My story as a creative started way-way back when I was just 12 years old. There was never a moment where I knew this is what I wanted to do or an epic photo that just spoke to me. I have just always loved watching people and capturing my friends and family, and my surroundings became a part of my daily journal.
I grew up in Otjiwarongo, Namibia – possibly one of the least arty places in the world. (No offence!) It is a cattle farming community with very little room to spare for creatives and artists. I was very fortunate to study at the University of Stellenbosch after school and yes, it opened a whole new world. I fell in love with Stellenbosh, the mountains and the coffee shops. But most of all, it opened my eyes to a world of art. Though I do not know how to hold a paintbrush, a camera has always fitted into my hands and soon my weekly allowance had to be split between film, art movies and coffee.
Did I study photography? No. No I didn’t. I wanted to become a marine biologist, but somewhere on the very long road to Stellenbosch, someone said I would be a better teacher than a biologist and so I changed courses and studied languages. Probably my biggest regret.
Not once during my time as a student, did I consider becoming a photographer. It just never occurred to me. I was surrounded by some of South Africa’s biggest creatives and photographers but instead of it motiving me, I felt less and less capable. It took me another 15 years before I realised that I wanted to be a full-time photographer and not a writer. And although I still love reading and writing, it is mostly about photography now.
Looking at the above timeline, I cannot help but laugh. How did we get here? Somehow I want to ask what took me so long. But I also want to shake my head in wonder… how on earth did I make it work with so much happening behind the scenes?
Some of these photos carry so much weight. So much I have worked through. And that is the very reason why I want to continue documenting the lives of others but also of my own family. Because in the end, it is all we have.
In 2003 a friend of mine asked if I would cover her 21st. I had a new film camera and said yes. The theme for her party was the 40s and so I bought a black and white film for the event. The photos turned out ridiculously beautiful. I received a few more requests, but we were starting to head into the world of young adults and so I just didn’t really get into it.
In 2006 another friend asked if I would take a few family photos for them. Digital was just making its way into Namibia and I borrowed a flimsy little Olympus with a zoom lens that got the job done. Again, the photos were beautiful and a few more requests came in.
Middle 2006 I packed my bags and headed for Europe. If Stellenbosch created my love for photography and art, London revived it. I fell in love. Head over heals. I earned enough to buy my first Canon DSLR and I started documenting my travels. Everytime I started walking the streets of London, it felt like coming home. Something about the architecture, the vibrant street life and the cooler weather resonated with me.
Returning to Namibia wasn’t easy and again, I put my camera away until 2014 when Rocco was born. And I have not put it away again.
I got busy. What we initially hoped would be a good sideline, became a full-time job. Everyone wanted photos and soon I was travelling across the country. Family sessions, weddings, newborns, farewells. I did it all. Suddenly “burnout” wasn’t just a buzzword, it crawled into my bones. Then came 2020.
Covid. My whole life turned upside down. Shoots cancelled. Lockdowns suffocated us. But covid also meant family time. And in our case, it was the best family time we could ever ask for. It was a time of reconnecting, discovering and loving those closest to us. With an amazing amount of grace, we made it through. Each and every one of us.
When I started out in 2014, I wanted to be a photographer and nothing else. I had no plan, no purpose. If I could photograph it, I did.
It took me a while to develop my own style and my own sense of purpose. I think I finally got to grips with who I am as a photographer around the time of lockdowns and family time. Having quality time with my family and boys made me realise that life is simply too short to not document it. Since my days in London, I have loved documenting life as it happened. It was time to rekindle my life as a documentary photographer. But while doing so I want to capture moments of life to remember. A photo that will take you back in time. To the moments behind the scenes.
That is my purpose. To give you more than what you pay for. To give value, instead of a service. Memories – whether digital or in print. That is what I want to do when I take out my camera. Nothing less and a whole lot more.
In my free time (laugh out loud), I like to garden and photograph the flowers in our garden.
When I do have free time and energy (which is mostly an unlikely combination), I like to cycle. Both off-road and road bikes.
And birding. I love birds and recording all the species I get to photograph.
A Vingerklip Elopement. Walk with Mariette du Toit as Michal & Daniela get ready for their big day.
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