Along the busy streets around Archives, Ambassadeur, Tom Mboya Street and Moi Avenue, photographers wait patiently with cameras hanging from their shoulders, scanning the crowds for potential clients.
Some arrive as early as 6 a.m. and stay until late at night, hoping to earn enough to support themselves and their families.
Photography has become one of the most visible occupations in Nairobi's Central Business District. Armed with cameras, softboxes and editing skills, young photographers are transforming ordinary street corners into makeshift studios.
Yet behind the growing popularity of the profession lies a daily struggle to survive in a highly competitive industry.
For many of these photographers, the journey began with passion. For others, it was driven by the harsh realities of unemployment.
Eric Norman Kasaya, a photographer based along Tom Mboya Street, says his decision to join the profession was influenced by both.
"Firstly, it was passion. Secondly, you know, currently getting a job is difficult. Unemployment is very high. Those two things inspired me to become a photographer," he says.
His story mirrors that of many young Kenyans who have turned to creative industries after struggling to secure formal employment.
O'Brien, a street photographer working near Archives, studied Electrical Engineering but found himself unable to secure work after graduation.
"Passion plus side hustle. I studied Electrical Engineering, and after graduation, I couldn't get a job."
As more young people enter the field, competition has intensified. However, many photographers say competition itself is not the biggest challenge.
"Competition is not really a challenge because it helps you grow," says O'Brien.
"The real problem is pricing."
According to him, some newcomers charge extremely low rates to attract customers, making it difficult for others to maintain fair prices.
"You find someone charging almost half of what should normally be charged," he explains.
Emmanuel Abugi, a photographer operating along Moi Avenue, also says competition has increased.
"Currently, there are so many upcoming photographers in Nairobi, so we face a lot of stiff competition," he says.
Despite the crowded market, photographers believe quality remains the key to survival.
"In handling competition, some clients depend on the quality of your work. They prefer quality, so your quality will market you," says Abugi.
The sentiment is shared by freelance photographer Brian Ochieng, who says delivering professional work helps retain clients.
"Most of the returning clients come back to you once you deliver quality work," he explains.
"You can also market yourself through social media platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp and Facebook."
For many photographers, technology has played a major role in attracting new entrants into the industry. The rise of social media, affordable cameras and digital content creation has created new opportunities for young creatives.
"The current world is full of technology," says Abugi.
"Most people venture into photography because there are many opportunities."
Ochieng adds that photography offers flexibility, making it attractive to students and young professionals.
"You can balance it with your studies or even do it as a part-time job after your normal work," he says.
Beyond competition, photographers say they face another significant challenge: restrictions on equipment use in the CBD.
Several photographers interviewed said they face difficulties using softboxes and stands, equipment they say is essential for producing quality images.
Alex Nyagaka, another street photographer, agrees.
According to the photographers, softboxes improve lighting and help produce smoother, higher-quality images for clients.
"We are being disturbed here on the street," says Kasaya, describing some of the challenges photographers face while working.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains strong among Nairobi's street photographers.
Many say success ultimately depends on consistency, professionalism and building relationships with clients.
"The way we handle competition is all about consistency," says Nyagaka.
"You don't bother with other people coming into the streets. You just report early and work."
From dawn until late evening, Nairobi's photographers continue chasing opportunities one photograph at a time. In a city where more cameras appear on the streets every day, survival may no longer depend solely on owning a camera, but on creativity, quality and the ability to adapt in an increasingly competitive industry.
For these young photographers, the camera is more than a tool. It is a source of income, a creative outlet and, for many, a pathway through unemployment in a rapidly changing economy.
