As part of its commitment to supporting talents in the community, Canon, a world leader in imaging solutions, in partnership with Office Technologies, the local distributor of Canon in Kenya, hosted its second professional photography workshop in Nairobi. The week-long sessions are intended to inspire and encourage attendees to build their professional photography portfolio by producing a story or suite of images.

The workshop hosted by the world renowned photojournalist Gary Knight, a Canon Master, was organized to provide emerging photographers the opportunity to gain new knowledge and enhance their skills in this specialised profession. A number of workshop lectures were also given throughout the week by a series of guest photographers and videographers, the first lectures of the week were given by previous students from the first workshop organised last year, Gathoni Kinyanjui and Paul Kariuki Munene from Kenya. Kenyan born, Independent documentary photographer Mariella Furrer, photographers Dai Kurokawa (European Pressphoto Agency) and Ben Curtis (Associated Press) also attended as guest lectures during the workshop.

During the workshop, attendees were consulted on their projects and benefited from private tutorials and creative group editing sessions with access to Canon equipment. Canon offered onsite printing of portfolios using the PIXMA IX6540 and PIXMA PRO-100. Canon also provided access to additional loan lenses for the duration of the workshop, and each student received an EOS 7D camera and a EF 24-70/2.8L USM lens. Participants include, Jean Bizimana, Samuel Uwitonze, Isaac Kasamani, Monicah Mwangi, Jacquie Mwai, Boniface Muthoni, Lea Kilenga, Biko Wesa, Sebastian Wanzalla and Barbara Minishi.

Anurag Agrawal, Managing Director, Canon Middle East said: Canon is committed to provide a creative learning environment that inspires talent and supports photographers in building their professional portfolio with highest standards. With Canons professional workshops, photographers in communities will have the opportunity to learn and fulfill their passion with no cost.

Commenting on the workshop initiative, Gary Knight said: We have seen great success in both workshops hosted in Nairobi. We are proud of all the previous students who participated in this workshop and transferred knowledge to the newgroup of photographers. We will continue to offer experiential photography education sessions and inspire local talent.

In keeping with Canons Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon Middle East was recently awarded for its CSR efforts by the Dubai Chamber and received the CSR Label for the third consecutive year. In addition, Canon Middle East was recognized at the GEC Awards for its wide range of community activities that addressed the environment, healthcare, sports and personal development.

Canon Middle East serves as an active partner in the communities it operates in, by working with governments, scientific, academic, humanitarian, and arts and culture organizsations, to integrate corporate social responsibility across all elements of the business.