4 minute read
No Place Like Home
With international tourist numbers hit hard by pandemic travel restrictions, movement No Place Like Home looks to encourage Tanzanians to explore their own country. The campaign has brought together photographers, cinematographers, tour operators, travel companies and lodges to showcase the beauty and diversity of our country. Budding photographer Juzer Vajihee – who at age 24 has already built up an impressive portfolio – is the youngest photographer to join the campaign. We caught up with him in his home city, Dar es Salaam.
Photographer Juzer Vajihee – “the best way to learn is to take as many photographs as you can”
Q: When did you first show interest in photography?
A: My love for photography really evolved from my father’s background in the photo industry and my love for nature and the outdoors. Since childhood, I have been lucky enough to travel around Tanzania and witness its beauty. Sharing these trips with people around me inspired me to start taking photos, which then turned into a serious prospect a couple of years ago.
Q: When did you get your first camera? How old were you?
A: My very first camera was a Kodak analog camera gifted to my brother and me by my father. I was around 10 years old at the time. That upgraded into a point-andshoot digital camera, and I finally got my hands on my father’s DSLR – a Nikon D90 – a few years ago and that’s where this journey really kicked off.
Q: Where did you learn your photography skills?
Photographer Juzer Vajihee – “the best way to learn is to take as many photographs as you can” A: I have never received formal training for photography. There are numerous resources online that I viewed to learn the basics of photography and mastering the camera. In the end, the best way to learn is to take as many photographs as you can, be self-critical and continue learning through experience.
Q: What do your family think about you taking photographs?
A: They are incredibly supportive. My father grew up taking photographs and subsequently started a photo printing business, so he is pleased that the legacy has lived on. Actually, several of my trips around the country have been with my family.
Q: A lot of your photos are of landscapes and animals. Is this your area of interest?
A: Absolutely. My love for wildlife, nature and travel has infused that interest within me. I have been lucky to travel around our beautiful country and compile a beautiful collection of its rich wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Q: You are studying to be an architect. Do you think you can combine the two or will photography only be a passion or hobby?
A: I loved to draw as a child so architecture, just like photography, has been a passion since childhood. I believe there is an interesting link between the two I’d like to tap into. A career in architecture will give me the opportunity to further hone my photography skills, market my work and build a good network to take my photography to a professional level.
Q: What do you look for in a photograph?
A: Originality. When taking a photo, I think about how to make this photo stand out or sometimes I ask myself: “Would I frame this photo up on my wall?” I try to find a unique angle, or maybe an interesting editing approach to make my photo pop. Not all photos will fall into the unique category, of course, but this approach multiplies my chances of getting many stand-out shots.
Q: Which photographers inspire you?
A: I am inspired by the works of David Yarrow, David Lloyd, Mike Sutherland, Donald Yip and Jord Hammond among many others.
Q: What aspirations do you have for your photographs?
A: My dream is to utilize my photos in showcasing the beauty of our country, promoting domestic tourism and encouraging more people to come to Tanzania. Tourism is vital to protecting and conserving wildlife. Without tourists, it’s harder to protect areas from poaching and other threats.
Q: Do you think photography is something a lot of people appreciate in Tanzania?
A: I’d like to talk specifically about wildlife photography. I feel that we have to work together towards creating awareness for domestic tourism in the country. I think that appreciating photography and local art has a relationship with tourism. Once the local population starts visiting and witnessing the beauty of our country, the appreciation for nature and wildlife photography will also increase. I commend the government of Tanzania for their work in promoting local tourism.
Q: How important do you think the “No place like Home” campaign is right now given tourism worldwide has been impacted from the global pandemic?
A: Photographs have the power to tell stories. They have the power to influence decisions. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the tourism industry in Tanzania drastically and I believe No Place Like Home plays an integral role in promoting domestic and international tourism and showcasing the beauty of Tanzania to the world.
BUY JUZER’S PRINTS AND SUPPORT NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Prints and framed photographs from Juzer’s collection for No Place Like Home are available at artisans’ retail store Make it Matter in Dar es Salaam.
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