Monika Amunyela
Ludwig Nakale, better known as Shot by Pitori, a seasoned photographer, hails from Ondangwa in northern Namibia.
His upbringing in Namibia’s towns and streets influenced his creative journey.
“I grew up surrounded by real people, real struggle real beauty and that reality reflects in every frame I capture,” he shared.
Nakale said this has shaped both his perspective and the stories he chooses to capture.
Shot by Pitori’s work thrives on authenticity and spontaneity.
He stated that he does not choose the subjects he captures – it is never staged.
Nakale draws inspiration from raw energy and emotions – whether it is a child smiling through struggle or a street hustler grinding for another day, another dollar.
His lens focuses on truth.
“I don’t over-polish life. I capture it as it is – dust, sweat, laughter and all. But I frame it in a way that reminds people that even in struggle, there’s beauty,” he shared.
One pivotal moment that led Nakale to pursue photography was capturing a young street vendor selling wooden crafts in Windhoek.
“When I saw the emotion in that frame, I realised this wasn’t just a picture, but it was history, emotion and truth captured forever,” he shared.
This photograph made him realise that photography was not just a hobby but a calling.
His vision is to expand into documentaries and gallery series that capture the average African life from the ground up.
“I want to grow beyond just images. I want to capture cultures, struggles and victories from community to community,” he said.
For Nakale, every image tells a different story of survival, identity and resilience.
He ensures that Namibia’s people and streets are showcased through creativity, and that these people are remembered.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration and community among creatives, sharing resources and promoting other creatives’ work, which makes the community grow stronger.
“Through my lens, I can redefine how our people are seen – not as victims, but visionaries,” he noted.
-mamunyela@nepc.com.na