Student of the Year: Pretoria 2008
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Who or what inspired you to study photography?
I’ve always wanted to do something visual. After matric I went to film school where the photography bug (that has been there since early high school) finally took over. It started as a hobby, taking pictures of friends’ bands and slowly I realized I preferred taking photos than being a film crew member. I decided not to finish my diploma in Motion Picture Production, but enrolled at the National College of Photography instead. I’ve always been interested in documentary photography and I guess that’s how I got into it.
Why did you choose the National College of Photography?
I did a lot of research before deciding on the National College of Photography. The one and half year course sounded very appealing since I had already done a 3 year diploma course. The lecturers and facilities stood out from the rest. I spoke to a few photographers about the college and heard many, only good things, so I decided to go and see for myself and I was very impressed.
Did you consider any other alternatives prior to selecting the National College of Photography?
Yes, but after doing research I found the National College of Photography to be the best for what I needed.
In your opinion, to what extent is a formal education necessary for a photographer?
It gives you an advantage over someone who is learning from scratch and already working. You have time and freedom to experiment as a student without having any pressure. It definitely helps with the technical side of things, but it does not make you a good photographer. There are very good photographers out there who did not study.
What are the most useful skills/techniques that you have learnt during your time as a student with the National College of Photography?
Working on film for a whole year taught me a lot of discipline in terms of exposure and selective shooting. I think just looking at other people’s work and seeing what they do makes you think differently.
Which part(s) of the course did you enjoy the most?
I really enjoyed the environmental portraiture assignment and having my own little studio in my room. I lit all kinds of things when I was bored over weekends and holidays. In addition I really enjoyed doing research about famous photographers.
What were the most challenging aspects of the course?
Definitely the Pinhole assignment, I realized how lucky we are nowadays not to have to worry about light leaking into your camera.
What part of the course did you find most inspirational?
Working hard and seeing good results were most inspiring to me. The support of the lecturers was also very inspirational; they are all very creative and original photographers.
Do you have any advice for aspiring photographic students?
Photography isn’t as glamorous as it seems. You have to work very hard and be very focused if you want to be successful. You have to have a dream and enough passion to get to it! I guess you have to be a bit obsessive about your work.
Which photographer do you admire and why?
South Africa has some of the best photojournalists in the world, I am lucky enough to be working with many of them. One who stands out is the late, great Ken Oosterbrook. Photojournalists record history and it is a very humbling career choice.
What piece of advice that was given to you during the course continues to motivate and inspire you?
You don’t have to travel a thousand kilometres to take a good picture. There could be one just outside your door.
What part about being a photographer do you love the most?
Recording history and being part of news on a daily basis.
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
I would like to be specialise in sports photography, travelling all over the world and shooting big events.
If you were able to go back in time, knowing what you now know, would you study at the National College of Photography again?
Yes, I have no regrets!
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