When classrooms fell silent and playgrounds emptied during the Covid-19 lockdown, millions of learners around the world were confined indoors, their routines abruptly interrupted.
As the pandemic reshaped daily life, Tangai Mugo, a learner at Crawford International School, rediscovered his childhood passion for photography. Confined indoors, he turned to the mobile phones at home to capture moments that caught his eye.
“I loved photographing anything that stood out. From breathtaking sunsets to playful moments with friends, it was thrilling to capture whatever sparked my curiosity,” he told the Highschooler .
Impressed by the quality of his work, his father bought him a professional camera, giving him the tools to refine his craft. He began experimenting with lighting, composition and perspective, developing new styles that brought his creative vision to life.
He also turned to online resources, including YouTube tutorials, and studied the work of established photographers to sharpen his skills.
As his portfolio grew, he launched Tangai TV, a website to showcase his photography to a wider audience.
The platform allows him to tell stories through photography and connect with viewers, turning a personal hobby into a space for visual storytelling.
“Photography has been part of my life since I was nine. I would head outside and capture anything that inspired me. Over the years, that excitement has only grown as I continue to learn and explore new techniques,” he says.
Since then, he has transformed his passion into a profitable venture, earning recognition both locally and internationally.
Through commissioned shoots, creative projects and digital content, he has built a growing brand that attracts clients drawn to his distinctive visual style.
He says his school’s strong emphasis on co-curricular activities has been instrumental in supporting his growth. The supportive environment allows him to pursue photography without compromising his academic performance.
Tangai Mugo, a learner at Crawford International School, turned his photography hobby into a creative venture.
Photo credit: Pool
While Tangai’s dedication to photography has been a key driver of his success, he acknowledges that his achievements would not have been possible without the support of his family.
With their guidance, he manages the business side of his photography, ensuring he is fairly compensated for assignments and is not taken advantage of.
“My father has been incredibly supportive. Recently, when I was setting up a computer for video and photo editing, he helped finance the project and encouraged me to keep going,” he says.
He also credits his school for providing opportunities to grow his craft. He often photographs sports and official events alongside the school’s staff photographer.
“The school allows me to use these photos on my website, and sometimes they even showcase my work on their own platforms. This exposure has been really valuable,” he adds.
Although his first career choice is mechanical engineering, he hopes to continue pursuing photography as a side venture, and he says he may even consider making it his main career if it shows real promise.
He is particularly interested in sports photography, starting with local games in Kenya, and hopes to document major sporting events across Africa while collaborating with established photographers in the industry.
“There is so much emotion in sports, and I love that because you never know what is going to happen. You are always on edge, and it allows you to capture some truly beautiful moments,” he says.
While the cost of equipment can be a barrier for aspiring photographers, Tangai says that creativity matters more than gear.
“You do not need the most expensive camera to start. What matters is your eye and your willingness to practice,” he says, adding that consistent practice with whatever tools are available is the only way to improve.
