Exclusive interview with Bash Mutumba, a renown photographer…
In an era where boudoir photographers from all over the world thrive massively on social media platforms like Instagram, a sizable chunk of Uganda’s society still perceives the photography genre as p****graphy.
On behalf of the Zzina Website, I caught up with Bash Mutumba, Uganda’s unrivaled star when it comes to taking risqué pictures of models and celebrities, to tell us more about his niche.
Q: Hi Bash. How would you introduce yourself, to someone who doesn’t know you?
A: My name is Bash Mutumba, I’m a photographer and writer from Uganda: precisely a content creator.
Q: How and why did you decide to specialize in boudoir photography?
A: Honestly, I didn’t think much of it, a friend once asked me if I’d consider doing a boudoir shoot, and when I did it once and posted the work, I got great feedback and from that point, most of the clients I got wanted a boudoir shoot. I ended up dedicating my Instagram to it, since everything else started looking out of place.
Q: This is the question that I was waiting to ask you. How would you respond to someone who views boudoir photography as p****graphy?
A: I’d tell them it is art. Simple as that! From time memorial, even before the advent of photography, painters made boudoir pieces which were displayed publicly and are in museums to date. Yes, there is a fine line between sensuality and s3xuality, but there still is one. Boudoir is meant to make everyone, regardless of s3x, be proud in their no matter what shape, height or skin tone.
Q: That sounds powerful, but you know how conservative our Ugandan society is. Do you get consistent paying clients with your work?
A: Hell yeah! Even though I don’t post every single person I shoot, I get quite a number of clients.
Q: How much do you charge for a shoot?
A: Only UGX 500K
Q: You are quite expensive man…Is the price negotiable?
A: Usually no, because that’s the price I work with, unless there are specific parameters about that photoshoot that can be changed. It all goes down to having a chat.
Q: Has any of your clients tempted to bonk you instead of paying hard cash?
A: No. The relationship with my clients is always professional from the get-go, so there has never been any factors to enable such a scenario.
Q: Have you ever gotten turned on while taking those killer shots?
A: Attraction is in the mind, so my focus on getting the money shot never sways me into getting turned on.
Q: What if you are cornered by one of your clients…what would you do?
A: First off, like I said earlier, the first impression is what determines the relationship. But if it happens hypothetically, I’d make sure to handle it with the most care and professionalism, not to hurt their feelings, but again not to compromise my work.
Q: But Bash do you have a girlfriend and if yes is she comfortable with what you do?
A: Yes. And everyone I’ve dated knows my job, and my personality, so it’s usually not a problem.
Q: You must be having endless battles with your parents…aren’t they bothered with what you do?
A: Of course they are bothered; they are African parents and our society is generally conservative. But part of the whole parenting process is supporting your child’s journey when he comes of age.
Q: Do you work alone?
A: It depends on the intensity of the shoot? But most often, there’s a makeup artist and an assistant(usually female). If the client wants privacy, they come with a friend to help out, and I don’t bring anyone.
Q: Lastly, where do you see the brand Bash Mutumba in say, 5 years?
A.: I see myself traveling the world doing what I love and getting paid for it. Ultimately, it was such an eye-opening chat I had with Bash, and I personally feel I’ve learnt more about this interesting genre of photography.
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
Connect with him on social media using the links below in bio.
