Crouching behind a tree trunk, peeking around the edge, I vividly remember my seven-year-old self participating in intense battles of "army-army" with the neighbourhood kids. Despite being in the 'girls only' team with my best friend, facing opposing squads consisting solely of boys, I possessed an unwavering certainty that we would triumph.
Perhaps it was my father's encouragement that instilled this belief that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. His cherished poem, "The man who thinks he can," adorned the side of his old box computer, and he recited it to my siblings and I frequently, reinforcing the power of determination.
Propelled by a relentless spirit and the belief that things would work out I went on to sleep beneath the starlit expanse of the Namib Desert; made the bold decision to move to London alone, not knowing a soul or having a place to sleep upon arrival; fled for my life from an angry herd of elephants in the Okavango Delta; moved to New York where I lugged 500kg of gear up and down 10 flights of stairs from studio to studio during Hurricane Sandy’s 4 day blackout, embraced the miracle of childbirth and embarked on the remarkable journey of giving life, trusting in my ability to endure and witnessing the birth of the most extraordinary human being I know.
The convergence of my mother's artistic spirit and my father's entrepreneurial mindset has made me a dreamer at heart and an eternal hustler. These qualities permeate my work as a photographer, where I have had the privilege of capturing campaigns for renowned brands such as Nike, Converse, H&M, and Polo, to name a few. Although my journey has taken me around the world, I remain steadfast in my South African roots, utilizing my art to illuminate the strength and resilience of women and men who have fought for their freedom.
Within my photography, I strive to capture the essence of what it means to be human and invite the viewer to appreciate the profound beauty concealed within the stillness, resilience and enigma of the human body. In the human form, I see stories untold. Skin, form, shapes, and shadows all whisper tales of a life lived.
Today, I live between New York and Johannesburg with my daughter, my partner, my two cats, Kristofferson and Ringo, and an absurd amount of house plants. The childhood inspiration from my father still resonates in my favorite quote today: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" urging me to confront challenges without hesitation.
CLIENTS
Nike, POLO, H&M, Converse, Lola&Sophie New York, Uber Eats, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Jameson, Viceroy, Hunter’s, Superbalist, Sunbites, Telkom, Edgars, Foschini, FNB, Old Mutual, Nedbank, Alexander Forbes, Computicket, Debonaires, Sumo, Glamour, Huletts.
AWARDS
Merit Award for Photography, Global ADC Awards (One Club for Creativity), New York, 2019
Prix de la Photographie Paris, PX3, Silver, Fine Art, 2021
IPA Honorable Mention, 2016
IPA Honorable Mention, 2021
Loeries, Silver for Nike Women, 2017
Loeries, Bronze for Hope Joanna, 2018