I was born in South Africa and grew up in Pretoria, where I completed a Diploma in Film & Video Technology at Technicon.

While spending most of my young career in the film industry, usually in the sound department on location, assisting with studio recordings and sound editing, my first creative love — the ‘art of lighting’ — emerged under the guidance of renowned film maker, Fanie van der Merwe, who was then head of Department at Technicon. Lighting theory came naturally to me, and I realised that I had a natural feel for lighting and composition.

From that time, I never lost my love for the visual arts and maintained an interest in photography as a hobby throughout my many roles in the film industry.

Most of you probably know me from my long-standing role on the travel and adventure television series “Voetspore” (2000 to 2023) where I balanced various positions behind the scenes including sound, second camera on video, stills photographer and website manager on tours. From 2009, I became the official ‘stills photographer’ and never looked back.

I have travelled widely throughout Africa (including Madagascar), South America, Europe, North America and Australia.

Travel photography taught me to think fast, to know my settings and camera, and not to be too fussy or too hard on myself if I missed an opportunity. It taught me to be able to think visually for long periods of time, to stay focused and creative — even when in a dull environment.

Coming from a film background, I had to teach myself the importance of ‘one frame; one picture’. It taught me to create movement, to emphasise colour and focus and depth of field. I learned composition, mass and balance.

Photography has taught me a lot about the living world around me: the glory of the animals and the spirit of the human being. Irrespective of whether you are a diplomat or a poor street vendor, we are all important on this blue marble. It gave me an insight into the brutality of the world as well as its beauty, softness and kindness.

Best of all, travel photography has taught me to find myself as a person. I understand myself and the world, nature, and all living beings better, thanks to this wonderful element called photography.

I don't have a specific niche — I enjoy capturing portraits, landscape, street photography, wildlife, and I have a special interest in night photography and startrails.

Photography can be so so many things … for me, it's all about light. My favourite colour is black — not just because it's my surname in Afrikaans! — but because without black, there would be no shadows, no contrast, no mood or feeling.

When you think about films, the pause is as important as the dialogue. In photography, the same can be said about lighting — the black is just as important as the white.

The reason I like night and astrophotography is because you start with a black canvas, and the elements and stars help you to create your masterpiece — you are in control under the biggest miracle of existence.

When not travelling, I am sharpening my skills in light paint photography.

Your camera is a tool, that's all.

You are the one driving and telling it what to do and how to do it — you are the creator and storyteller. Spend the time learning everything that your tool has to offer. This will make you fast and more creative.

Try your best to tell a story in one frame, but also just capture the simple beauty of things like light, colour, different emotions, cultures and oddities.

Be thankful for where you stand with your camera and let that moment count for you to live out your deep burning creative emotion and share it with the world.

Sometimes the challenge is the journey to get to the shot, and not the technical side or the creative side. Often you need to travel for days or weeks to get to where you need to be, and once you are there its just …. “click!”

If you are starting out, or looking to hone your skills:

1. Look at other photographers’ work and learn from them, BUT DON’T COPY THEM.
2. Develop your own style, your own eye, based on the way you see the world.
3. Learn your own form and feel of editing.
4. Be your unique self and it will show in your pictures.

While standing underneath the Milky Way and waiting for my long exposures, I keep myself entertained with my various blues harp harmonicas, usually accompanied by a good glass of wine.

I am an avid reader.

I keep myself entertained with my guitar and my various blues harp harmonicas.

I am a true lover of music and believe that without art and culture and music, the world would be a chaotic and devastating place.

I love cooking and playing chef — open fire is my style. We Saffas like to say “a braai is the second best thing after the previous braai!”