Photography is typically a male-dominated industry and it is not different to Botswana and why is it so? Are women not interested in making a living through photography or they are just not as vocal as their male counterparts?

However, it is encouraging to see some women now at the forefront of addressing gender disparity in the industry and one such lady is Boingotlo Seitshiro.

“Being a female photographer is not easy at all, mostly because of people that question the quality of my work based on my gender. I have had questions like are you really sure you took this picture, only for some of them to appreciate it after convincing and testimonies from my subjects,” said Boingotlo.

She indicated that surviving in this male dominated industry is not easy but it is something that has not deterred her from making a name for herself.

“Even though it can be overwhelming at times, the few applauds that come my way are something to forever cherish, and I have had opportunities to travel to beautiful places and photograph, covered big events and worked with reputable companies.

I am grateful for all the opportunities, looking back to the years when I started, I would have never imagined the great work I have done being published in newspapers, hanging on somebody’s wall at home, and also that I would have built a name out of my craft but here I am and the recognition is really amazing,” she continued. On how she got started with photography, Seitshiro said she fell in love with photography after trying her hand at studying accounting but her heart was not in it hence she changed into studying photography.

“My introduction to professional photography was at Bosa Bosele Training Institute where I studied journalism and media at certificate level, but I need to also point out that I used to take pictures before all this and I never thought it would pay my bills one day,” she said.

Seitshiro further said photography is the most beautiful aspect of life and this is how one communicates their emotions, tells a story and captures memories.

Further highlighting some of her proud moments, Boingotlo said being a freelance photographer, she got picked to cover the first ever Essence Festival held in Durban.

with Botswana Unplugged and She also noted that she partook the opportunity meant a lot to in the Swedish-Botswana

recognition for it.
“What warmed my heart most

was that during the prize giving and announcing of the winners was how most people were amazed that my photographs were captured by a female,” said Seitshiro.

Speaking about what support she receives from corporates and clients, Boingotlo said she is forever grateful for those that gave her a break by engaging her services when she started off.

“But one thing I have failed at is securing sponsors, so I grow my Boii_KSPhotography business. No matter how many times I have tried, I end up with doors closed in my face,” she said.

Seitshiro indicated that this has also not made her give up because she tries to save as much money as she can, so she can invest in her own proper studio and also buy equipment in bits and pieces.

“Photography equipment is very expensive and my future with photography is not limited. I have a dream of expanding my business and recruiting other female photographers.

A lso, I want to have an academy where I will impart my knowledge once I have reached a certain level,” she said.

On what she would say to a fellow female photographer starting off, Seitshiro said first and foremost the industry needs more females.

“We need to enjoy ourselves and take it all in our stride.

We need to keep learning and the best way to grow is to let your work speak for itself,” she said, adding that she keeps learning new ways of editing, new shooting techniques and the different ways of using light.

Speaking on her experiences and general observations with regards to the landscape of photography in Botswana, she said most people think photography is easy to hence some are reluctant to pay the proper remuneration for services rendered. She said photography is one of those professions that are taken for granted.“Once too often you come across people saying my prices are high and they will just use their phones. This is a job like many other jobs out there and we require the same standards for us to grow and be the best we can be,” she said.

She said it was admirable for what government had done so for the visual and creative arts industry and more still needs to be done. “The most important thing we can do for ourselves is to make people aware of this industry and teach them on what constitutes bad and good art.

When people know what is it we are doing, the better it is for them to take us seriously and in turn paying us what is due to us for the services and talent we provide for them,” she said, adding that education is very important.

She further said she believes most showcases, exhibitions and pop-up markets that take place around get funded by fellow artists, hence it becomes expensive looking at the fact that they use the same funds they get through their craft.

“A n d i f g o v e r n m e n t c o u l d continuously provide a conducive environment for us to showcase without worrying about costs of putting shows together, and build a bigger base, it would help us a lot and I am not saying government should do everything for us, but we need help,” she said. BOPA