Some 17 years ago, Kalie Nakale decided to take off his army uniform and jump full-time into a world where a picture tells a thousand words.
He opened Kalie Photography because, to him, the present world offers a lot of opportunities in the creative fields that are far more adventurous and challenging.
“I love challenges. Doing something different is always fun and exciting because you learn new things and meet new people, especially when it comes to taking photos. That’s why I decided to take it on,” Nakale told VIBEZ!
He said it was by chance that he fell in love with the trade that many prefer doing part-time instead of full-time.
“It’s actually very funny how I got into the photography business. I just saw someone taking pictures and printing them on the spot. I was like ‘Shuu’, that must be fun and at the same time brings you something for your pocket,” he chuckled.
His consistency and pursuit of happiness, which culminated in running his own photography business all these years, has not been a smooth ride.
“I can say everything you do constantly with love and patience, you will always succeed on the road to where I am. It was not a walk in the park, I really had to go through it all; be it facing harsh words or territorial harassment, and tribalism. But I never gave up, and I had to swallow my pride.”
Nakale (41) runs his business in Wernhil Park’s new extension on the way to the taxi rank. “We have three permanent employees, but always need casuals when it gets busy. You must have a heart when you are in this business and of course, the courage to go on.”
In terms of equipment needed to start off in the business, he advised getting a camera and a printer; specifically, a Canon Selphy printer with an external battery. It is a small, elegant and portable photo printer with a choice of four print finishes and Dual ID printing which is easy for anyone to use.
After so many years of being behind the flashlights, he highlighted his most memorable photos are of Namibian beauty and 2013 Big Brother Africa winner Dillish Matthews, and the wedding shoot for Mr and Mrs Kongo Mokaxwa, as “their wedding shoot was awesome”. “My other most memorable pictures I take are still baby pictures because babies are so cute and always so adorable.”
The former soldier said the photography industry is still very much wide open. “It will depend on what effort an aspiring photographer brings along, and the quality of your service in the long run”.
Nakale describes himself as a fun-loving person who jokes around, but is very strict when it comes to business orders and discipline.
“My advice to anyone is hard work first, then work smart, remain positive, and most of all humble yourself. Our future plans are to open up more branches across the country to capture awesome memories for life.”