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Rooftop Exploration - 2020 Edition

Hello Everyone.



It's always a good feeling sharing a bunch of images of the eclectic city we call home, to show the masses a different point of view and to have them appreciate it in different light [pun intended]. More interesting is the fact that they always elicit mixed emotions, mainly based on individuals' experiences in and around the city. In fact, the last post I did about some experimental halflife compositions ended up generating the meme below.


Nairobi Meme, Photo by Mutahi Chiira
Nairobi Meme


My intention every single time is to give my take on how it looks from up there, the rarely appreciated point of view, and this time round it's no different.


The images in this post were made towards the end of 2020 and at the start of 2021. I was able to go up on a few rooftops to make some skyline images of Nairobi for a client-commissioned assignment. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to edit the entire set because my computer is extremely sluggish [it's due for an upgrade anyway] but eventually, I managed to make my way through the full image collection.


So, without further ado, here we go.


 

We'll start with a building I haven't shot before, Britam Tower, seen here from Community Area and in proximity to KCB Towers.

Britam Tower, KCB Towers, Nairobi
Afternoon view of Britam and KCB Towers

Britam Tower, KCB Towers, Nairobi
Twilight view of Britam and KCB Towers
 

Next, UAP Towers at different times of day.



A late afternoon wide shot ...

Late afternoon view of UAP Tower
Late afternoon view of UAP Tower


... followed by an early evening shot and a golden hour shot, which gets a slot in my favorites' list.


 

In between the main vistas, I tried out some backlit sets ...

Kenyatta National Hospital
Kenyatta National Hospital, with Mbagathi Way and Langata in the background

Don Bosco Church, Upperhill
Don Bosco Church, Upperhill

Nyayo National Stadium
If only there was an event going on at Nyayo National Stadium

KIRDI Headquaters on Lusaka Road
KIRDI Headquaters on Lusaka Road

... as well a few monochrome stuff.

I've never tried this type of look before, but there's always a first time. I'm just not sure what I make of them.

 

Ok. Back to the main subject matter.

Actual Cityscapes.


This set shows Haile Selassie Avenue at Sunrise. There's different atmospheric [light quality and prevailing weather] conditions at play here which means different "feels".







 

The penultimate showcase is of a view we're all familiar with. That famous Uhuru Park vantage point.

Cloud over Nairobi's KICC
Not-so-dark cloud trying to unsuccessfully throw some shade over KICC.


I typically settle on a single composition and shoot through the moments in time. That way, I'm able to experience all iterations of a subject and work with the best option I get. Hopefully, I'm able to return to a spot and experience it in different conditions.


Night panorama of Nairobi's CBD
Night panorama of Nairobi's CBD from Uhuru Park
 

Finally, another round of Britam Tower.

Mara Road, Britam Tower
Time-blend panorama up Upperhill's Mara Road

Britam Tower, Nairobi
Star of the show, if you will.



Aaaaaand, that's it for now. Thanks a bunch for tuning in.


I'd love to explore and shoot both Kisumu and Mombasa in the same fashion, so, if you're up for a collaboration and are based in any of those cities, hit me up and we can plan an adventure together.


God bless!



 


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2 Comments


Kennedy Patrick
Kennedy Patrick
Apr 20, 2021

Beautiful work 👏👏👏

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Mutahi Chiira
Mutahi Chiira
Apr 22, 2021
Replying to

Thanks Patrick. 🙏🏾

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