What does it take to build a thriving career in photography? For Wanjiku, it’s a mix of passion, persistence, and a deep love for storytelling. From winning a life-changing grant to mentoring upcoming photographers, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this interview, she shares her creative process, challenges, and advice for young artists.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Wanjiku Gitau’s love for art was nurtured within the walls of her high school art classroom. While many children discover their passions at home, for Wanjiku, it was the unwavering belief of her teachers that truly ignited her artistic spirit. Among them, Mrs. Osir, her last art teacher, saw something in her long before she saw it in herself.
Art wasn’t just a subject for Wanjiku—it was her safe haven, the one place where she felt completely at home. She lived and breathed creativity, excelling in every stroke of the brush and every concept she brought to life. One day, Mrs. Osir suggested that her artwork could reach new heights if she had a digital camera. The problem? She didn’t own one.
Determined to follow through, Wanjiku convinced her father that without a camera, she would surely fail her art class—a persuasive plea that worked in her favor. Looking back, she laughs at the memory, but more than anything, she remains grateful. That first camera, a gift from her father, became the key that unlocked a lifelong passion for photography.
That first camera, a gift from her father, became the key that unlocked a lifelong passion for photography. But while Wanjiku had found joy in creating, the path ahead wasn’t always clear. At the time, she was simply following what felt right—immersing herself in art, capturing moments, and experimenting with different forms of expression.
Still, school was a roller coaster of experiences, and like many young creatives, Wanjiku navigated moments of uncertainty. Yet, in the midst of it all, art class remained her sanctuary—the one place where her mind found solace, where creativity flowed freely, and where she truly felt at home. Whether it was drawing, painting, or later, photography, she instinctively knew that creating was a part of her soul.
But did she always envision a career in the creative world? Not at all. Photography wasn’t a path she had mapped out—it was one that unfolded before her in ways she never expected. Looking back, she sees how every mentor, opportunity, and experience was carefully placed in her life, guiding her step by step.
“God works in mysterious ways,” she reflects. Even in moments of uncertainty, she now recognizes His hand in shaping her journey, leading her toward the world of visual storytelling—one frame at a time.
Long before she picked up a camera, Wanjiku Gitau was a storyteller at heart. As a child, her imagination knew no bounds—she would weave elaborate tales for her family, write heartfelt letters, and even create her own comic books. Movies fueled her creativity, with Barbie films being a particular favorite. She would pause her favorite scenes and carefully sketch them, frame by frame, unknowingly training her artistic eye long before she understood its significance.
Her love for storytelling extended beyond words and drawings. She constantly found ways to create—designing games for her friends and siblings, always pushing the limits of her imagination. Then, as a teenager, something seemingly small but deeply significant happened: her parents bought a Casio Exillim, their first family digital camera.
At the time, she didn’t realize it would shape her future. She wasn’t immediately drawn to photography, but she was captivated by its ability to freeze moments in time. The simple act of gathering family pictures and arrange them into albums sparked a quiet curiosity—one that would eventually grow into an undeniable passion.
For years, Wanjiku Gitau was obsessed with learning everything about photography. As her skills grew and her work gained recognition, other photographers began reaching out, eager to learn from her. At first, she responded to Instagram DMs, sharing tips here and there, but then a thought struck her: “What if I created a structured platform where learning was accessible and practical?”
That idea first came to her in 2022, but fear and imposter syndrome held her back. For three years, she shelved the dream—until now. This year, she made a bold decision: “Just do it.” And with that, AfroCanLearn was born.
Currently in its early stages, AfroCanLearn is an online learning platform designed to teach both the creative and business sides of photography. It offers step-by-step video lessons, downloadable guides, live Q&A sessions, and even physical shadowing opportunities for real-world experience. Topics range from lighting and editing to creative styling, posing, branding, and business strategy.
At its core, AfroCanLearn is about community. Wanjiku understands that starting a photography business can feel isolating, with many unsure of where to begin. Through this platform, she hopes to create a space where knowledge is shared freely, making learning fun, accessible, and truly transformative. “Everything I’ve learned in over eight years will be fully poured into this platform,” she says.
Among the many defining moments in Wanjiku Gitau’s journey, one stands out as truly life-changing—January 26th, 2022. That day, a video call delivered news she never expected: she had won a $5,000 grant from Black Women Photographers and Nikon USA.
“Over 1,300 women worldwide applied, so I told myself, it’s such a long shot—let go and let God. And God did it.”
The grant became more than just financial support—it was a catalyst for growth. It not only allowed her to expand her business and skills but also made it possible to mentor 12 amazing women and counting in photography, something she never imagined possible.
“Seeing them grow in confidence and skill has been one of my biggest victories. I even get teary thinking about it.”
Another unforgettable milestone came in July 2024, when she was commissioned alongside two other female photographers by Block Studio to shoot a project called Diamond in the Rough. The assignment captured the final construction phase of Gem Forest Hotel. Today, seeing the fully built hotel with its breathtaking interiors and knowing that her photography is part of its history feels nothing short of surreal.
You might be wondering what her brand’s name is or where it came from? The name Afrocan Queen Photography carries a story as unique as Wanjiku Gitau’s journey. Back in high school, when she first got her camera, she asked her friend Sam—a graphic designer—to create a logo for her budding brand. At the time, she didn’t even have a name.
Sam suggested African Queen Photography, a name that captured elegance and strength. She loved the essence of it but wanted something with more originality. That’s when inspiration struck. Since she always wore her hair in an afro, she thought, Why not Afrocan Queen? The name instantly felt right.
Beyond being a creative twist, Afrocan Queen is a tribute to her heritage and the strength of women in the creative space. “An Afrocan Queen can lead, create, and reign in her purpose,” she says—a statement that perfectly embodies the vision behind her work.
In the early days of her photography journey, Wanjiku Gitau drew inspiration from international photographers. Their styles heavily influenced her work, and for a while, she struggled to find her own unique voice. But everything changed when the world slowed down.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned home from university and began seeing Kenya with fresh eyes. The people, the rich skin tones, the vibrant colors, the intricate textures, and the deep cultural heritage—everything felt alive in a way she hadn’t fully appreciated before.
That year, she made a bold decision: to restart her portfolio and discover her true creative identity right at home. Today, her work is a celebration of Kenya—a tapestry of beautiful skin tones, bold colors, and rich textures that tell authentic, powerful stories.
If Wanjiku had to describe her photography style in just a few words, it would be vibrant, luminous, and deeply intentional.
Her love for rich color is unmistakable—she gravitates toward bold, deep, and contrasting hues that bring energy and emotion to her images. Whether through natural tones or dramatic palettes, color is at the heart of her work.
Then comes light—a defining element in her photography. Whether using natural sunlight or controlled studio setups, she masterfully plays with illumination to make her subjects glow. Recently, she has been exploring dramatic studio gel lighting, adding an artistic and moody depth to her portraits.
But beyond aesthetics, it’s the intentionality and attention to detail that set her work apart. Every pose, every composition is crafted with purpose, ensuring that the subject not only looks stunning but also tells a story.
When asked about her major in maternity concepts, she says maternity photography is more than just capturing a growing belly—it’s about celebrating the miracle of life and honoring the strength of mothers.
Mothers hold a special place in her heart, especially her own. Through her work, she has had the privilege of photographing strong, beautiful expectant mothers and hearing their heartfelt stories about the highs and lows of pregnancy. These experiences deepened her appreciation for maternity photography, revealing its deeper purpose: to preserve the beauty, strength, and sacredness of this journey.
That’s why, when an expectant mother reaches out, Wanjiku and her team go beyond just taking photos—they create an experience. From styling to set design, they ensure that every session is smooth, peaceful, and magical, giving mothers a moment to embrace and celebrate this extraordinary chapter of their lives.
Every photoshoot is a blend of structure and spontaneity—a carefully planned vision that transforms into something even more extraordinary once the camera starts clicking.
The process begins with gathering inspiration. The photographer pulls ideas from Pinterest, Instagram, and Google, crafting a mood board that aligns with the client’s vision. From there, she collaborates closely with them, blending their ideas with her own creative instincts and the input of her team. But she calls this stage “our predictions” because once the shoot begins, magic takes over.
The moment she steps behind the camera, something shifts. “God breathes new life into the shoot,” she says, as the energy of the subject, the movement of light, and the hype from the team all come together to create something beyond what was originally imagined.
Then comes her favorite part—editing. For her, Photoshop is more than just a tool; it’s a digital canvas where she refines, enhances, and elevates every tiny detail. With today’s technology, the creative possibilities are endless, allowing her to bring each image to life in the most stunning way possible.
“Every shoot is a journey, and I love every step of the process!”
Some of the most unforgettable moments happen when they’re least expected. For the photographer, one of her most heartwarming photoshoots wasn’t a grand production with elaborate setups—it was a spontaneous, intimate session for her sister’s 21st birthday.
The setting? A beach bathed in golden-hour light. But what truly made it special wasn’t just the stunning backdrop—it was the presence of family. Her sister, the model. Her youngest brother captured behind-the-scenes footage. Another brother holding the reflector, ensuring the light hit just right. And their mother, cheering them on from the sidelines.
It was more than just a shoot; it was a moment of pure love, teamwork, and joy. Looking back at those images, she doesn’t just see beautiful portraits—she sees a cherished memory frozen in time.
One of the most profound moments in her career wasn’t just about capturing an image—it was about learning to see beauty where others might not. A particular project challenged her to shift her perspective, proving that photography is more than just a technical craft; it’s about storytelling, transformation, and vision. Through this experience, she realized that art isn’t just about what exists in front of the lens, but also about the unseen potential waiting to be revealed.
While many assume the biggest challenge for female photographers comes from external biases, for her, the toughest battles have often been internal. However, one encounter stood out—a client once remarked, “Oh, I didn’t know the photographer was a woman.” Rather than taking offense, she saw it as an opportunity. Perhaps the woman had never worked with a female photographer before. Instead of discouragement, this moment fueled her determination to be seen, to inspire, and to pave the way for others.
To any woman navigating this industry, her message is clear: You fully and entirely deserve to be here. If God gave you this talent, He also gave you the strength to flourish in it. Own your space, take the shots, be bold, and shine—you talented Queen!
She took us through to the moments she launched her photography business in 2022, and how she struggled to balance creativity with business demands. For a while, she listened to voices urging her to “keep it simple, lower your prices.” By 2024, she felt completely burnt out.
In August, she took a creative break—not to rediscover herself, but to realign with who God created her to be. She realized her talent wasn’t meant to be diluted for convenience. Instead, she committed to honoring her artistic vision and trusting that the right audience would find her.
A lesson from high school still guides her. While photographing a sports event, she asked Kenyan photographer Tinseh, “What’s the best camera to have?” Expecting a fancy brand name, his answer changed her perspective:
“The best camera is the one in your hands.”
That moment reminded her that true artistry comes from within—not from expensive gear or fleeting trends. And that’s how she stays true to her vision, creating boldly with what she has.
When working with different individuals and teams, she ensures that each shoot highlights their unique cultural expression, heritage, and personal story. With Africa’s rich diversity of traditions and artistic influences, she embraces the beauty of authenticity—whether through fashion, styling, set design, or posing.
One thing that remains constant in her work is colour and emotion. Africans express joy, strength, and passion in a bold, vibrant, and unapologetic way. Through her lens, she captures that energy, making sure every photograph reflects the soul of the people she photographs.
She hopes her clients and viewers experience a fusion of beauty, empowerment, and emotion in her work.
Through artistic beauty, she meticulously crafts every detail—from composition to lighting—so each image feels like a piece of art. Empowerment is at the heart of her photography, using bold poses, striking lighting, and confident expressions to make her clients feel seen and celebrated. She wants them to look at their photos and think, “Wow, that’s ME!”
Most importantly, she wants her work to evoke warmth and emotion. Whether it’s a maternity shoot capturing the beauty of motherhood or a creative project showcasing individuality, she hopes every image touches hearts and tells an unforgettable story.
She believes that God has His hand on Africa, and the world is finally recognizing the depth of African talent. For years, African artists were overlooked and undervalued, but now, a shift is happening—African creativity is in the spotlight.
In photography, online communities are amplifying African talent like never before. While there is still ground to cover, she is confident that progress is unstoppable. With passion and faith, she encourages her fellow African artists: Arise and Shine, your time is now! (Isaiah 60:1).
Wanjiku views trends as a guide rather than a rulebook, staying true to her artistic vision while remaining open to new ideas.
Her greatest inspirations come from her faith—trusting God as the ultimate creator and seeking fresh vision daily. Her team fuels her passion, while her mentees remind her why she fell in love with photography. Most of all, her clients inspire her, each bringing a unique energy that transforms every shoot into something special.
The photographer describes social media as a game-changer in her journey. Through Instagram, she has connected with dream clients, discovered Black Women Photographers—which led to winning her grant—and learned valuable marketing strategies that have helped her business grow.
She also acknowledges the lessons that came with it, including learning from mistakes and evolving into a better version of herself. However, she emphasizes the importance of stepping away from the screen, realizing that true creativity happens beyond social media. Lately, she has been more intentional about taking breaks to nurture her artistic vision.
Wanjiku’s Advice to Young Creatives
“Dear Young Creative,
Wow! Look at you—stepping boldly into a career you’re passionate about. Here’s what I want you to know:
There is more room for you than you can imagine!
Hard work is part of the journey, but remember, you are a smart worker!
Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who have walked this path before you. Ask questions, learn, grow.
And most importantly—if the journey ever feels tough, remind yourself that mountains are assigned to MOUNTAIN MOVERS!
So go create, go capture beauty, go make magic! I am cheering you on!”
Clearly, Wanjiku’s journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the power of storytelling through photography. From capturing raw emotions to celebrating African heritage, her work speaks volumes beyond the images themselves. As she continues to mentor, create, and push artistic boundaries, one thing remains clear—her lens doesn’t just freeze moments; it breathes life into them.
And to every young creative out there, her message is simple: take the shot, tell your story, and never be afraid to shine.
- Threads of Power: Inside the World Of Sophie Kinya - June 24, 2025
- From Dismissal to Diagnosis: My Journey with Bipartite Patella - May 21, 2025
- Beyond the Code: Patricia Muriira’s Inspiring Journey in Tech - May 20, 2025
