Namukolo Siyumbwa, fine art photographer based in Lusaka, Zambia

Namukolo Siyumbwa is a Zambian photographer based in Lusaka, renowned for her expertise in portrait, event, and fine art photography. Her photography journey began in 2016 when she started capturing portraits and events, gradually delving into fine art through self-portraiture.

In 2019, Namukolo founded Eness Photography, a venture that allowed her to blend her initials, 'N' and 'S', into a brand that reflects her personal touch and vision.

Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of work, including family and corporate events, festivals, editorial, fashion, and lifestyle photography. She is particularly drawn to conceptual and surreal photography, aiming to present alternative perspectives on life and ideas.

Namukolo has been featured in several exhibitions, including Xtreme Photography to Inspire (Zambia, 2024), Xposure International Photography Festival (U.A.E., 2025), under the Bakashimika International Festival, and Breaking Silence and Reclaiming Spaces (Zambia, 2024), organised by the Umotto Centre of Art and Culture.

Namukolo's professional journey has included collaborations with esteemed organisations. She has served as a freelance photojournalist for Reuters, contributing to various impactful projects.

Additionally, she is both an alumna and mentor of the Creative Business Studio by Unpublished in Africa, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing talent within the photography community. She is also the Visual Editor of Ubwali Literary Magazine.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I would describe myself as someone curious and fascinated by folklore, mythology, and stories from diverse cultures. I often say that I was likely an anthropologist or linguist in a previous life. I'm passionate about visual storytelling and the various media in which it's presented.

I'm also a biologist at heart, and I love learning about animals, their unique traits and behaviour.

How did you first become interested in photography?

I had taken a temporary job as a freelance writer for an entertainment blog, and I was later given a camera to add photos to the blog posts I wrote, and I started creating photo essays of the events I attended. That opened me up to experimenting with different subjects and styles. A friend then recommended me to a client, who then started my career as a photographer.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I specialise in family and corporate events, as well as portraits. Aside from people being my favourite subjects to capture, being in the fast-paced capital lifestyle provides an excellent market for my niche.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

The themes I explore, particularly in my fine art photography, are femininity and fantasy. My art tends to lean towards dark tones because I like the contrast and creating shapes with shadows.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

My proudest moment was my work at the Xposure International Photography Festival in the U.A.E. I had started fine art photography as an experiment, a way to express myself and 'play', and it was such a surreal moment to see how far it had come since then. It has motivated me to do more and put more effort into the production process for more impactful work.

What's been the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

Imposter syndrome is such a killjoy and has made me hold back from pushing myself. It's challenging to learn, but it's even more frustrating when you want to get something right the first time.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

If not to work with, I would LOVE to meet Tamary Kudita. Her work is fantastic and so intricate; I just want to witness her process and see her work firsthand.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

The community is incredibly diverse and supportive, and I continue to be inspired by the various stories and art forms. They make me want to be a better artist.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

Shoot every day. Play with your creativity. The more you shoot, the faster you make all the mistakes you need to make before you become a skilled storyteller.