Meet, Marvin Marisin, a photographer and videographer known to many as West_Arts which also happens to be a brand name that he wishes to see grow big in the near future.
Tell us about yourself?
Ok my real name is Marvin Marisin commonly known as West_Arts.I am photographer and videographer born in Thika.
When did you start photography?
I first started photography in 2017 but at that time I used to hang out with my friends who are also photographers. During that period I was mostly learning some of the basic things about photography and how to handle ur camera and all sot of things. It was until 2019 when I had now become serious about it. But I wasn’t quite good at the time. I used to browse, search for famous photographers and see what they’re doing and in the process, I would learn something new or an ideas.
Who inspired you to the art of photography?
Some of the people who inspire me are the likes of
Mani Ortiz
Jordi Koalitic
Arnau Koalitic
Amani Nation
Brian Bet
What do you enjoy shooting the most? And Why?
I like taking pictures of the beautiful scenery, birds, and also buildings, I do this because I appreciate the beauty around us.
Can tell me a bit about how you shoot for usage/flexibility of the images?
During shooting I usually prefer a place that is colorful and not that dark coz I like playing with colours.
What are your values as a photographer?
For my side, I like a lot to do the art part of photography for coz am always the person to try new tricks and try to make photography enjoyable.
How do you make people feel comfortable in front of the camera?
While shooting I always prefer the client to come up with his/her I deas something natural, and if he/she doesn’t have any idea, sure I would be able to come up with something.
What would you say is your photographic style?
Concerning my photographic style, I usually do portrait photography but I also do fashion photography.
Editorial photography.
Architectural photography.
From your point of view, what makes a good picture?
According to me the lighting of the image, Contrast, area of concern, and the shooting angle.
These are some of the things that make an image look great.
What in your opinion is most important to consider while shooting portrait pictures?
While shooting portrait pictures a photographer should
Pick up the best background
Pick up some of the best poses
Ensuring that ur subject is well lit, mainly avoiding the shadows on the face
Blur the background using the aperture priority mode
Focusing the eyes of the subject
Which one is your favorite lens and why do you prefer it?
On my side I like the 50 mm lens cot its easy to use even when the space is limited.
Which editing software do you usually use? As to how good would you describe your skills in that software?
While editing I use Adobe Photoshop cc, adobe lightroom, and Picsart. I prefer photoshop when dealing with skin retouching, lightroom when dealing with color grading, and picsart to add up some magic on the photo.
Is there any other photographer that you consider as a kind of idol?
I usually look up to Joecalih since he is my neighbour and every time I have an issue he is always ready to help out.
In your free time, what kind of pictures do you like to shoot and which ones do you avoid?
Mostly in my free time I do editorial photography.
How do you feel the internet has impacted the photography business?
For me, Internet has mostly assisted me for example the editing skills I used to watch tutorials and also learning and getting ideas about the shooting.
What are the challenges you commonly face and how do you deal with them?
Unloyal customers, eg some would promise to pay you later btw the don’t do it. Second, the strict government laws restricting movement 😂 and also lack beautiful venue, eg some of the venues you find attractive, photography is prohibited in that area, Kenya should be like the states manze shoot anywhere anytime.
What do you enjoy most about your job as a photographer?
What I like about my job is that u get to meet new people every time and also you get to travel mostly and know different places they all say “kuishi kwingi kuona mengi”
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
My mom always said”do wat your passionate about and never let never give up on your dream.
What’s next for you?
Cornering my future plans, I am looking forward to doing more and new things for my clients and also study film making and take West_Arts a bigger brand in photography.
Social handles?
Instagram: @_b.andit
Tiktok: @west_arts
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