Profile
Born in Uganda and based in Kenya, Sarah Waiswa is a documentary and portrait photographer with a passion for exploring modern identity on the African continent.
Sarah's photography is bold in every respect: stripped-back compositions are displayed with vivid colours, a powerful sense of design, and are married to subjects that challenge common preconceptions of life on her native African continent.
"Over the past few years, interest in African art, music and culture has been on the rise in the West," says Sarah. "I am interested by what it means to be African at a time when the spotlight is seemingly on Africa – and how this interest has encouraged African youth to embrace their culture, relearn their history and express themselves in various ways, combining past and present and imagining their futures alongside that of the continent."
"For me, the person is the most important element of the story, and I want to encourage the viewer to connect with them before anything else," says Sarah. "I am also strongly drawn to colour and the role it plays in the African aesthetic.
" Photographer, artist and Canon Ambassador Aïda Muleneh presented Sarah as a new artist at The Rencontres d'Arles photography festival in 2016. As a result, Stranger in a Familiar Land received that year's Discovery Award, which seeks to raise the profile of photographers whose work deserves to be discovered.
Sarah has worked with Joel Lukhovi on long-term project African Cityzens, recording daily life for residents in a range of African cities. Other projects explore topics including the effect of industry on a Congolese community and mental health in Uganda, all filtered through Sarah's distinctive sensibilities.
"I am interested in the perceptions one has about one's self in relation to the continent and one's place in it," says Sarah. "When I look at African identity, particularly youth culture, I look at what it means to them to be African and how they express their 'African-ness'."
How do you discover the stories you cover?
"I read a lot, and have been fortunate to travel quite a bit. I try to engage as much as possible with the people in the communities I visit. I try to be attentive to what they are talking about, and the issues affecting their communities."
What is your process for getting to know your subjects before you photograph them ?
"I try to spend as much time as possible with the subjects in the stories. I think, as a storyteller, you can only tell a version of a people's story as opposed to the story of the people."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when you started professional photography?
"Pricing work and photographic services, and thereafter the administration that comes with any business. I wouldn't say I have completely overcome it, although I have got better at managing it. I think it takes time."
Who have been your biggest photographic influences, and why?
"Many of the great African photographers, such as Malick Sidibé and Samuel Fosso, and the historical significance of their portraits and work, as well as Diane Arbus and her work on marginalised people. I have always wanted to use my work to generate conversations about social issues."
What projects are you working on now, and what would you like to achieve in the next part of your career?
"I recently completed a project in Kipushi, a small mining town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, investigating the social and environmental impact of the dumping of acidic waste. I am also in the process of working on a story about mental health in Uganda."
Facebook: Sarah Waiswa
Twitter: @LAfrohemien
Instagram: @lafrohemien
Website: www.sarahwaiswa.com
"The only way to improve is to keep shooting. No one camera or lens will make your pictures better."
The key kit that the pros use to take their photographs
No matter what you're shooting, be assured of uncompromising image quality and a thoroughly professional performance. "It's trustworthy and robust. It produces amazing image quality on long exposures or high ISO settings, and it has a super-fast and flexible AF," says Sarah.
The discontinued classic 35mm SLR camera. "I've been trying to get into film photography to challenge myself, and I find this quite straight forward to use. I use it for street photography, which is a great love of mine!" says Sarah.
With its fast maximum aperture and rapid focusing system, this lens can be relied on for superb performance in any field of photography. "I like the 50mm because I can use it in a number of scenarios and still get great images," Sarah says.
A favourite telephoto zoom lens with photographers of every kind.
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Members get access to CPS Priority Support, both locally and at major events; a priority Fast Track repair service; and — depending on your level of membership — free back-up equipment loans plus return shipping and discounts on maintenance. They can also enjoy exclusive members’ offers.