Chisaka Isaac Chulu: Zambian documentary photographer documenting people, culture, and everyday life

Chisaka Chulu is a Zambian photographer with a strong passion for visual storytelling. Chisaka discovered photography early when he received his first camera in Grade 11, but began pursuing it seriously in 2015.

His work is rooted in authentic storytelling, with a strong focus on portraits and documenting everyday life across Zambia. Having spent nearly a decade in Western Zambia, he developed a deep appreciation for landscapes, people, and culture, which continues to influence his creative direction.

Chisaka has contributed to projects such as Zam Magazine, Wiki Loves Africa Zambia, Photo-COVID Zambia (2019), and Stories of Kalingalinga (2024). His approach blends technical precision with artistic sensitivity, producing clean, intentional, and emotionally grounded images.

He aims to document Zambia with honesty and depth, while mentoring upcoming creatives and building a sustainable creative business.

How did you get started in photography?

I would not say there was one defining moment, but it all started when my sister bought me a camera in high school. Even then, it was not something I thought I would take seriously.

However, if I were to point out one moment, it would be when a friend complimented the pictures I was taking with my phone years later. That became a defining moment in my photography journey. It motivated me to pursue photography more seriously, get my first DSLR, and it has been clicks ever since.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a lot of things. I am affable, and some people describe me as extroverted, but if asked, I think I am more of an ambivert. I really enjoy listening to music because I believe music connects us. I also love books, and I believe whatever you are looking for, you will find in a book.

I balance between being a homebody and someone who enjoys the outdoors. I am left-handed, and you know what they say about lefties — we are intelligent and artistic all the way.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

Portraiture inspires my work. In my view, people are beautiful, and images should show that. For me, it is the eyes that carry the strongest message, and that is what I try to interpret in my images.

I want the photographs I take to spark conversation, which is why I now want to focus more on medical documentary photography — something that can truly make a difference.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

There have been many proud moments, but one that stands out is when my work was published in Zam Magazine. It was a really humbling moment.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

Turning my passion into a sustainable career. That means understanding the business side of photography, handling clients, pricing my services, and placing my art in the right spaces.

I have learned many lessons from mentors, practice, and even failure. How am I overcoming it? It is a continuous process. I believe in the Japanese principle of kaizen, which means continuous improvement.

I also read, research, interact with fellow creatives, and constantly learn new ways to improve my craft.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

Portraiture and documentary photography. This speciality allows me to tell stories and show the beauty of daily life and the people within it. I also enjoy showcasing places in my country. Through practice, my photography has evolved tremendously, and sometimes I am surprised by the quality of my current images.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

Storytelling. I believe there is always a story in a picture; you just have to find it. This is achieved through compositional elements such as leading lines, the rule of thirds, and other visual techniques.

How's the photography and art space in Zambia?

Our heritage is beautiful and rich, and there is so much that still needs to be told. I am glad to be part of the process of telling those stories. With the availability of cameras and growing access to photography, we have seen a rise in people developing photography skills and sharing our stories through their lenses. The industry has evolved dramatically, and it is still evolving.