Business Opportunities in Digital Photography - By Daniel Ochefu
The training session runs for only two weeks after which people usually get the full content of the package necessary for them to start on their own. Practical classes run for a week and the remaining week is set out for theoretical works. Editing software are also given out to graduates of the school on the completion of their training,�€ says Niyi.
Niyi, a recipient of several awards for quality in digital pictures, says he ventured into digital photography in 2003 at a time when the concept of digital pictures was almost non-existent in the country.
He was the team leader of the crew that introduced mobile digital photography into the Nigerian market, and for him, the business of photography is an opportunity to live out his passion.
He says with just N50, 000, a fresher could start out in the business.
According to him, all that is needed to start are a digital camera, which cost N25, 000, and a printer, which he says is about N25, 000 also. He says the cost of other accessories like the background curtains and a few other things are minimal. The income, according to those who are in the business, grows with the deployment of more sophisticated equipment. But they say this comes with time.
Basically, the equipment needed for the business include, a digital photo printer, professional digital camera, studio backdrops, memory cards and lenses, power generator and a computer system.
Users of the new technology say the business could become more capital-intensive in the long run when one wants to become professional.
Experts in the business have identified the major challenges in the business to include cost of equipment, availability of consumables (such as papers, ribbons and chemicals), and the challenge of unstable power supply.
They say that although the equipment were initially available only outside the country, they could be sourced locally now due to the increasing awareness.
They say anyone intending to venture into the business must be educated and computer literate. One�€™s creative aptitude is also a force that attracts customers to the business.
For Mr. Ekwo Abraham of Digital Cam, Abuja, customers�€™ enlightenment about the digital experience is also a major challenge. He adds by saying that the possible invasion of quacks into the business may not be completely overruled as it is with every other business all over the world.
Ekwo, who has been in the business of photography for well over ten years say he started out as a freelance photographer using the analogue system. According to Ekwo, Digital photography will soon completely take over the market.�€
Experts have also agreed that the economic condition of most Nigerians has not been very favourable to the business. They say most people like quality pictures but would rather settle for the analogue that usually cost them less.
There are however, observations from experts in the business that it would soon take over the entire market.
- Culled From Punch
Pages | 1 | 2 |
