How did you get into the industry?
My interest in the fine arts and my desire to study got me talking to a professional photographer outside the art school. He asked when in my spare time if I would be interested in assisting him on assignments. “Yes, of course”, I replied. I never got to enrol at Michaelis Art School here in, Cape Town.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
Cape Town, South Africa. The bulk of my work is within the oil & gas commercial development industries in both Sub–Saharan Africa and more recently, the Mediterranean. The work I shoot in South Africa is associated to South African Wine Routes Forum (SAWRF)
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
I reckon sitting behind at an easel painting oils onto a stretched canvas lost on one of the many wine farms in the Cape region…
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
In-Camera–Discipline! I pre-visualise and plan a body of work whether shooting for clients or for self; I select one genre/category; I research as much as possible and, once I have decided on my particular treatment, I do NOT deviate.
If I do, I’ve wandered off that fine line that keeps ones creatively focused–you have gotta stay on track! This discipline came about in the days of shooting film stock. Good photographs are not achieved shooting frame after frame in pursuit; it all has to do with sticking to a particular genre in your work.
How would you describe your style?
It’s no so much about ‘style’–but, to do with; “If I don’t shoot what’s in my mind's eye–it is not going to find its way into the camera!” If you don’t recognise a potential genre in your images, how on earth are you going to shoot them convincingly?
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
Oh, there are so many talented photographers to choose from! I decided way back in my career to follow Renaissance masters, true painters those who laboured over canvases; Rembrandt, Van Gogh and the likes set high standards ages ago.
A particular filmmaker who shaped my stills career was, Federico Fellini. Need I say more? He projected vivid images off the silver screen, mind-blowing motion pictures! It was almost as if Fellini didn’t need dialogue; his flickering visual narrative was genius personified!
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Develop your own style and subject matter in your portfolio. Make sure that you, as the photographer, enjoy what YOU have shot. You must be honest with yourself in this! Is it food, fashion or architecture etc? Once you are convinced of your ‘speciality’, you will be better equipped to convince potential clients that you are the right person for the job.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
The above “tips” answers this question–potential clients will recognise your particular style from the get-go; show a portfolio of ONLY what you are practised at shooting. Murphy’s Law has it that creatives often commission you to shoot their assignment though your portfolio has little bearing on their brief.
Why have they decided to choose you? The main reason is that your portfolio proves how disciplined you are in your particular skill-set! They instinctively know you will carry this expertise through and deliver the goodies they require!
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
My 135 mm analog camera, a roll of B&W film and trusted light-meter…
Jokes aside; I take the same approach to digital photography as to film photography. I am careful and, particularly mindful of the details in each assignment. My philosophy is; if the subject is not correctly composed and exposed in-camera; one may as well change one’s career! Do NOT rely on the power of ‘digital algorithms’ to dictate your image captures for you. YOU, must be master selecting your desired F-Stop!!!
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
A good night’s sleep… (magic–light waits for no camera!)
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
Walking into a gallery that has my framed black & white photographs on exhibit! Observing the folks gathered in gossip, heads tilting to ’n fro, vino-in-hand, suitably entertained while musing over my Silver-Gelatin hand prints, it’s comforting and it’s a buzz…
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
There is nothing to change within the industry, really. However, a good idea is to continually modify one's portfolio to the market trends. NOT your style but, what you present in your portfolio to prospective clients. Make an effort to refresh or, reshoot what is in your current portfolio to match what the consumer industry is hinting at.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
There are far too many modern ‘online-resources’ available! I have got into the habit of searching old 60’s movies for inspiration. I carefully observe lighting techniques, composition and how the director masters his “visual-narrative”–the same rules apply to shooting stills.
The best inspiration is to challenge oneself to frame-up accurately before releasing the shutter; don’t fall into the trap of Adobe Photoshop’s powerful post-production software; remember, you are the photographer–so, shoot each frame 100% accurately every time!
