Patrick Wanyiri: Kenyan documentary photographer honouring human stories with compassion and authenticity | 54Ruum Spotlight

Patrick Wanyiri is a self-taught portrait and documentary photographer with 8 years of experience. He is based in Kenya and has collaborated with individuals and NGOs across East Africa and Norway to tell authentic visual stories, with a primary focus on refugees.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

Since childhood, I have been captivated by stories and driven by a passion for community development. Photography found me through my service to others (as a volunteer at YMCA Kenya).

It taught me to be present, to appreciate the small moments that reveal who we truly are. I see photography as an act of feeling: finding the beauty in humanity, capturing its essence, and preserving it as something eternal.

Every image I create is a way of honouring the people and moments that make up our shared human experience.

How did you first get into photography?

My photography journey began out of necessity. Back in 2017, I was designing posters for YMCA football tournaments and could not find stock images that truly represented our community.

I borrowed a friend's camera, turned to YouTube for guidance, and started shooting my own photos. What began as a practical solution quickly became a passion — and I have not looked back since.

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

Documentary photography is where I feel most at home. I love the honesty of it; I get to listen to people's experiences in real time and find ways to visualise their stories to show the human side. That connection resonates deeply with me.

I also appreciate how straightforward the editing process is; retouching has never been my thing anyway.

However, lately I have been drawn to editorial work, and what is fascinating is how naturally my documentary approach translates, in that I bring the same eye for authenticity and narrative, but with more creative freedom.

My style has evolved over the years — from simply documenting what is in front of me to intentionally seeking the deeper layers within each moment. I am not just capturing what has happened; I also strive to understand and reveal why it matters.

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

I believe everyone's story deserves to be honoured. That is what drives my photography. Humanity sits at the heart of every image I create. I am drawn to exploring how people experience their lives, the connections they form, the resilience they quietly carry, and the beauty that shows up in ordinary moments.

Photography is how I serve God, others, and myself. It is my way of creating space for empathy and helping us remember what connects us all, even when the world feels like it is moving too fast.

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

My first assignment at Kiryandongo refugee settlement. That experience changed everything for me. The emotional weight of documenting people's stories in the midst of displacement and trauma was unlike anything I had encountered before.

I came face-to-face with the responsibility that comes with this work. These were not just photographs; I was holding people's pain, their resilience, their hopes. I realised I needed more than a camera and good intentions.

I actually went back to school to study counselling psychology because I wanted the proper tools to approach such assignments with the care and sensitivity they deserve. That moment taught me that being a documentary photographer means being a compassionate witness, not just a skilled observer. And I have carried that into all my projects.

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

The biggest challenge has been learning to carry the emotional weight of this work without losing myself in it. The Kiryandongo refugee settlement taught me that lesson the hard way. I was not prepared for the trauma and resilience I would witness, and I found myself carrying stories I did not know how to process. That experience pushed me to study counselling psychology because I realised I needed proper tools to do this work sustainably and ethically.

On a practical level, I have also had to confront some of my own bad habits. I am naturally impulsive and tend to dive into assignments without a solid plan, which has got me into tricky situations more than once. I also struggle with procrastination.

Over time, I have learned that while spontaneity has its place in documentary work, preparation is what allows you to show up fully and responsibly.

I am still working on finding that balance between staying open to the moment and being intentional about how I approach my work. Editorial photography gives a bit more breathing room to do that.

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

It will be @karali_pics on Instagram; his work, both in photography and as an educator, inspires me greatly.

I also am very intentional about collaborations. I need to feel a genuine connection first. I have to get a sense of who you are, what drives your work, and whether our values align before I even reach out.

My best collaborations have come from mutual respect and shared vision, not just opportunity. So if we are working together, it means I have already chosen you for a reason.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I was sceptical at first when I saw your DM. You never know what to expect with DMs in the 'request folder'. But after reviewing your email and discussing it with my partner, we both felt this was worth exploring. There was value.

It is affirming when your work catches the attention of other creatives. It is a reward in itself. We are all trying to build something that lasts, and it seems that 54Ruum is creating a space for photographers to establish their legacy.

Looking through your website, what really struck me was the variety of photographers you have featured. It shows me you are genuinely interested in different voices and perspectives. That kind of intentionality matters to me, and it is the type of platform I want to be part of.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

Honestly, I cannot speak to it as well as I would like. I have not been around much, and since I do not live in the city, I have been somewhat disconnected from the local scene. It is something I am hoping to change as I spend more time at home and start connecting with what is happening here.

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

Take your time. There is no shortcut to learning how to truly see.