Street photographers make a living
They are defining the art of photography around the Germiston CBD. Through this they are able to make an income while they search for employment.
Photographers Mangaliso Siyabulela, Nhlanhla Majika and Skhumbuzo Radebe are exploring the streets of the CBD in hopes of finding a new market and generating an income from their craft.
The trio operates at Victoria Street opposite Dumisani Masilela Theatre and Boston College.
Due to new technology, they can practice their photography from a mobile studio.
They are defining the art of photography around the Germiston CBD. Through this, they can make an income while they search for employment.
Mangaliso said he has been passionate about photography since he was introduced to the craft in 2005.
“I started with an HP-Camera. It has been years since then. I saw the industry evolve to new-age cameras that are now accessible and available at a good price,” he said.
“We have been in different areas across the country testing the initiative. Germiston seems to be the right place for us.
“I used to stay on President Street from 2005 to 2006. I migrated as a musician. I compose and produce music. I am well-travelled as an artist and I have shared stages with big artists in the country and abroad.”
He said photography may seem easy, but it requires someone with patience, passion and interactive skills.
“With the easing of lockdown restrictions, it allowed us to operate in public spaces. Interacting with people is not easy but you need to be patient,” said Siyabulela.
“On these streets, I get equipped with all the necessary skills to succeed in this business.”
Nhlanhla originates from the Eastern Cape.
He studied mechanical engineering at Walter Sisulu University and graduated but never found unemployment.
“During my school days, I knew nothing about photography until I visited a friend in Durban who was a photographer. I was trained on the basics,” he said.
“I realised there was an opportunity to make a living with photography while I hoped to find something in the field of my studies.
“I am still applying for employment and nothing positive has come to the table. Through photography, we can pay bills and cover living costs,” said Nhlanhla.
He continues to search for employment as he is interested in becoming a boilermaker in the engineering space.
