Metamorphosis (Part 1)

Oh man! So once again, I've had a post ready and waiting, just to be trumped by something else. I warn you, this post is a BIG one, so I'll be doing two parts. 2014 has been insane! In less than two months the amount of changes happening in my life are outweighing all of the changes in the past six years I have lived in Pretoria.

Today is my final day of working an office job and it feels good. I'm much calmer about it than I initially thought I'd be. It's probably one of the scariest things I've ever done though. Giving up the security of a monthly paycheck to pursue a career in photography. I prayed about it for a long time and asked for wisdom and peace in my heart that I was making the right decision. And I believe I have. I have to remind myself that I'm not in control. God has a much bigger plan.

I am thankful for having had a job, to pay bills, buy some worthless crap (and some awesome crap too) and to just stay alive. My mom played a big part too and I'm hoping with this decision, I can start giving something back to her as well.

So that's only part of what's going on with my life. I've been involved in some pretty awesome projects. After I did the shoot for The Watermark High, he (Paul) asked me to be part of a music video for one of his songs. I'm the dude with the long hair and cap!

Watch it in HD if you can.

And at the end of last year I helped shoot some videos for a friend's record company; Emote Record Company. Click on the name to check that out. The six newest ones are what I helped shoot along with the super talented Ett Venter and I'm sharing one of my favourites.

I'm also part of something called 43 challenge. Busy documenting this whole process - at the SABS Design Institute - of designers and entrepreneurs and generally creative people doing some amazing things which you can go check out here as well as follow, if it tickles your fancy. They're on Instagram and Twitter as well. This was probably the biggest proponent of why I felt the need to quit my job and pursue making and taking photographs. Seeing people doing really inspiring things and come up with possible world changing ideas. It's inspirational.

What Next?

Now that "Dudes with Beards" is on the back burner and the exhibition was well received, what's next? I am carrying on with the "DWB" project and when I get to a hundred I'd like to do a book, but right now that's just a pipe dream :) To be honest I am not too sure at the moment. I have some ideas, but I am being dismissive; thinking that it's not "good enough".

I have a Mamiya RB67 in my possession, so I am thinking I should do something with that, but again I am not sure. I think I should just go out and shoot something, anything, maybe do some street shooting to get the creative juices flowing.

For now though here are some BTS shots (done by my friend Ett Venter) of us putting up the prints for the exhibition. Thanks to him and his girlfriend; Shannon; for helping me out. Oh and the prints are for sale if Dudes with Beards are your thing; please note that some have been bought already, so just ask for availability.

Dudes With Beards

For the past two months I have been keeping myself busy with a little personal project in an effort to improve, learn and better my photography and also create relationships with people. 

I'd been wanting to shoot a beard project after seeing Matt Rainwaters' "Beard Book" some time ago, but as most people know I am a shy dude. So this is my way of trying to overcome this "impediment".

I am almost halfway through it and I'm aiming to have it done by the end of May if everything works out perhaps even sooner. I've limited the amount of people to 15, but I just might carry on adding to it over time. Some are friends and some strangers (who will hopefully become friends).

My good friend Ett Venter (who's a super amazing photographer and you can see his work here) took these "behind the scenes" photos and borrowed me, his camera and lens after mine was stolen about a month ago. Thanks for that dude :)

Here's a random slice of the finished shots so far combined into one shot. I am really stoked to get this done.

Everyone I've photographed so far have been amazing and I want to thank all of you again. The little time in front and behind the camera getting to know you guys has been awesome.

Thanks for reading