The Lenses of Kenya

In today's world, no other artistic medium effortless and purely captures the ebb and flow of the human condition better than photography. Photographers allow us to see the world through new artistic eyes. Kenyan photographers continue to raise the bar across many genres within the art form. Here are some remarkable names you should get acquainted with:

Georgina Goodwin

Georgina is an independent documentary and wildlife photographer whose resume reads like an optical dream. This award-winning photojournalist specialises in social issues, women and environment. In addition to being a Canon brand ambassador her work has been published by BBC, CNN, NY Times, AFP, Reuters, UN, the World Bank Newsweek, Elle Mag and many other incredible global brands. Her images have been shown at Times Square NYC, The Louvre Paris, and the San Francisco Public Library. Known for her award-winning work on Kenya's post-election violence, cancer in Kenya and Westgate terror attack, and most recently refugee children in Tanzania, Georgina is a contributor to Getty Images and Everyday Climate Change and a member of Women Photograph and African Photojournalism Database, a collaboration of World Press Photo and Everyday Africa. She was one of 19 finalists at TEDx Nairobi 2017 and was part of TEDx KakumaCamp June 2018, which was the first TED talk ever to be held in a refugee camp. This year, she won The Lions Club of Seregno World Water Day photo contest with her image of Amina Suleiman in Somaliland's recent drought titled, "No Water No Life".

Twitter: @ggkenya

IG: ggkenya

Website:

www.georginagoodwin.com

Lyra Aoko

Lyra Aoko is a Nairobi-based portrait and lifestyle photographer. While most photographers are content behind the lens, once in a while we get to see her as an engaging subject. She opened her own studio, Aoko Creative; a testament to her commitment to the craft. Lyra's work revolves around capturing beauty, and she has no doubt flown the Kenyan flag high and proud on the international stage. Lyra's portfolio is worth some respect, featuring high profile names like Nike, Safaricom, Darling Kenya, Mac Cosmetics, Samsung, Glenfiddich, L'oreal, Dior, Magical Kenya Burger King, Emirates and many more.

Twitter: @Lyraoko

IG: lyraoko

Website: www.lyraoko.com

Kevin Buo

For quite a long time glossy, daring and sexy images that set Instagram on fire in Nairobi had only one watermark: BuoArt. By his own admission, Buo started taking pictures straight out of high school, cutting his teeth using his father's digital camera. At 24, Kevin Buo was arguably one of the most sought-after portrait photographers, with a string of Kenyan celebrity clients secured under his portfolio including: Eric Omondi, Brenda Wairimu, Daddy Owen, Avril, Mustafa, Nameless, Big Pin, Chipukeezy and many more. Buo often credits his success to his mentor, James Panaito who set him up in his first studio and trained him thereafter.

Twitter: @kevbbuo

IG: kevbbuo

Website: www.behance.net/buoart

Trevor Maingi

Trevor's career began out of curiosity in late 2014. Using just his phone and Instagram feed he managed to set an impressive creative bar and is now a sought-after photographer and filmmaker. He has been known to create some of the most stunning landscape, travel, and lifestyle content, thanks to his ability to visualise and actualise custom client content. Notable brands under Trevor's portfolio include: Airbnb, Adobe, Rover Africa, Shutter Stock Customs, Huawei, Four Points By Sheraton, Guinness Africa and many more.

Twitter: @The_mentalyst

IG: @the_mentalyst

Website: www.thementalyst.net

Sannie Sanford

Without any formal training, Sannie has managed to establish himself as one of Kenya's coveted food photographers. His work on the hashtag #100DaysofKenyanThrowdowns with radio and Tv presenter and food blogger Mandi Sarro had everyone by the neck in awe. The quirky food illustrations he did with fellow artist and illustrator Ed Wainaina evoked happiness and fan love in equal measure. He also worked with Nairobi Hooray on a delightful project envisioning Nairobi as an ice cream flavour no less! Beyond his awesome collaborations, Sannie has worked with other brands including: Jumia Food, Uncle Nene's Kitchen, Colosseum Restaurant, Blankets & Wine and Big Square. Sannie's goal is to use his brand to inspire audiences to dine out more and improve their cooking skills, while showing the global audience a unique perspective of Kenya.

Twitter: SannieSanford

IG: sanniesanford

Website: www.vsco.co/sanniesanford

Thandiwe Muriu

Commercial, beauty and fashion photographer Thandiwe Murio barely needs introducing. In her work she embraces the diversity of the textures, tones and shades of African skin, and she does it in spectacular fashion. Incorporating bold colours, contrast and lighting she creates unbelievably distinct images. Beyond her remarkable portfolio, Thandiwe has raked in two awards at the Kenya Photography Awards. Her work has been featured worldwide in Harper's Bazaar (Arabia), Africa Exhibition (South Africa) and Krowd Magazine (Canada). She also shares her expertise on her YouTube page and by teaching at photography workshops across Africa.

IG: thandiwe_muriu

Website: www.thandiwemuriu.com

Brian Siambi

Brian Siambi is a graphic designer and an editorial, travel and commercial photographer. He favours natural light and shadows and the interesting layers they create on his subjects. As a result, his work involves layered contrasts and rich tones. His work with Adele Dejak was featured in Elle Magazine (SA). Additionally, he has worked with Sony Middle East and Africa, Republi.Ke, AfroPunk, Chichia X Asos Africa and other fabulous brands. Brian is self-taught, and started out by using his mobile phone. Brian has also shot for Kenya's leading lifestyle magazines and is seen as one of the photographers contributing to the growth of the African photography landscape.

Twitter: @UrbanSkript

IG: urbanskript

Website: www.siambibrian.com