Eye Contact

Red Wall

I was very patient, waiting for someone to walk by without reacting to me but it never happened. I could not be the fly on the wall, as hard as I tried. I need to find a postbox which I can place on street corners. In fact I like the one the reaction to me.

Sometimes you have to do with what you have, I was making a document and not making a movie after all.

Pink

Looking for flood damage in Cato Manor I found beauty. Shy and wearing pink.

Shisa

I worked on a township tour on Sunday hosted by the Sunday Times and led by Street Scene tours. I get out to the townships regularly, but this was a truly fascinating tour.

Check out Street Scene at http://www.streetscenetours.co.za/ and the Sunday Times http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/goodtimes/. I am going to be doing it again with Lucy and the kids. It really is that good although we might have to leave off the tavern.

Oh, and does anyone know where I can get a Knorrox shirt?

Beauty is the Beast

Such beautiful flowers on such a tough plant.

Sacred Ibis Sunrise

I woke up early. It was a trick of the bowel, but I was awake. Just over the building on front of where we live I could see the silver lining of what looked to be a spectacular sunrise. I thought of running out of the door to make a photograph but that little voice said 'You will miss it.' 


So I picked up my bag and ran out the door. Quietly of course, careful not to wake my beautiful pregnant wife. I was driving when I saw the moment which would have made a great photograph. Henri Cartier-Bresson and the decisive moment crossed my mind, but since I was up...


I was just about to pack it in when this flock of sacred ibis appeared. And vanished into the morning just as quickly. I managed to squeeze 3 frames and it was over. A great way to start the day.

Roadside Picnic Table

Doing the tourist stuff one does when with visitors, this a picnic site overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills in a cold and dreary day. There is something about places like this which reminds me of road trips as kids, eating padkos (road food) and spending hours in the back of an old Peugeot 404.

And the desire to hit the road takes hold once more...

Mr Gampe

I learned much from Mr Gampe. I never understood much of what he said, but the wisdom of the man was tangible, inspiring. I will be going to visit him again.

Fishermen in Yellow

Dutyini, Mount Ayliff

I have been following Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) on Twitter for some time now. I really enjoy his humour and his writing. I had read a few tweets with interest when he had left Johannesburg to visit Dutyini, Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape where he had lived as a child.

When a call came from the Mail and Guardian to photograph the town to illustrate a story he had written of this trip I jumped at the opportunity. For one thing I love a good road trip. And another, I love a good road trip with the opportunity to illustrate a fascinating story. So after a days delay due to snow (don't have that problem too often in South Africa) I set about finding Dutyini. And the rest is in the story.

The slideshow narrated by Khaya is here http://mg.co.za/multimedia/2011-07-28-homeward-unbound and the full story here http://mg.co.za/article/2011-07-29-urban-hipster-khaya-dlanga-heads-home.

Pink Church, White Snow

A day trip to Kokstad and on to Mount Ayliff was spectacular. I have never had the opportunity to photograph the snow like this before, felt a bit like a bull in a candy store. A bull with wet pants, slippery stuff that snow!

Ship Aground

Rocks and Reflections

The south coast has always held a special place in my life. My grandparents had the coolest beach house where we spent many amazing holidays. I caught my first salt water fish, we snorkeled and we hit the waves on our body boards.

This is a bit further down the road in Port Edward, and I sense a new love affair with this part of the coast coming.

Sunset Football

I nearly missed the light, glad I didn't.

The Boys and Their Dogs

Somewhere in the depths of the Wild Coast on assignment for the Mail and Guardian we met with the largest extended family I know of. A beautiful bunch on the most amazing of settings. Looking at the mud huts and chicks and cows I am seriously considering trading in all my gadgets for a simpler life.

Strike Season

Strike season again. This was the first walk into town of the year, I wonder how many more of these we will do? I must say that although the march to the steps of the Durban city hall was a slow one, the striking workers were very disciplined.

Afro Mex Fashion

As a photographer not to be named said to me on the Saturday of the Durban July horse races, 'This is the worst day of my year!' I think he said the same to me last year. And I agreed with him.

A strange thing happened next. I started to watch the people. Some wore ridiculous outfits, most desperate to be noticed. But this guy made me smile!

The Sardines Are Back

The sardines are back! I love this time of the year. It is not too hot, the light is great and it is school holidays. I need to figure out a way to get in some fishing and work, but cameras and salt water are a bad idea. I think I will have to take a day off and just concentrate on fishing!

Winter Swell

Good Morning Durban

What a way to start a Monday morning! So glad we were on time for the school run this morning, it was not quite this pretty on the return trip.

A Cow in Ulundi

Elections

Back To The Vulture

I loved 'Back To The Future' as a kid. In fact I still quote from the movie occasionally. So I was so pleased to come across Docs raptor look alike at the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary in Umlaas Road. If you are in the area definately visit them. Details can be found at http://www.africanraptor.co.za/

Man in the Middle

Many people, I would love to know how many.

Fire Walkers

When I started out in photography I used to think very hard about my assignments. I used to look at photographs of similar subjects and prepare mentally for a preconceived idea.

I soon learnt that this just does not work in the real world. I have learnt (and am still learning) that one needs to be flexible and prepared. Be prepared for anything to happen and adapt, a little bit like everything else in life.

I went to this particular event for the fire walking but found that the preparation was far more interesting visually. As the editor said of a picture of a man walking on coals: 'Do you have one with sparks flying or coals burning?'

That Moon

Yes, the super moon. I woke up a little late to the fact it was happening. I like the mood of this, going to make a big print for my wall.

The Hardest Work

I thought I had done a few days hard labour, but these men are tough. They separate the steel reinforcing from concrete using hammers and hacksaws, no gloves or safety boots. The reward is R2 per kilogram.

Stand Up

Beach Bum

Who doesn't like a beach bum? I do. Of all of the beach bums I have seen I think this is my favourite!

Cape Town Stadium

I had my first experience of the Cape Town stadium last night. It was also my first U2 live experience. And since this was the first concert I have been to for years at which I was not working I had to buy and ticket and leave my camera at home.

I was loaned a point and shoot camera and this little bit of beautiful evening light as we arrived was too good to pass.

Fail

With all of the interest regarding former President Nelson Mandela's recent hospital visit and the lack of information coming from the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the government, when a press conference was called at the hospital I thought there would be much interest.

I started in Cato Manor where the guys where setting up the TV sets. A few people hanging around waiting for the 12h30 start, and I though people would join in once the presser started. Man I was wrong. Everyone disappeared.

Plan B. Drove to first shopping centre on my list and they had sports highlights on. Drove past a bar and I could see from there outside set that they had on rhythmic gymnastics. I got to the next shopping centre knowing of at least three venues with TVs. I finally admitted defeat when the Telkom office had the original A Team showing.

Sometimes you fail.

Mr Plod Has Mail

It is a postbox. It had a bum full of post.

First Day At School

MJ Moves at Dawn

05h50! Yes, in the morning. Love the characters of Durban

Inspiration #3

New Years Day

New Years Eve (Day)

A few photographs made during a walk in the rain the the Durban Botanic Gardens, which happens to be the place I photographed one of my first college assignments. An assignment which I did incredibly badly.