Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathomi Maorwe

Hi Kathomi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My name is Kathomi Maorwe, and photography saved my life.

I began my journey as a child, bringing a film camera on class trips. I loved capturing moments with my friends, even though I wasn’t very skilled. It became a personal way for me to gift them memories.

In college, I studied Arts and Design, where I learned about shadow and light, especially in drawing classes. This experience opened my eyes to new ways of seeing art.

In my final year, I discovered I was pregnant. Thankfully, I graduated, but being a new mom made it hard to work, so I focused on raising my child. A year later, I had two more kids. The challenges of being a young parent were overwhelming. I struggled with postpartum depression and dark thoughts, questioning who I was supposed to be. The weight of societal expectations felt heavy, and I found it hard to care for myself while raising three young children.

During this time, I briefly worked as a graphic designer, but family came first. In 2016, I received my first digital camera as a gift. I started taking pictures of my kids and everyday life, but I felt stuck and couldn’t afford therapy. By 2017, I was in a dark place, feeling like everything I was meant to be was crumbling. I wondered how I could express my feelings visually.

That’s when I started my first personal project on depression and anxiety. It resonated with many, and I suddenly felt less alone. Photography became my lifeline, allowing me to express emotions I struggled to articulate.

Now, I love capturing feelings through my lens. I know many people experience emotions that are hard to explain, and I strive to create visual representations of those feelings. While I enjoy portraits and events, my true passion lies in personal visual projects, often using self-portraits to express my emotions directly.

Recently, I moved to a coastal town in Kenya called Kilifi, and I’ve been enjoying capturing the ocean’s beauty, the coastal vibes, and the activities around me. For me, photography is a powerful tool for self-expression and healing. It has transformed my life, helping me connect with others and reminding me that I’m not alone in my struggles. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to share their own stories and emotions.

In the future, I aim to showcase the visual projects I’ve created—works that resonate deeply with both you and me. I want to highlight pieces that spark conversations and foster connections, encouraging others to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. Through my art, I hope to continue inspiring dialogue and sharing the power of storytelling in photography.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

I honestly don’t know where to start, but it hasn’t been a smooth journey. With my background in arts and design, you might think ideas come easily to me, but it has taken years of practice and visualization to reach this point. I’ve faced countless projects that never saw the light of day, learned from many failures, and worked hard to master the technical aspects of photography. It’s all about understanding how to evoke emotion and express it in a way that resonates with viewers.

Another major challenge has been financial strain. In Kenya, photography is just starting to gain recognition as a legitimate profession, but selling it as an art form is still uncommon. I rely on side jobs to support my passion, allowing me to pursue photography as an art rather than just a source of income. Plus, equipment costs can be prohibitive, and securing grants for projects is not easy here, which makes it tough to focus solely on my creative work.

Finally, there’s the issue of inclusivity. The richness of photography is enhanced by diverse voices and perspectives. Representation matters; every unique story adds depth and meaning to the visual narrative. We need to create inclusive spaces where all artists feel welcomed to express themselves and share their experiences.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I’m a photographer, visual artist, and creative director, specializing in portrait photography. Whether I’m capturing expressions and interactions at events or doing one-on-one photoshoots, I thrive on the art of portraying humanity.

I take pride in my ability to interpret concepts and evoke emotions through my work. The stories I tell through my photography are what I cherish most. I love that I can shoot any event and still capture the heart and essence of the people involved. My unique approach to storytelling through photography truly sets me apart.

I also thrive in DIY settings. When I want to provoke a specific emotion, I often create my own setups using locally available materials. This allows me to capture images that I can later manipulate in software to achieve the desired result.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

One of the key lessons I learned during COVID-19 was the importance of slowing down and taking things one day at a time. The pandemic compelled me to look inward and reflect on the creative path I wanted to pursue. It prompted me to rethink my approach to creativity and explore new avenues.

Another crucial lesson was the value of being my own person. With so much time spent indoors, I had to confront my inner struggles and recognize that I am my only competition.

During this period, I dedicated time to learning editing techniques and expanding my skills.

As a result, I discovered a renewed sense of clarity and inspiration. This journey taught me that prioritizing self-care enables me to create more authentically and connect more deeply with others through my art. Ultimately, COVID-19 pushed me to embrace both my creativity and my mental health, reminding me that they are intertwined in my journey as an artist.

Pricing:

• prints go for 80$ – 100$

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kathomimaorwe94.pixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathomiphotography/
• Twitter: https://x.com/liloqueenjulian

Image Credits

Kathomi Maorwe