Developing new skills through training is essential to our business model. We are consistently working toward having all the skills required in-house to make Shanga a success rather than reliant on external specialists. Having proficient and skilled photographers in-house has always been a goal. Late 2020, Shanga was awarded the Best Sustainability Award Winner for the 2019 Minor Sustainability Award. Part of the award was a small financial award, which was put towards photography training.
We found the right person with Roshni Lodhia, to run a four day program with three members of our Shanga team - George, Jackson and Calvin.
The workshop covered photography principles such as composition, lighting and camera settings as well as post-production editing. We focused on three main photographic subjects: glass products, textiles and faces.
“I was thrilled when I was asked to design a photography workshop for a team of Shanga staff. As a conservation and documentary photographer based in Arusha, this was my chance to share the skills I'd learned over the years.” - Roshni Lodhia
George, Jackson and Calvin were eager and enthusiastic learners. The mornings were spent in a classroom setting and the afternoons taking images around the Shanga workshop. There was learning, discovery, discussions and a lot of laughter.
“Empowering Shanga staff to learn an additional skill like photography is fantastic for both their personal growth and for Shanga to have an internal photographer!” - Roshni Lodhia
George, Jackson and Calvin were equally enthusiastic about the workshop, noting that “Roshni listened to our ideas and her compassion for teaching made us better students.” In addition, all were really impressed that Roshni “constantly showed different techniques to produce better photos.”
A huge thanks from all of us to Roshni for sharing her skills and knowledge. We look forward to seeing the images George, Jackson and Calvin produce. We are proud of their newfound skills, as well as the passion and commitment they have brought to expanding their skill sets and roles at Shanga.
Imagine what our team could do with up to date technology and equipment. Maybe we have the next “Jimmy Nelson“ in the making.