On September 26, CREATIVE ALMATY DAY took place at Narxoz University, dedicated to a discussion of the photography industry. At the university’s summer venue, experienced photographers talked about the challenges and development of this sector. The event, which was held in an open conversation format, brought together university students, young photographers and everyone who plans to turn their work into a source of income. And for everyone who wanted to improve their skills, two master classes on the basics of mobile photography took place.
In the modern world, photography is one of the options for a huge number of perceptions of everyday life, in this phenomenon socially significant realities are displayed. Everyone can pick up a camera and take a picture, it requires on time to see and catch the puzzle given by the surrounding. And for someone it becomes a matter of life. The photographer has an unusual profession: he or she finds something before people lose it.
The honored guests were: wedding photographer Askar “Bumaga” Iskaziev, travel blogger Aliya Ten, a member of the Union of Photo Artists of Russia, president of the School of Contemporary Photography of Kazakhstan Daria Dunich and Nikita Basov, a photojournalist covering large-scale sporting events through the prism of her lens.
The speakers spoke about the important role of the visual series in social networks and the blog, about new digital technologies and the meaning of the photography, and shared personal stories related to the preparation of unique photos that have become masterpieces. Particular attention in the discussion was paid to the business component of this profession.
The photography industry is a popular sector among young people, as additional income, as well as the main professional activity. Activities in the field of photography are part of a creative economy, which, in turn, can be called one of the global “success stories” over the past 20 years. Indeed, creativity is considered the most important component in ensuring economic growth, while not requiring the use of natural resources and creates new jobs every day.
According to the report of the British Council on mapping of creative industries, as of 2018 about 18,000 enterprises operating in this sector of the economy in Kazakhstan. Almaty is the undisputed leader, since 44.8% of the total number of enterprises in the country are registered here. In total, 125 domestic companies carry out activities in the field of photography, and more than half of them are based in our city.
As part of the event, a photo exhibition was organized under the theme “Me and My City”, where the best works were rewarded with valuable prizes. The partner is the world famous company Starbucks, which treated all guests with delicious coffee.
The CREATIVE ALMATY DAY meeting series is part of the Creative Spark Entrepreneurship Development Program for Higher Education and is funded by the British Council. Narxoz University became the owner of this grant in the framework of a partnership fund with Coventry University in November last year. The next event is planned in a month.
