A Self-Taught Visionary Making Waves In Event, Travel, And Wildlife Photography
Some journeys take unexpected turns, leading to passions once undiscovered. For Arnold Mboya, photography was not a childhood dream but a skill he stumbled upon, nurtured, and ultimately mastered.
His journey began in 2019 as a swimming instructor at The Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, but fate had bigger plans. In 2021, Mr. Benson Ogot, the hotel’s Sales and Marketing Manager, noticed Arnold’s talent in graphic design, a skill certified by the Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts, where he graduated as one of the top emerging designers in the 2018/19 class. Recognizing his potential, Mr. Ogot promoted him to E-commerce Sales and Marketing Executive, a role that introduced him to the world of digital marketing and photography.
Though unfamiliar with photography, Arnold took the challenge head-on, learning from industry professionals like Mr. Teddy Oyoo of KHP Communications and Opuk Jakinda of Opuk Photography. Through persistence, hands-on experience, and an insatiable curiosity, he transformed from a beginner into a sought-after photographer. Today, he serves as a Sales Account Manager at The Concord Hotels and Beach Villas, seamlessly blending his marketing expertise with his photography passion.
Capturing Moments: A Star on the Rise
While Arnold may not yet have formal photography awards, his work has received immense recognition. His talent was acknowledged by the Kisumu County Government’s Tourism Department, under Hon. Farida Salim’s “Kisumu My Pride” campaign, where he served as the official photographer for several high-profile events, including:
- The Annual Fish Fiesta
- Kisumu Tourism Week
- UN World Tourism Day
- Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) MICE Kisumu Tour
- KTB Destination Marketing Kisumu Tour
- Collaborative events between The Grand Royal Swiss Hotel & Kisumu County Tourism
A standout moment in his career was capturing an award-winning photograph at the 2023 Fish Fiesta, where he beautifully documented Luo traditional wrestling. Though the camera belonged to the hotel, this moment solidified his aspirations to own professional equipment and further his photography career.
A Photographer of Many Styles
Arnold’s photography is a versatile fusion of art and storytelling. His portfolio spans multiple genres, showcasing his ability to adapt to different creative demands. His specialties include:
- Wildlife Photography – Capturing nature’s untamed beauty.
- Wedding Photography – Preserving love stories in timeless frames.
- Landscape Photography – Showcasing breathtaking vistas.
- Event Photography – Documenting key moments with artistic flair.
- Adventure Photography – Bringing excitement to life through visuals.
- Real Estate Photography – Highlighting architectural elegance.
- Food Photography – Turning cuisine into visual art.
- Sports Photography – Freezing high-energy action in time.
With an unrelenting passion for growth, Arnold continues to explore new photography styles, refining his expertise and expanding his creative reach.
Looking Ahead: Dreams and Aspirations
Arnold Mboya’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and passion. From his early days as a swimming instructor to becoming a recognized photographer under the Kenya Tourism Board, his story is an inspiration to aspiring creatives.
With support from well-wishers, Arnold hopes to acquire his own professional equipment, allowing him to take his career to even greater heights. His vision is clear, to continue telling compelling stories through his lens and make a lasting impact in the photography world.
Follow Arnold’s Journey
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