King Nandi & Co.
What does your company do?
Introducing KINGNANDI & CO. - a dynamic photography and videography cooperative born in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Led by the talented and award-winning photographer Nandi, we specialize in commercial, corporate, and fashion photography.
Our team of highly skilled and independent creatives possess a keen eye for the human form, capturing it with masterful attention to color, contrast, and symbolism.
Nandi, an accomplished individual at the age of 32, holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics, but her true passion lies in the artistic realm. She embodies the belief in empowering women's rights, advocating for their active participation in an industry that often overlooks their immense artistic skills and abilities.
With a commitment to delivering a unique blend of artistic vision and brand direction, KINGNANDI & CO. operates throughout the entire country, offering unparalleled creativity and professionalism in every project we undertake. Join us on this artistic journey, where we celebrate and amplify the beauty and impact of visual storytelling.
What is your biggest success?
Leaving an unfulfilling 9-to-5 job, I harnessed my photography expertise to build a successful business, grossing over half a million, close to a million, in less than two years which gives a promising glimpse for the next two years. My greatest accomplishment is enriching others, particularly women, through mentoring and commissioning them on projects that empower them to pursue their artistic talents. My photography has been showcased on billboards through advertising and I have exhibited representing South Africa in Dubai, UAE where I collected an award for the Fine-Contemporary Photography category. Currently, I’m preparing for a major SOLO exhibition with a top South African bank taking place in 3months - and also working on a children’s book series about emotional intelligence. My future plans include opening a production house to foster talent and mentor aspiring artists.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
My biggest hurdle has been exclusion from collaboration and commission projects, including funding opportunities, which often favour my male counterparts in the male-dominated photography industry I happen to find myself in. Every project not commissioned has required me to use my own funds, as external funding is scarce. Some of the biggest commissions are often if not always, awarded to my male-counterparts. This ongoing issue could be discouraging, but instead, it fuels our determination to bring change. Entering competitions such as this validates my craft, affirming that women are capable and deserving of recognition in our field, driving us to push boundaries and showcase our talent regardless of the obstacles it has come with.