PHOTOGRAPHERS URGED TO HANDLE UNPAID PHOTOS ETHICALLY, RESPONSIBLY

By Mulengera Reporters

James Biryomumeisho, the Chairperson of the Kigezi Photographers Association has warned professional photographers regarding the handling of unpaid photos. Speaking at a Capacity Building Workshop for Photographers in Kabale District, Biryomumeisho emphasized the need for ethical practices within the industry.

During the workshop, which was attended by photography association leaders from six districts in the Kigezi Sub-region, several ethical concerns were raised. Of particular concern was the improper disposal of photos belonging to clients who had not fulfilled their payment obligations.

Biryomumeisho expressed deep concern over the discovery of unpaid photos being discarded on streets and found in dustbins. He deemed such actions as unethical and a violation of clients’ rights. “We have seen photos in the hands of street kids who pick them from dustbins, and others are usually scattered on the streets, which is wrong,” he added.

The chairperson urged photographers to retain unpaid photos for as long as possible and suggested burning them to ashes if clients failed to claim them, at least after a period of five to six years.

Biryomumeisho disclosed to our reporter that he personally possessed approximately 4,000 unsold photos, which he had stored in boxes for the past seven to eight years. Aggrey Masiko, the Executive Director of Bricolps International, a reputable photo studio with over 35 years of experience in Kabale District shared his perspective on the matter.

He emphasized that every business incurs inevitable losses and advised photographers not to punish unfaithful clients by discarding their photos on the streets.  “I have seen people buy Matooke (plantains) and fail to sell them because they went bad or perished while in transition, but the owners don’t throw them on the way,” he said.

To minimize future losses, Masiko recommended that photographers register their businesses with local authorities and formalize agreements with clients by issuing receipts and invoices, which could be utilized in legal proceedings if necessary.

Photographers identified senior four and senior six farewell parties, as well as attendees of weddings and give-away ceremonies, as the habitual defaulters in the photography business across Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Rubanda, and Rukiga districts.

According to industry professionals, the production cost of a standard-sized still photo ranges between Shillings 350 and 400, while the selling price typically falls within the range of Shillings 1000-1500, depending on the quality.

Larger-sized photos that require framing are usually priced at Shillings 5000, with development costs ranging from Shillings 2000 to 3000. It is hoped that these cautions and recommendations will promote ethical conduct among professional photographers and protect the interests of both clients and industry practitioners alike-URN (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [whatsapp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).