By Darren Gilbert

If you are searching for the origin of his photography story, it was a moment at primary school when a teacher asked him to take the class picture.

Where it all began

“It was very random," admits Moyo. “One day, my teacher came to school with a camera and asked me to take a picture of the class. He believed I had an eye for taking photos. I didn't realise then, but that was the day I fell in love with photography.”

He was 12 at the time.

While becoming a photographer was not his childhood dream, he did start teaching himself about the craft. A friend’s father also had a small photography business and Moyo often found himself tagging along to events and functions. He’d carry the camera bags while firing off questions, eager to learn.

To this day, he strives to learn something about photography every day.

Not just a street photographer

It was a girlfriend who bought him a phone and he began taking photos on the street. He'd place these images on his Instagram page and soon developed a following.

Street photography also became his thing as his work featured in Elle Magazine and by Design Indaba. Ask him if he wants to be known exclusively as a street photographer, and you'll note his discomfort.

“People have made me a street photographer,” he says. “They have dubbed me the ‘phone photographer’ and it’s difficult to get away from that, but I don’t want to be boxed in as one. There is a lot more to me as a photographer than just being a street photographer.”

All creatives, including photographers, need space to grow, he says. As much as he would like to use his phone all the time, it won’t suit all situations. If he shoots a campaign for a big client, they may demand he use a traditional camera. And he is happy to oblige.

Despite this, having a phone over a camera has its advantages. One such benefit is that it allows him the chance to get up close and personal with his subjects.

Moyo explains, “It forces you to interact with people. That's one of the things I love about street photography. I get to know the stories of the people I photograph. That then comes out in their pictures. You can see I've connected with them and they're open.”

“Also, if I have a big camera, it intimidates people,” he adds. “The first instinct someone has when they see you with a big camera is ‘You’re going to make money out of taking my picture.’ With a phone, I can show them my Instagram or Facebook page right there and then.”

Breaking the photography rules

The fact that Moyo primarily shoots with his phone has led to a few funny (and sometimes awkward) moments. He doesn’t let it bother him, though, even when people question his professionalism.

“Equipment doesn't make you any more or less serious,” he argues. “As photographers, we are different and we have our preferences. Someone else would never shoot with their phone as they think its unprofessional. But I'm working within my means and producing what I can with that means.”

As it stands, Moyo doesn't own any photography equipment. No camera, no lights, no laptop. That hasn't stopped him yet, and it won't in future either.

“The fact that I have this career and am doing it proves that I can make it in this industry,” he says. “Besides, who set the rules that say pictures have to be shot in a certain way?”

“For me, this is about breaking the rules and doing things on my own terms,” he points out. “If I can’t shoot something a certain way, I’ll find another way to ensure I get it done.”

For more information, connect with Moyo on Facebook or on Instagram.