Slipway Dar es salaam Shoot.

On Thursday I did a shoot with Joy an upcoming makeup artist/stylist. I met Joy via Instagram and we ended up being chat buddies with promises of working together. This was merely a collaboration between the two of us. It was a last minute shoot. I did not know the models I was going to shoot neither was I very familiar with the location. I am always up for a challenge and challenge it definitely was.

I was very annoyed the day of the shoot because the model and the stylist were all very late (very unprofessional). We planned to meet at 12:00hrs, they came at 14:48hrs. They also had to prepare themselves so you can imagine, that means more time wasted. So while they were preparing I had to go grab something to eat.

Lighting: Natural Light  Camera: NIKON D7200 Shutter: 1/125sec Aperture: f/3.2   ISO: 100   Focal Length: 50mm

The Shoot

We started the shoot around 15:45hrs. The light was still a nightmare at that and there were no definitive shades to work with. The background was chaotic and unimpressive. So I had to stick with shooting tight close-ups, which only meant the best images would only be portraits.

Since the light was not quite good and created hush shadows, I had to use a reflector so as to block the sunlight and to create even shadow for my subject. I tried to do tight head shots excluding the unwanted chaos in my shot. I also tried to stick with natural light, since my assistant already had his hands full with the reflector. I decided to make it as simple as possible so as not to waste any more time.

Lighting: Natural Light Camera: Nikon D7200 Shutter: 1/100 Aperture: f/2.8 ISO: 400 Focal Length: 50mm

Lighting: Natural Light  Camera: Nikon D7200 Shutter: 1/1000sec  Aperture: f/3.2  ISO: 100  Focal Length: 50mm

Cameras: Then and Now

There is always a debate on camera equipment and people often want to know what type of gear photographers use so they can purchase similar gear. We need to understand the creative process is as important as the gear we have, because at the end of the day what matters is what you can do with the tools you have. Today I would like to share with you the evolution of my camera gear, from the first camera I used to the camera I am using now.

Nikon D40 

This was my first camera. I did not plan to buy this camera, I just needed any DSLR to start my photography. I borrowed this camera from my cousin, which in the end I eventually kept. The lens it had was an 18 – 55mm f3.5 – f5.6 kit lens. I have to say this camera is just magic when you exploit its features to the fullest. It was great camera and I captured some great images with it!

This is one of the images I took with the Nikon D40. A candid moment of a baby sleeping.

This is one of the images I love that I shot with the Nikon D40. I captured this image as I passed this young lady in the streets of Temeke.

Nikon D3200 

I purchased the Nikon D3200 after selling my Nikon D40. I wanted the D3200 for its video features and it was the best I could afford at that moment. I decided to stick to Nikon cameras because I was already familiar and comfortable on using them. I also purchased the Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens which I am still using for most of my shoots. 

My all time favorite image of Jackline Nyanza that I shot with the Nikon D3200 + 50mm f1.8.

A low key black and white portrait of Solomon shot with the Nikon D3200 + 50mm f1.8.

Nikon D7200 

Currently I am using the Nikon D7200 and two lenses: Nikon 50mm f1.8 and Tamron 17 – 50mm f2.8. The D7200 is a just a beauty! It has pro features and fast dials which give me more flexibility while shooting. It also has great video features which is important to me since I do both photography and videography. I will stick with this babe for a while, because at the moment it caters to all my needs, in fact I have no plans to sell her at all. 

Portrait of Jocelyn shot with Nikon D7200 + 50mm f1.8

Portrait of Stephanie shot with Nikon D7200 + 50mm f1.8

Nikon D750 

My future plan is to get the Nikon D750. I want two have two bodies. This will be a great upgrade since it’s a full frame sensor. The D750 comes with even more advanced photography and video features which will definitely be a blessing to me!

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

— Arthur Ashe

Disclaimer 

I am not affiliated with Nikon and I am not brand oriented when it comes to photography equipment. I have used equipment like Canon, Sony and Pentax before and they are all great cameras. It all depends on how you use the gear. So, there you are – this is the gear I use. You can expect a post about the accessories I use in the near future, so stick around!

The Beginning

Beginning

My name is Michael Isuja Goima. I was born and raised in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. Growing up I never pictured myself becoming an artist in the future, instead I always pictured myself being a doctor or lawyer. Nevertheless, art was always the thing that excited me! I remember dancing to MJ’s music, watching movies like Say Anything, Coming to America and Sheena, and during my junior school I loved to draw and paint in art club.

At the end of 2012 I was certain I wanted to be a photographer or filmmaker, but I didn’t even have a point and shoot and couldn’t afford one! I had just recently started my first year of college studying business administration. I decided to learn all the basic photography techniques in advance before I got my hands on a camera; so I took a lot of time studying photography with free materials online.

My First Portrait. Shot with Nikon D40 - With 18 - 55mm f3.5 - f5.6.

Photography

My cousin returned to Dar from South Africa in September 2014, he had with him a Nikon D40 with 18 – 55mm kit lens! I borrowed his camera and started playing with it. I started experimenting with nature photography and finally found that I could put into practice what I had learned. After a lot of practice in nature photography, I shot my first official portrait on the 1st of November, 2014 edited it fast in light room and posted it on Instagram!

Then I continued to practice; Tested Ideas, use of natural light, working with shadows and experimented a lot and this is where I am now. The following is one my recent portrait which I shot three months ago.

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Camera: Nikon D7200. Aperture: f/3.5 Shutter: 1/125 sec ISO: 100 Focal Legth: 50mm. Light: Natural Light

Photography is now a huge part of my life and I dedicate myself to learning new things every day. This is just the begging of my photography journey I am still yet to grow and learn a lot. I’ve only had two years in what I hope will be a long photography career and there will be a lot of transformation along the way. So buckle up guys and let’s experience this journey together!

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This blog will be about photography tutorials; marketing and branding for photographers, artist, designers and filmmakers; and behind the scenes of my shoots; DIY photography hacks and bit of personal life. Please subscribe so as not to miss a post from me!

Thanks. :-)