Flying on a high
– Meet Leonard Magomba
By Lina Lorentz
“It felt as if I was flying.” That’s how Leonard Magomba, Staff Photographer
with The Express, described the feeling when he was told he had been selected
the best photographer by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
And it would not be long until Magomba actually was flying. The prize ceremony
took place during the recently ended SADC meeting in Mauritius. The trip to
Mauritius went via Johannesburg, South Africa. “The whole experience, the
flight, staying in Mauritius, shaking hands with Mkapa, everything was
unbelievable. It has not sunken in yet,” said Magomba.
But let’s get back to the prize-winning ceremony later. Let’s focus on how a
young man from Dar es Salaam, who has not even been in the profession for ten
years, suddenly found himself face to face with the country’s President.
“It all began when I scored high in the mock examinations for the National
Examinations in Form Four. That was in 1995. As an appreciation of what I had
achieved, my dad gave me a camera, a Wizen. That was when my journey in
photography began,” explained Magomba.
Magomba’s interest for photography was certainly spurred by having his own
camera, although the interest for taking photos had always been there.
“The first picture I took with my Wizen camera was of my school mate, Joseph
Karembo. And then I took a group picture of my whole class.” As it turned out,
Karembo would later play an important role for Magomba and his photography
career.
After finishing secondary school, Magomba went straight to the College of
Business Education, studying store keeping and picturing himself with a career
as an accountant. “I was good at book keeping and thought accountancy would suit
me,” said Magomba.
At the same time, the camera became more and more important for the young
student and as he began to pay interest to pictures in newspapers, his interest
for photography developed further.
Magomba soon realised that he had a talent for taking photos. Gradually he began
taking pictures for friends and people in the closest community. At one point,
Karembo (Magomba’s friend from school) suggested that he should make a business
out of taking pictures.
“At first I was not sure. I had studied to become an accountant and I knew my
family thought I should pursue with that. But after finishing college I spent a
year trying out the photography profession, upgrading my camera to first a Zenit
and later a Yashica. I realised that I could make a living out of photography.”
“I focused on taking pictures of building sites. The National Library and the
International House became my first two big photo projects. The job I did for
the International House paid off well and enabled me to invest in my equipment,”
said Magomba.
It is difficult to mistake Magomba’s keen interest for photography. As anyone
who is lucky enough to work with what they truly like and feel passionate about,
Magomba’s eyes shine with excitement when he speaks about the art of
photography.
“I love to see well-taken pictures in newspapers and magazines. That has always
been my true source for inspiration and encouragement. Since I like to see
pictures I also like to take pictures.”
But how does one take a good picture? How many times you haven’t cursed your
photographic skills when looking at the family album, where chopped heads and
close-ups of ceilings rather than pictures of friends and family dominate?
“Two secrets lie behind a good picture, reveals Magomba. You have to pick a good
background, which will add something to your picture and then you have to bend
your knees. No good picture will even be taken without some knee bending!”
Magomba’s knowledge of photography comes from observations and picking up tips
and tricks here and there. He is a true autodidact. “I have some books on
photography, but most of my skills I have developed myself. Before I began my
professional career I obtained a certificate from Maarifa Media Trust (MAMET),
the School of Journalism and soon thereafter I got my first job with the tabloid
Mchana.”
Then followed a career in several newspapers and eventually Magomba ended up
working for The Express. “I have been taking some professional courses to gain
extra skills and knowledge while working. In 2002 I took a professional press
photographer’s training course. There I met Reuter’s Chief Photographer Judah
Ng’wenya who I regard as my main role model. He taught me a lot.”
Ng’wenya was one of the first to congratulate Magomba on winning the SADC Award.
Ng’wenya and Magomba managed to link up while Magomba was passing through
Johannesburg on his way to Mauritius.
“I think I made him proud,” said Magomba.
So let’s get back to the prize-winning ceremony. What was it like to be selected
the best photographer in the SADC region? “I still cannot believe it. I was not
even going to enter the competition, but a colleague of mine thought I might as
well send a picture. When the entries for the competition had closed I got a
message that I should go to the Information Service Centre (Maelezo) in Dar es
Salaam. There I met with the SADC Press Coordinator who broke me the good news
and told me to sort out my passport and visa. Soon thereafter I was on my way to
Mauritius”.
“When Mkapa handed over the certificate, he told me he was so happy and proud
that a Tanzanian had managed to win the prize, especially as he was now handing
over the presidency of SADC.”
“I wish the government acknowledged my achievement; that I have done something
good for the country. Hopefully I can present a copy of my certificate to the
State House, making my award also a memory to cherish for the President.”
Magomba is keen to emphasise the importance of a Tanzanian winning an
international award, and believes in the importance of promoting the country
abroad. “I like to believe that winning the award was just the first step to
fulfil my dreams of working outside Tanzania, promoting the country and perhaps
working for some of the larger News Agencies.”
He also encourages other journalists to take opportunities and enter
competitions, just like he did. “You never know, it might pay off, and it never
harms to try,” said Magomba.
Finally being a professional photographer, can Magomba tell when he has taken
the perfect picture? “In order to take the perfect picture you have to look for
it. When I have the object in focus, have chosen the right background, bent my
knees, put the whole picture in frame, I can visualise how the developed picture
will look like. It comes with experience,” explained Magomba.
And a certain amount of natural talent, it has to be added.