My social media sabbatical is almost at an end and even though I didn't do as much as I had intended to do over December; I did manage to do as little as I wanted, which was pretty damn great if I am going to be honest.

I did shoot a tiny bit of work and my sister's wedding, but other than that it's been a lazy December. Here is some stuff I shot for Wêreld Records, just to give you something to look at.

A Hollow in the Land for Wêreld Records.

James Robb for Wêreld Records.

Unlike last year upon my return from the States having a fire in my chest and wanting to get to work right away I knew what to expect this year come the holiday season, so I was prepared for it. I won't lie, it's been a good year for me.

I know some close friends whom have not had such a great year and can't wait for 2015 to get behind them and I hope 2016 brings them awesome challenges, new work and good times. This is not to say that I didn't have some difficult times and challenges. Winter totally kicked my ass and I spoke about it here. I started a studio with a close friend of mine and that has proven to be equally awesome and challenging and we hope to get a handle on it in the new year.

As for my own work, I can't complain really. I completed my Dudes with Beards project (the shooting part of it anyway, I still need to make the book), I went to China, photographed old and new clients, made some rad new friends, took part in the Sasol New Signatures art competition and joined a small music revolution called Wêreld Records - read about that here. I've been able to pay rent and electricity and buy groceries and even spoil myself with some "new" gear which I am stoked to start using in the new year. The only complaints I may have is in not pushing myself more and I am hoping to change that by lighting a fire under my ass and enter work for the Barclays L'Atelier art competition, which I have less than 2 months to do.

I presented my first workshop on how I approach workflow and retouching in late October and it was pretty damn cool. I hope to do some more of those in the new year so keep your eyes peeled for that if you're interested in things I have to say.

So, what have I learned exactly?

It's damn difficult making a living out of being a photographer, however I can't imagine doing anything else with my time. Do I always feel this way? Hell no! There are days I really don't like it. It happens. You just don't always like what you do and that's perfectly fine. The great thing? YOU can change that at any time. Some days you just need to put the camera down and step back and just enjoy the view. And that's what my December has been about. You need it, I need it; we all do and it's okay, really.

Be safe and responsible, because I'd still like to see you in the new year. Sleep over, call for an Uber; hell, call your parents. I am sure they'd rather pick your drunk ass up at 3am in the morning than receive a call that their son or daughter are in hospital.

Cheers to 2015 and hello to 2016.

Thanks for reading.

It's Tuesday morning, shortly after 8am, I've just finished my morning exercise routine, made myself a cup of coffee and I am getting ready to get behind my laptop when my phone rings.

Pack your bags and get your VISA ready, you are flying to China in a week; says the voice on the other end of the line. It's one of my clients - and I'd like to think; friends - Charl du Plessis. Remember him? I photographed him for his latest album? No?

Here's a refresher :)

Charl wanted me to fly with him to Haikou, China where he would be performing on four different Steinway & Sons pianos in one recital. (You can find out more about the pianos on Charl's blog). Without any hesitation I went to the Chinese consulate & got an express VISA - a fancy term for paying twice as much :P
The next Thursday we were on a plane headed to China. Now I am not being a braggart, you should know this about me. I am not showing off.

What I am trying to convey is that, if you work hard and do good work, you'll get that one client (or several) that will become a friend and a lifelong collaborator and that's what I am trying to build. Sure, I want to work with new people, however, keeping communications open with previous clients will lead to many other doors being opened and great, lasting friendships.

Here are a few images from the performance.

And some, where I wandered the back alleys and side streets.

Thanks for reading