The Art Of Photography : Tnash Photography

When you ask people about art and what they consider art most will say music, followed by acting, be it, theater,  movies or series and some will mention drawing, painting  and for most their lists end there. There are many forms of art and in Zimbabwe we are blessed with rich and deep well of artistic people. 

Photography is one form of art that is now being ignored due to the advancements in technology, everyone can now own a smartphone with a great camera or an actual professional camera. However despite that we all strive to capture that perfect picture like those ones in the magazines, like those we see on the internet and we have failed to do so repeatedly for years and years. That shows photography is an art. Yes we have all those advanced technologies but our pictures always seem to fall short.

Photography is not about just facing the lens to what you want and pressing the capture button, there are angles which must be considered, the aperture, the effects, the type of lens...etc. For that perfect picture there is need for those talented in the art.

Tinashe Njagu is one talented photographer from Zimbabwe. Many may not know his name but if you a consumer of the various social media platforms you definitely have came across a picture with a Tnash Photography logo on it. Tnash Photography is literary at every respectable event that happens in Zimbabwe. He has covered events such as the Colour Run, Electric Arena, Neverland, HIFA, Zimbabwe Fashion Week, Clothing Indaba, MTV African Awards...just to mention a few. The guy is everywhere and Zimbos are loving him, he was named Photographer Of The Year at the Zim Fashion Week in 2013, so ya expect to see him more and more and love him more and more 

Thanks to the internet, l managed to communicate with Mr Tinashe Njagu and asked him a few questions:

ProudZimbo : Who is Tnash, a brief description?

Tinashe Njagu : Tnash came from the name Tinashe. Came out of a time when I was writing down dreams and visions. Tinashe Njagu is a young Zimbabwean creative/entrepreneur. Been is the creative industry since 2008 doing graphic designing, film, motion graphics and photography.

PZ :What led u to be a photographer?? was this the path you always wanted since you were a kid?

Tnash : I wanted to own a company that does photography among many things but in 2011 as I was working as an editor I came across a project that made me start photography. It was a photo/music project by Bonnie Deuschle, we work on it over 2 years and it made me see photos in a different way. In 2013 is when I went pro with it.

PZ : Whats your favourite pic among those you have took in 2015 and why?

Tnash :

I love this photo coz it shows the best side of Harare. Full of life, energy, happy people, all colours together as one dancing to the same beat. Love it. This was last night of HIFA 2015, shot it from 15th floor Crowne Plaza.

PZ : What is your favourite picture effect and editing software ?

Tnash : My favorite effect is something I created in 2013 and it made my photo different from everyone at that time. It's a film type look on photos. Made it in Photoshop and Photoshop is my favorite software. I can do and create anything in Photoshop. Kudya kwangu.

PZ : Whats your view on the state of the photography sector in Zim and can one sorely base his life on a photography career ?

Tnash : I know lots of people living as full time photographers. I just wish people of Zimbabwe understood our value and pay accordingly. Some understand and we value them so much. They make us go on everyday.

We need more good photographer to up the competition a bit.

PZ : What camera are you using now, and why did choose that specific camera ?

Tnash : I use a Canon 600D, it's a very small camera but I like it and it works for now. Will upgrade soon.

PZ : What camera do you recommend to someone who is thinking of starting a photography career ?

Tnash : Get a small body and get good glass (lenses). I'm a Canonite so I say a Canon 700D is a good start but if you have a good budget go for Canon 5D Mark III. It's the best right now. And get good glass. If anyone needs more help on that contact me

PZ : Any tips of how we can use our smartphones to take some nice pictures ?

Tnash : Always make people face the sun/light coz that's a good source of light. If you shoot against it the subject/people are usually dark.

PZ : Who is your fav artist in Zimbabwe among the young urban (Dancehall, Jazz, Hip Hop, RnB, Soul...) artists ?

Tnash : Esh, that's a hard one. I listen to everyone, if a song is good it's gonna be in my playlist. I'll just mention a few but I love lots of artists.

Chibaba, recently Killer T, Tocky, Winky D, Ammara, XQ, Janet, Chashe, Tehn, Prayersoul, Saba... and many more.

PZ : Among the local celebs whom you've worked with, which one was the most fun to photograph and work with ?

Tnash : Mmmm, that's a tricky one. I'd say MisRed, I've done a few shoots with her and she's naturally good and cool to be around. She's original, what you see is what you get.

PZ : How can Zimbos contact you?

Tnash :

• Cell: +263 774825261 
• Email: tnashphotography.zim@gmail.com
• FB: Tnash Photography 
• Twitter: @tnash3006 
• Instagram: @tnash3006 
• Web: http://tnash3006.wix.com/tnashcreativestudio

Proud_Zimbo