How I became Short Wave

I'm Sammy Wanjala but preffered to be called Short Wave. I've been creating things for over 20 years. Photography, film, music — I've tried it all. And after two decades, I've learned one thing: the best images happen when people forget the camera is there.

I'm self-taught, based in Nairobi, and my work has found its way onto platforms like Getty Images (Shutterstock) and Alamy. By day, I lead the media team at Sanaa Post, helping shape visual stories across multiple platforms.

What I actually shoot

• Headshots & portraits — The kind that actually look like you
• Events & premieres — Candid moments, genuine reactions
• Real estate — Making spaces feel like homes
• Behind the scenes — The energy, the chaos, the magic on film sets
• Documentary — Real stories, honest moments

I don't believe in stiff poses or fake smiles. I believe in good light, real conversations, and capturing the moment before anyone realizes it matters.

Whether you need portraits, event coverage, or someone to document your next project — I'd love to hear your story.

— Sammy (Short Wave)