One on One with Extreme Photography

He describes himself as a photographer who is inspired to express his art through the lens; He’s an ambitious, talented young creative, who sees much more through the Lens, bringing hidden stories to light and speaking volumes to Personality, future and much more than the eye can see in his pictures. Collins Kiplimo, a self-taught Photographer commonly known as Extreme Photography speaks to Brenda Kalunda on his journey.

Who is Extreme?

A photographer who is inspired to express his art through the lens

Why Extreme?

Someone once told me your Picture is extremely beautiful that’s where the name came in.

What line of photography are you involved in?

To be precise, since I started photography, I used to do a lot of portrait shoots but I have really done a lot from shooting portraits to Weddings, Street photography, Humanitarian photography, Concepts and documentary shoots. I have tried every niche but currently am into product shooting but not sure what the future holds.But what I can add is that money is a fact.

When did you realize photography was your thing?

When I shot a picture and my friends were proud. That’s when I took it seriously.

Did you think photography was something you were going to practise?

I don’t think so. I used to sell potatoes and milk in 2017 when I had just finished High school. In the process I met my friend Ian, by then a photographer. I used to send customers his way and would take pictures for free. One day I took a picture and just loved it. That’s was the beginning of this journey.

How much did you use for start-up?

50k. I got a loan from my mum and helb. 30k is a good figure to anyone willing and patient to grow

They say a Picture is worth a thousand words, how does this statement resonate with your photos?

According to me, whenever am taking a picture, at the back of my mind, I usually have a theme I want to portray and the message I would love to pass. It depends with the concept and so much on how someone is going to relate with it. One photo can really say a lot.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Successfully running a big production company.

Amen to that. What motivates you?

Positive feedback on my feed. I have big friends from a broad who love my job. That means a lot to me. It’s the drive that makes me keep taking pictures and above all to keep on inspiring people

What is your client base like?

Mostly students and working class 18-28yrs.

What makes a good picture?

Good lighting, good composition, Rule of thirds, Lines, Shapes and texture to me makes a good image.

Photography is nowadays flooded, is that a threat or an opportunity?

To me it’s as opportunity because you can really learn a lot from many creators with different style and above all competition is healthy.

Did covid affect your business? How did you pick up?

Yes, I incurred a lot of loses. At some point I had to engage in farming and rearing chicken to support my hustle and keep me a float as I try to cope.

Best gig so far?

Almost all of them. I haven’t found one that I can say is better than the other.

Have seen some of your Golden Hour pictures, what do you think about this type of shoot?

I just love magical light and I usually feel like the sky is a live.

Which professional photographers influence your work, and how do you incorporate their techniques into your photographs?

Cedric nzaka of @everydaypeoplestories-I love the way he thinks when he is taking his images his art is bomb. He is a Photographer with a unique style. He travels a lot and has done projects with Netflix, Davido and other major artists including our very own @elsamajimbo.

@lexornart- this guy inspires me to learn the craft of storytelling.

@franklingyanjr -makes me think big when it comes to product photography.

What equipment is a must-have for you no matter where you are going to work?

A good camera and a good mind because nowadays phones produced take better quality images.

How would you respond if a client is unhappy with you work and wanted a refund plus a free replacement photo-shoot?

Usually, there will be clients who will appreciate your work and some not. But I usually prefer re-editing the photos.

What is the most difficult thing about your job?

Planning a shoot. I usually don’t know what I may cope with onsite i.e., rain, windy, sunny conditions. Editing too. It’s a lot of work.

How much do you charge for shoots?

It depends with the session. And who are you working with, I can’t disclose that at the moment. Haha.

Would you rather take more photos or edit fewer photos?

I would rather take more because when editing you won’t know which would work best for you.

What can you tell young people?

To put more effort in their niche and take it as a journey. That’s how they will succeed

On a lighter note. Photographers are associated with being Players, What’s your take on that?

I don’t think so, or may be just because we are closer to the female gender (as they make a bigger part of our client base) doesn’t mean we are dating them.