm gonna let him introduce himself. Good morning to you. Thank you. Good morning. Thank you for hosting me All right. My name is Paulic up Freelancer photographer videographer drone pilots basically ideal in Media in general. Okay, as long as it needs my camera, I'll be there Yeah, interesting, you know when you speak of photography right about now Everybody wants to take a photo at least and post it on Instagram Instagram is like the main main main main for a lot of people though, but why photography? Why photography? like I saw the need of capturing moments and In our current generation we see that The only thing that is constant is social media and by social media I mean for me to offer a company to prosper they need Photos and they need videos. So I saw a gap and I decided to venture into it Personally, I didn't I can't say that I had partial in photography. Okay, I saw a business and I went for it Okay, so at that your time I'm going for it. It became now something that is in me. All right, fantastic When did you hack it? Like when did you start? I can say like two years ago, but I started earning That's before the pandemic before the pandemic. Okay. Actually, it's when the pandemic was now coming in But I started earning from it a year ago. Yeah, I forgot the two years last year last year So the first one year was learning. Okay. Yeah, basically, I'm not I've not Studied these things. I just went for YouTube and some Search like Google and all that stuff. That's why I learned everything Interesting. I'll come back to how you money to learn from the school of YouTube You know, there's a lot of young people who are watching back at home and they're like me and take a pic photographer, but There may be they don't have the money to be taken to a photography school and hack the photography skills and like you mentioned You learned it from YouTube. Now, I'll wait from that. You'll answer your answer You'll reply. How did you money to like learn from YouTube? What are some of the notes and what are some of the especially Needy gritty topics that a person who is at home can learn and hack about photography. Now, let's talk about Yourself, are you working for a company as a photographer or are you as an individual independent photographer? Because based on your story, you're saying you are initially to work with someone and things went south. What happened? I Can say that I'm working for several brands. Okay as a photographer. I have some Companies if I may say that I'm currently one working for I'm a sports photographer and event photographer So when it comes to events, I work for several tour companies Okay, that I've signed contract with them and when it's come to sports They are like three or four companies that I work with whenever they have any function. They call me in Okay, so basically That is what I do and if you like need me like a private We also Schedule a day and then I come but I don't like and I'm not employed. Yeah, like where you must be there No, so you are self-employed. Yeah, I'm self-employed Interesting. Now, let's come back to the YouTube question People would want to like maybe on somebody wants to be a journalist They must go through journalism school to be polished and be fine Photography you mentioned you learned it in this in the University of YouTube like they call it Yeah, how did that go? Because it's not easy to just watch a clip and then finally come up with the masterpiece of the same that you've watched You must have done it for a very long time or you must be a brilliant mind to say Yeah now if I may say It has it hasn't been easy learning Through YouTube is not easy for someone who is not interested in that particular field. So When I started learning through YouTube, I had Talked to a lot of photographers who by then I can say were like established But more most of them were just telling you that you know where to put a case show Then if you go, they are not there. So I say to myself We have these YouTube and it's there all the tutorials are there why can't I just Educate myself from that then at least I can see so that's when I started researching Like my famous Photographer and I told Mark Wallace mark mark Wallace is the one who has not he's not a Kenyan He's the one who has nurtured me like watching his tutorials from the one to the last so It hasn't been easy like there's a lot of distractions. Yeah when watching through YouTube and Sometimes things come up and all that so I think so far so good. I May just say that if you don't have Let's say particular Resources that you can go to these institutions YouTube is the best place to go Which YouTube is the best University of YouTube University of YouTube? is When it comes to photography everywhere everyone who is a photographer, I don't know the relationship You know, there's usually this saying that goes my damn enough photographers as a photographer's not DJs General skis are pecky like the only instructions. I'll let you will follow these are Photographers are post like this post like that. How is it for you interacting with some of these clients? See especially the ladies Do you how do you command their attention and just tell her yes post while looking post while standing like this? interesting so That's a Mayotuni are saying it's just a thing things for ground different, but it's true in that Photographers like we face a lot of challenges when it comes to our work Because sometimes you may find yourself Photographing maybe maybe a client needs a particular maybe she sells a bikini Yeah, you see in such an incident your scenario She needs you to take her photo and for you to market that problem. She's half naked. Yes, so one thing I can say is that No, you're like you be principled. You know what you want Okay, if you get focused like if you determine that me I mean business. I'm not into these other things Yeah, you will not get into the temptations, but we've heard of many instances where photographers they end up losing their job losing their gears because the Started going out of what made them be the photographer there. Yeah, but it's a challenge. Most often they are coming It's a big challenge And I never think these ladies will tend to want free photos Because yeah, I think it's a common thing But you professionally you have like a correct card or something personally do you have a red car? Yes, I have a red card for what I charge. How much do you charge? Like for now for now, I charge at least 250 per single photo, okay, then a session we charge at least 5000 power 5000 power. Yes. So somebody comes for six hours. Yeah, you have some good money right there Yes, and also I deal mostly with corporates. I mean to corporate world. That's why I said the event I'm into corporate world. So in corporate we charge per session like let's say if the Meeting is going for like five hours. Yeah, we charge these certain amount. Yeah, so Photography we have a lot of niche like if you want to choose which part you are or which part you want But if you want to make money, you must choose the right one Yeah, because nowadays we find upcoming photographers. Kuna. He's a the street photography. Yeah, you get these People our age just go to the street. They take photos. He's a Zina person That's for sure. He's gonna skim down a clip of 500 and limited photos Yeah, so if you've known what your target client that will push you to Maybe work on your rates work on your charges because if someone is in campus You can't expect him to pay 300 a single photo that person wants you to Pay he wants to pay 300 and limited photos. Yeah, yeah, which is a big challenge for you as a photographer For me, it's a big challenge. It's a big challenge. Yeah now Let's come back to some of the I'll say videography or photography skills because you've also mentioned that you can be hired to do Production come rock and whatnot. Yeah, how does that go for you on your end? It's it's fine, but for now our certificate in Camera operation the TV production. I got it from GBS. Okay, so I've not been into that. Okay. I've been into the TV setup like this one, but I've not been like This is what I want Like I'll go for this for now. I mean to videography. I mean to photography so Maybe in future, we'll see what we'll have If things go well, then we'll venture into TV production. What is the what is the name for your photography firm? It's called a polico photography or polico Okay, polik o photography But we started a new one. It's called polico media polico media because we are not into Obscene a screenshot of that right here behind just right here. Yeah, nice and the photos So what is that shot? But there you'll just take us through some of the shots that you take because I understand this variety Yeah, and it's already running on our screen. What is this shot? It's also right there. That's what it's called. It's it's like a portrait. Okay. It's more of a headshot like This is a beauty portrait or as you can see the ladies like We take it from the neck upward. Yeah, so that one is a Headshot portrait kind of okay. Yeah Nice There was also another photo that was there where it was an event. It was like almost Yeah, this is a baby shower baby shower. Yeah, I took Where was this that all was in? Great wall apartments Hey, okay, okay So we don't go small. Okay. Yeah, I don't know if there's a more nice Yeah, we have more Nice, what about this and doesn't look more of a graffiti type of drone arts or something. Actually, this was a how is it called? It's a castle palace It's like a restaurant. So they have these a cut design. Okay. The thing that looks like the hair You know, okay. Yeah, so that's how they put it and these are just a drawing Okay, yeah, so like the tree represent the hair Yeah, so this was drawn by you or I know I just took the photo. I just so it's nice So, okay, just took the photo. Yeah Interesting. There's more. What about this one? This one is a this one looks familiar though. Yeah, I don't know why it was recognized by Nikon Kenya or Nikon Kenya. Yeah, it's a photo I took in the Kenyatta Road where I stay Okay, this is called a this is the expressway. Yeah, this expressway So you must use there's some settings that you must use Which camera is that that you're using for this? I'm using Nikon Nikon the 7200 Okay, yes, but for you to achieve this you must use something called a slow shutter speed slow shutter speed What does that mean now? Slow shutter speed it means for those who are working with camera Shutter speed is how it's it's a way like you allow your subject to move through the camera So when you let your shutter speed be slow, it captures the movement Okay, so now the cars were coming and going so when I when you place the shutter speed to be very slow Yeah, that's why you see your light. He's all right. Those are the Light you got it. It looks like an aerial aerial photo. Yeah, it's a footbridge. So I was On top of the bridge. Yeah Interesting interesting skills right there. Do we have more? Nice. Oh, this is Masai Mara. You took this one also. Yeah, I took this one as a this Masai gentleman Okay, he allowed me to take the photo and they think what each one you need the actual Manuia lion. It's the real real line. Yeah, the real actual man for lion. Yes. Oh, okay. Yeah Interesting So what does this photo represent? Does it have a meaning or is just a head sort of a Masai? Is this a Masai guy? Yeah, it's a Masai guy. Okay. This photo means to me if I if I'm to read it, okay It just shows first of all the facial of the guy and also the meanings like Easy-vetus in a manisha in their culture and in their culture. Yes. What it represents. Yeah, okay Interesting. Do we still have more before we continue? Okay, also when it comes to there's one here This one is they were showing us how to make fire without matchbox matchbox. Yeah, so I Just saw it nice and I took it Interesting. Well, is this where did you Masai Mara or Masai Mara? Yes. Nice. Yeah. Did they like pay you something? No, they don't pay Volunteering yeah, it's just work. Yeah for you to be known Yeah, and speaking of that how many times have you worked for people who Never credited you or people who never gave you Something or a token of appreciation in return to the services you get them like you mentioned before that There's somebody who'll just come to you and they say hey, please take me a photo and then they don't know that Professionally that is your job and your earning and living from it. How many times has that happened to you? So many times up to now up to date up to date, you're not still yet earning something No, no, not like I'm not earning like I allow myself to be used So me I've been I've been used severely and it's it's an advice that I want to give you To make a yes, let's let's Because let's say people do say that exposure doesn't pay you bill But now exposure doesn't pay you the bills of those people who've made it in life, okay But if you're just starting exposure will pay your bill in this way. It will make your work be known like I've worked I've done several volunteering work and Even up to date like if someone it depends now with the brand if someone comes to me and tells me like I want you to volunteer Okay, I will look at at them and see what impact will I get if I go volunteer to work with the brand Work with the brand maybe for free for free. Yes. Okay, and when I started I Didn't have a camera But I went with the phone. No, I went to a certain Academy called real sports Academy and I told them that I'm a photographer Then they told me do you have a camera? I said yes Yes, but I didn't have a camera by fire by faith the only thing I knew was it was a theory that I Reported from YouTube. Okay, so the guy questioned me So now, you know, I have that's the skills like the the soft skill like I Know through mouth, but I don't know them through action. So the day I went for the actual Picture-co-field, okay, it was a bit challenging. So that one I worked for free for like four months With no pain for months four months. I was like some sort of internship. Yeah. Yeah, it was sort of internship after there I've worked for like I Worked with the Jude Njomo is MP of Kiambo Township. Yeah, those are some of the big names you've worked with, right? I've worked with so many people even I've worked with I've worked with the sleepy David Yeah, the comedian so These people most of them didn't pay me Okay, like sleepy David and the underkina these comedians. They were Nidurai So a friend of mine event. Yeah, it was event. It was event for who you are eternal and desa go It was called the desa go supercup So a friend of mine tip to me I can and be at these one end at that place. So I had to go and Take them photos. So I talked to them like can I take you photos? Then I'll use them on my social media. Then they said, yeah, so it's you approaching. Yeah It's me now approaching them because I mean because you're looking for an opportunity Yeah, I'm looking for opportunity exposure. Yes, and for you to by photographing those big names. It gives you like an Image out there. Okay. So after photographing them. I got some good deals Yes, so I've worked for for free several times, but now I don't think if I can work for free unless Your brand has has a name and not just Kenyan name like it's a it's a known brand Because I've made the name for myself through you So yeah, you feel like you're at a place where you can claim your ground and and say this is me This is what I present on the table and if it doesn't fit what I'm presenting to you then disappear exactly like for now If I can if I may say see baby lazy clients Okay, like in this way back then or when I was starting I know I started like two years ago I'm trying to say myself two years ago. I know either two years I've learned skills that I Can now stand firm and say that no this he pesa niki dog. Yeah, I guess I keep So if you because of your work because of what I deliver and what the impact of my photos or my videos to your company What's your organization? That's why I started by saying that if you are if you want to venture into photography No, your clients. No, your client. If your clients are vijanawamta. Okay, me like where I stay I don't have any clients. Why do you stay corny? I stay Kenyatta road. Okay, like it's where I started most of them still Still wants pictures a 50 Bob like when I started I used to even take four photos Yeah, 30 Bob 50 Bob But now if you tell someone that I'm charging 300 per photo, they think that we're joking and assume it to pitch at two Yeah, so I'm telling them come on a picture to watch Because now the people that I deal with in these are mostly in these events that I go I get people maybe CEOs managers Yeah, what you can does on a kazi angle. They called me. I worked for stand because actually I'm still there photographers Stun big Yes Not the official photographer, but I have like if they have a function they call me they have the official photographer though yes, so basically Easy easy if it is what it comes in If you get focused and you know what you really want If you've known your target client, it will be very easy to give your rate without Asking yourself I am I'm charging me. I'm I'm charge kiddo go. So if you know your client like Mine me corporate and incorporate. I don't charge less than maybe 30,000 40,000. Yeah, you won't feel like women overcharge But if you charge a baby shower 30,000 40,000, how much do you charge by the for baby showers? Be sure as I charge 8,000 half a day Half a day. Yes, that is from like 6 a.m. To me. Yeah, so that is just illerate Then it depends pyramid. Okay, like I went for birthday. Yeah, she'll be able to wash a few error So like big brands like that big names like come a who you you don't just charge Present a red card. Yeah, you present a red card and it should be high because such people you are charge less. They'll think that You're just you're just trying out. Okay. Interesting. I'm being told we wind up But I want to ask you two more three questions and I want you to answer faster faster What are some of the lessons you've learned in your field that you can pursue into maybe aspiring photographers who are watching back at home or young in upcoming photographers and One of the biggest challenge that you think all photographers face That maybe can be a lesson, but also an experience that's life-changing. So start with What are some of the experiences you've learned? One thing I can say that you need friends and you need your family. Okay for me to like establish my own brand I had close friends and my family was there to support me. That is my brother and my sister So they really stood with me and advised me accordingly. So If you can just Make sure that you be close to these people They will help because buying my first camera. I had to wake up harambe For me to get my first camera. Okay, and I got my first my first camera on december last year He's just you know, I was hiring actually I used to hire camera. Okay, because I really wanted to know How to use these things so make sure that You at least have some support system. Yes. I support and for those that do not have anyone Those you can't see me. You don't have friends and you don't have family Maybe you're a street arching or something. Like I've said in my in my uh, fun. I'm jango I've done jango. I'm like me met as Isaac has here Photography. This is kisha I'm a good tyler. Okay. You're a good tailor. Yes. Sorry. I I don't I don't want us to exit without asking this question It was I it was the first question that popped up in a moment. You also do tiling. You're also a fund your tiles Many food was wise. Uh, uh, maybe me plumber Yeah, yes. I've done those but work at a job. I've done Several on works. I used to work. Kenya breweries Before job. He's here. He came to shell. Okay. So when you're job, he'll listen to Julie's and what am I supposed to do? So on your I started now Going here into construction industry So a friend of mine, uh, I can link up on plumbing Now after there, I'm gonna plumbing because he means Nika on up tiling because he less than the person he means So I went to tiling up to date Job company coachy me We still go for tiling It's something it's a skill you know. Okay. Yeah So I'm told our time is up. Just one lesson that you've learned that you can pass across to any Photographer quickly before before that you toy. Uh, let me talk of the challenge. Okay. Just one please. Just one out two seconds Okay challenges. Uh, most photographers will now see that Like venturing into this media Gears the equipments are very expensive. Yeah, very extremely. The cheapest camera The cheapest Let's say my if you now you want to get into the business itself. Okay. Yes. It's a hundred plus So that is a very big challenge to most beginner photographers But if you can get a second hand like for 40,000 30,000, it will take you somewhere. Okay True If somebody wants to access you, where did they find you to book you for gigs? Photography gigs events, where can they access you social media? Maybe a number? Uh for social media, you can get me at polico photography Both on facebook and IG Unfortunately, my twitter was hacked My numbers as I don't like giving out my numbers, but you can just access me through my social media. Okay. Yeah So, uh, thanks for the insights and I believe next time we're also invited to share more as you grow in your career We wish you the best of luck in everything you pursue. Thank you so much. Thank you. You're welcome And uh, I'm on that note. We are taking a very short break when we come back still We continue with entrepreneurship tuesday find us on facebook instagram and twitter is at oi244 channel My social media handle is at brian soko 101. We are back with much more. Please don't change the channel