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I had high hopes of capturing a magnificent sunrise over Nairobi last Saturday.
Golden hues shining down from the skies, funnels of light reflected from one glass-clad skyscraper to another, creating a symphony of illuminated streaks Pantone would have a challenge reproducing.
Golden hues shining down from the skies, funnels of light reflected from one glass-clad skyscraper to another, creating a symphony of illuminated streaks Pantone would have a challenge reproducing.
A Heavy Cloud Convention instead delivered muted tones which I still got to photograph, shooting a 1-hour plus time lapse of cloud movements, and this 23-image panorama at the end of it all.
As I packed my bags, a group of young men who had been quietly watching me click away for over an hour asked if I could take their photos.
I took this as an opportunity to know them better while honouring their request.
I took this as an opportunity to know them better while honouring their request.
Julius is 20 and would like to see people’s dress sense improve when he becomes a fashion designer.
Esege is also 20, and adores Khaligraph. He’d like to be a musician.
Joshua insisted I address him as DJ Josh. He is 19. His dreams are valid.
Stephen is 56. He would like to improve Kenya’s food security as a farmer.
Dickson is 18 and would like to be a musician.
Musa is 20 and would like to work in beauty.
Covid-19 has affected their sources of income. Previously, they took out the trash and helped with general cleanliness at a few restaurants in Nairobi. In the evenings, they guided motorists parking in Nairobi’s CBD, which they can’t any more because of the 7pm to 5am curfew.
Yes I did have concerns for my safety at first. But once I put that aside, I quickly realised that these guys are no different from me – we're all hoping for a brighter day when life can return to normal, each of us playing our part in stopping the spread of Coronavirus.
I plan to visit them again soon to deliver prints of their portraits.
