We chat with photographer Lesedi Sikwe about his brand SickWear Lifestyle.
Q: What service do you provide?
A: I provide photography, videography, aerial photography, and canvas printing services.
Q: How and when did you decide to start offering your services?
A: After buying a DSLR camera in 2014, for a clothing brand project I was doing. I kept on getting requests from people that I took photos of. With many requests, I had to research the services and most importantly pricing and how to package different shoots/pricing.
Q: Which type of photography do you specialise in?
A: I am a “multidisciplinary photographer”/ “generalist photographer”. I have skills and experience across various types of photography, such as portraits, landscapes, events and fashion. It really helps being versatile, as I can adapt to different shooting conditions and client needs.
Q: What is it about photography that you love so much?
A: I love photography because it allows me to capture and preserve moments in time, freezing emotions, stories, and beauty in a single frame. The challenge of finding the perfect composition, playing with light and shadows, and the satisfaction of creating a powerful image all contribute to my passion for photography.
Q: Do you work alone?
A: Yes. However, I have a network of photographers that I always exchange ideas and skills with, as well as sharing experience on how to approach certain bookings.
Q: What qualities or skills are needed to ensure that one makes it as a good photographer?
A: Becoming a good photographer requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and personal qualities. Technical proficiency: Understanding how to use camera equipment, including settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, as well as post-processing software. Creativity: Having a keen eye for composition, light, and colour to create visually appealing and unique images. Personal: Attention to detail like noticing the small elements in a scene that can make or break a photo.
Q: Are there any challenges that you have encountered in your line of work, and how do you overcome them?
A: Yes, there are quite a few like unpredictable weather, poor lighting conditions, client expectations, technical issues, time management and the worst is a creative block. I always ask the client questions about the shoot, venue, or location to determine what kind of equipment will be needed for the job. Reading the room, and paying attention to your surroundings is also beneficial, here you meet client expectations. Having a backup camera also helps in avoiding any technical issues you might face on set. Be on time and think out of the box to elude a creative block.
Q: The photography industry is quite saturated. What would you say sets you apart from other photographers?
A: I always try to maintain a high level of professionalism in all interactions by consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding client expectations. Over the years, I have built a diverse and impressive portfolio that showcases versatility and creativity, including a range of work that highlights different skills and specialties. I also do creative collaborations for continuous learning and adaptability; this is working with other creatives and models to create unique and impactful projects.
Q: Are there any rules that you have when you provide your services?
A: Yes, clear communication about the starting time and duration of the event/shoot to be covered. Maintaining a professional demeanor both in-person and in communications. Also communicating cancellation and rescheduling policies, payment terms, final product delivery method, and most importantly respecting clients’ privacy and confidentiality.
Q: What are some of the goals you have for your business?
A: Some of my plans are to invest in equipment and technology so that I can expand my services by offering live streaming and podcasting services.I am also currently developing my website, as I would like to grow and build a stronger online presence with more engaging content client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes videos.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who is also interested in starting their own photography business?
A: Start with the best camera and lenses you can afford, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Always develop, sharpen, and continuously practice and improve your photography skills. As you study the work of photographers you admire, also take time to learn the business side of things and remember that YouTube is a great platform to acquire information. Never stop learning.
Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
A: Absolutely. When done right, photography can be a good and sustainable income stream. You just need to find your passion and niche, understand your market, value your work, and focus on quality over quantity. Try new things to stay relevant and competitive. Embrace criticism and feedback, build a supportive network, stay inspired, and always give back to the community.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (contact details/social media)
A: Facebook: Lesedi Lester Sikwe, Facebook page: SickWear Lifestyle, Instagram: @SickWearLifestyle, YouTube: SickWear Lifestyle
