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...

Che Geuvarra Road

With some weird pomp and ceremony, and Che Geuvarra's daughter and grandson present the City of Durban officially changed Moore Road to Che Geuvarra Road.

I was a little confused as I travel on the said road every day. It has been named Che Geuvarra for some time now so why the song and dance? Well that is a good question!?

And I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

I don't usually get excited about new buildings. There are exceptions to this rule and the stadium currently under construction in Durban is one. It has created a real positive buzz in the city!

Happy Music

A quick pic from a project I am working on currently. We are working so quickly and under a fair amount of pressure but these kids are amazing. Love them! They somehow managed to do the National Anthem grooving to their beat.

Heading back there tomorrow for some more inspiration.

A Beautiful Face

The South African President Jacob Zuma visited the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa which is being built for the 2010 Soccer world cup. He spoke to the workers on site including the man pictured. He has the most inviting face. His smile drew me to him. In fact I think he thought I was a little odd because at one pointI spent more time focussed on him than I did the president.

Back to School

Let children be children for as long as possible is one of keys, in my view, to healing a broken society. I would forfeit child stars like Michael Jackson for late developers who shine into their old age.

The Zumas are Fading

I hope the promises made do not fade as quickly as the posters.

The Early Morning Market

It is almost like the song about building a parking lot over paradise. The Early Morning Market is in danger of becoming another shopping mall. There have been a few meeting lately and I am a little out of touch with developments as Elections and the IPL cricket have been keeping me occupied. I need to get back down there to see what the story is.
The story so far is that there is a market which has been around for some time. Sure it is a little grimy and could use a coat of paint and a good clean. In fact it is so interesting that it should be required visiting by locals and tourists.
I don't know why I am so perturbed about another shopping mall going up. I have a connection with the place having done a story on the trolley guys in the mid nineties and used to shop there as a student as it is dirt cheap. Then there is the 700 or so people who work there. Now they may not make a killing or pay the kind of rental that the big chains will. They do not have the branding and marketing associated with the 'market leaders'. But they are real people who enjoy the company of customers, and are making a living there.
It is a really interesting place and Durban would be a poorer city without it.

Surf City

Morning surf off New Pier.

The Circus Continues

Just another little interesting bit of something leading up to the election in less than three weeks.

Wet Wedding

I stumbled across a couple having wedding photographs done in the rain at the Botanic Gardens. When it is your day it is your day, rain or no rain.

All Smiles?

I came across this poster and had to stop to make a photograph. At first I thought it amusing, imaging someone walking home after a few drinks up to mischief, a student more than likely...

And now I look at it and I see more. I am intrigued to know what is going on behind the closed doors of Luthuli House. I would love to know what the ANC main men and women talk about over coffee at Parliament.

Interesting times ahead.

Roly Struckmeyer

Roly Struckmeyer is a singer/songwriter who I have known for some time. As a student he was my boss at the Buzz Bar when I worked behind the bar. We shared a house for some time too and I have many memories (but not enough photographs) from this time. I even played in his band when the bass player was double booked! So we have some history which made it quite strange photographing him.

If you have not heard Roly before get hold of his current album About Time. If you cannot find one drop me a line.

Happy Zuma Fan

Numbers and Needles

Fire in my conscience

'Is that smoke?' I said to Lucy. 'Too black to be grass?' she replied.

A part of the Kennedy Road informal settlement was burning so I raced over. I was shooting as soon as I could but knew from experience that I was going to have get to the fire. I had made a few image of people carrying their most valued possessions as the smoke plumed behind them.

I then came across a few men busy ripping shacks walls off and breaking down doors. They were not looting but trying to rescue others possessions who had already left for work.

It was at this point that I was struggling to justify my being there and not helping. With my camera slung over my back I began kicking down doors and helping where I could. I would then make a few pictures and help a little more.

These people have lost everything and I have a great set of pictures!?

A Sneak Preview

A taste of the essay I am currently working on. More to come.

The Other Brighton Beach

Dusi sunrise

Canoes cover the ground ahead of the 3rd and final day of the Dusi Canoe Marathon.

The G String And The Stump

I had been wondering the beach looking for a picture. I think I had a few too many pre-conceived ideas, I had thought too hard about what I wanted. I blame a certain gallery owner who explained to me the difference between documentary and fine art.

So I had conceived of my picture before I had put foot on sand. I was also short of time and, to be honest, feeling like I should be on holiday. And just as I was washing the sand off the girls feet before heading to the car I saw the picture.

I am still trying to think like a fine artist. I think, however, that I enjoy the phrase 'found objects' and like to think that this is a found photograph, and that I may just work this method for a little while longer.