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Photography It is a very good idea to spend time choosing the right camera and lenses, but it is easy to neglect the bits and pieces that you should take with you when you go out to take pictures. Some accessories are luxuries, but many are essential and help you necessitate the most from your camera. Light is the main raw material that you require to make a photograph work, and the quality of light can turn an average shot into a winning one. “The Earth is Art, The Photographer is only a Witness� Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Earth from Above
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W e alk Melonie Eva sid d a li l i ttle on the w Text Patrick Ndlovu Images Melonie Eva
From the first look to Melonie
Eva’s images, you will realise that you are in front of a real talented photographer that is fond of portraiture, nature and nature photography. Her photos let us discover another dimension for the beauty of nature and life.
In 2007 Melonie tragically burnt in a petrol fire almost costing her life. After 2 years in rehabilitation and having operations to save her right hand to hold the camera she was back in the bush. Melonie’s images are remarked with the balanced composition and fresh colours that reflect the life behind these amazing shots.
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Her photographs require us to stand along and try to understand this deep relation between photographer and nature and ask questions about how she reached
this talent. Many questions come to our minds that only Melonie can answer. Here is the chance to meet with this great talented photographer and learn more about her life and photography. Please tell us about yourself, your background. I am a just a farm girl. I have lived in 5 African countries and feel most at home in the great outdoors.
My father was a farmer so we were very privileged growing up with hunting, fishing, freedom and space to wonder in the bush, as we wanted. I only go to the city if I really have to for weddings or funerals… that ‘s about, as close to the city you will get me.
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From a young age we were taught to be content with ourselves, finding company with my siblings or amusing ourselves creatively. I love poetry, writing and would escape to a tree or the river as a teenager to write and dream, watching the clouds roll by. You have lived in various places across the world. Where are you currently staying? The beautiful lowveld farming community of Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, South Africa, just 8 km from Crocodile Bridge gate entrance into the Kruger National Park. When did you decide to become a photographer? It was never really a decision. I always liked photography and the arts in general. But never thought I was any good. In 2004 I sold an image and my work got noticed. That was the start. From about 16 years old I wanted to study war journalism and pursued a photography career in journalism. I never got accepted into any related field, so I put it off. I still do not see myself as a “professional” and haven’t yet had the courage to quit my day jobs. But I love what I do and I like that it brings joy to others.
What does photography mean to you? Photography means the world to me. I can never understand why, when photographing a wedding the bride and groom negotiate the price of the photographer. The cake, the dress and all the other elements will be eaten, fade and be forgotten, the only lifelong memory that you will have of that day are the photos. So why skim on this department? Photography is a priceless moment of a memory, a glimpse of an emotion captured in time. Nobody can change or take it away. I do not see photography about the money, the fame or the recognition. It’s about the memory, the joy, peace, serenity and contentment the moment brings me. Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW? I was in a vehicle in Etosha National Park, it was October and very hot, Impala where in rut. Three blacked faced Impala came running towards the vehicle and meters from the car they buckled down and started fighting. I got as low as I could and took a few shots. Later back in camp I showed my friend and travel companion Carol Polich (world renowned outdoor photographer), she said: “Mel that is wow”… I thought why? She said look at the lines, the eyes, the depth and the perception. It felt great; here this amazing photographer wanted a shot that I got…
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Do you have any formal training regarding photography? No, I have learnt from reading and understanding my subjects. My mentor and friend World-renowned photographer Carol Polich has taught me so much. I owe my career as photographer to her. She gave me the time and opportunities of a lifetime, developing my eye to see shape, colour that I never thought possible to capture in a lens. She has helped me grow as an artist and given me perspective that I never thought possible. How technical is your photography? I see the camera as having film. So I shoot in AV or M, and ISO, WB for every scene. I like to get things right in the field and don’t want to waste time on the computer. I will rather wait days for the perfect light than manipulate a sunset. Digital photography has made us into computer junkies and takes us out of the field and the chance of being outdoors. I do not like that… Where is your favourite place to live and work as a photographer in the world and why? This is a tough one; I say this smiling because there are so many amazing places. Some I have experienced and some I am yet to explore. So once I have seen the world I will give you your answer. Define the word “beauty”! Beauty is a combination of all qualities and properties such as harmony, serenity, form, colour, excellence, artistry, truthfulness and originality that bring delight to the senses and please the mind. My eye sees beauty, my ear hears beauty, my emotions are stirred and I feel beauty, my hand touches beauty and my senses delight in beauty. Beauty is what I hope to capture and bring delight to those who view my work. How does your personality change when you look through the camera lenses? I see everything differently. I look at Zebra with the naked eye and see a Zebra, but through the lens I see shape, stripes, leading the eye; I see lines, colour, and perspective of the object changes…
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I become more focused, my senses are heightened and the world around me drifts away.
It’s just the subject matter and me. I sometimes get I enjoy cooking and can make some killer seafood. lost in the moment and realize that I am thirsty or my So getting together with my siblings and family for hands are now freezing from the cold. a seafood dinner and great wine on the farm is a day well spent. What is your favourite image, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
The camera is never far away. I just might capture my niece or nephew doing something priceless.
I would have to say my Bison in a snow blizzard. To know what the Bison endures through the long harsh winter in order to survive.
What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
Then to capture him in those conditions was amazing. It is -40 degrees Celsius, the wind is blowing, and the image tells you all about the elements and the extreme conditions. There is nothing as far as the eye can see but ice, snow, cold… and a beautiful Bison bull. Priceless! Describe a day in your personal or professional life. I love music, enjoy cooking, wine and family. A day off is spent with my Max dog (Australian cattle dog) and Basil (wire headed terrier). My day will start with a cup of great French press coffee. Some Jack Johnson or Van Morrison playing on the stereo.
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I think that we all face the challenge of TIME… we are so caught up in the human rat race that we forget to take time out for what is important. There is a great sunrise or sunset every day, how many of us take a minute to notice it? I have to manage my time to capture the beauty that will be gone in seconds, unless I capture it for others to enjoy. One needs to find balance, there is a time to put the camera down and just to experience the joy of the moment and there is the time to take the shot. What are your favourite subjects to photograph? Wildlife! I like dust, water, ice and snow. To capture the elements in which these animals live and survive are truly amazing.
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With Humans I love hands. I like to photograph hands, after all hands have concord and destroyed the world. What types of assignments are you attracted to mostly? ZEBRA, STRIPES, WILDLIFE‌ Extreme, challenging and wild. I like a challenge and can never let a dare go. So the wilder the assignment the more I want to do it. One of my favourite days as a photographer was being on the Lamar Valley in Yellow Stone National Park in ice-cold conditions photographing a little Red Fox.
subjects I never had the intention of photographing, but when the opportunity appeared I captured the moment and have sold a variety of images worldwide. In your opinion, what makes photography an art? Photography is an art by the emotional connection we have towards an image. It stirs an emotion, pleasure, sadness and awe. When you can smell the dust or feel a chill when that lion stares at you... You have captured an artistic moment.
Melonie_eva@yahoo.co.uk +27 83 663 4219 rm
How do you describe your photographic style? Do you have a special style in your photographs that can single you out like strokes in a painting? I think everyone has a style. I have an F8 style. I like to mirror image my subjects. But I think one’s style evolves because you have to make the best of your surroundings.
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I never thought I would be photographing weddings, yet I do. I also had no idea I would fall in love with photographing reptiles and I have. These are all
Text Adele Minnaar Images Kirsten Frost
Kirsten Frost
Second Nature I was blown away the first
time I saw Kirsten Frost’s images. While we have many talented photographers in our country, I was impressed with how this 20 year old had already built up an extraordinary portfolio and how humbled he appeared when I subsequently emailed him to ask if he’d like to be interviewed for Ray Magazine. His images have been featured on covers of Nature’s Best, Africa Geographic Calendar 2011, Wildside Magazine, Go Magazine, Birders World Magazine to name only a few publications and he has won numerous awards for his stunning photography. I wanted to interview Kirsten to see what insights he had to help those considering following his footsteps into the awe inspiring world of nature photography and subsequently discovered more about his passion for photography, love of the outdoors, the business of photography, and his stunning images.
Kirsten, we were impressed with how you manage to capture the essence of these creatures, their magnitude, but also at the same time their vulnerability and beauty. How involved are you with conservation causes? Responses such as these assure me that I’m on the right track to achieving what I set out to do. It was my interest in nature that fuelled me to start photography. I want to be more involved with conservation causes, so much so that I’ve just begun my studies in Nature Conservation this year at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). I must admit, the studies have taken a lot of time away from my photography, which is awkward for me who’s used to spending mostly time in nature and in contact with clients. Despite the study ‘hurdle’, I strive to become the best at what I do in future. My enthusiasm for photography and knowledge gained from this study period will give me ample opportunities to do just that. How long have you been in the business of photography? Please give us a bio of yourself. I was born in 1991 in Cape Town, South Africa, and from a very young age I shared a passion for the outdoors with my father. A lot of our free time was spent travelling South Africa, visiting national parks and nature reserves. I have been fascinated by Africa’s natural beauty and its creatures ever since. I started taking an interest in photography during my first visit to Kruger National Park in 2005 when I was 14 years old. With a small ‘point-and-shoot’ camera in hand, I spent countless hours wondering around the rest camps in search of interesting subjects. In December of 2006 I was given my first DSLR camera kit. Only in 2008 would I say I started entering the business side of photography. I try not letting business interfere with my creativity; my plan is not to create commercial images but rather create images to please myself. How did you go about selling your first photograph?
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Clients, mostly magazine editors, started to take notice of my work after appearing in the media for winning photographic competitions. Selling images
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was a learning process at first (and still very much is), but I quite enjoy working with editors and magazine staff. They are enthusiastic about their job and endeavour to produce quality work for the public to enjoy, similar to how I feel about my photography. This common ground makes it easy to communicate and ask questions, as we both are often perfectionists. They helped me sell my first photograph as well as to understand the industry and the business involved. What initially interested you into photography? Growing up, my dad had a towering collection of ‘Getaway Magazines’ in his cupboard. Every now and then we’d sit on the floor of his room with magazines scatted all over. Pages full of exotic locations spilled out over the floor. We’d plan trips and dream of wild African places. I could spend forever paging through looking at the photos.
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My love of nature and eagerness to experience it grew. Times when I did see the beauty of the outdoors, seeing wasn’t really enough. When I see my images in a magazine I like to imagine some kid taking a second look and being inspired. What would you say is more important Good Knowledge / Good Equipment? Good knowledge, but to take full advantage of such knowledge one needs good equipment. When it comes to my genre of photography I’d rather be the guy owning a cheap camera with a vision, a vast photographic know-how and understanding of nature, than the guy waving around expensive gear, not knowing exactly what to do. Simply because the guy with the cheap camera will have better results. But lend him the expensive gear to try out, and then he’ll produce even better and have a higher success rate. Good luck asking for the gear back though! He just realised how much his equipment has been limiting him.
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I also admire South African photographers doing well in the business of photography such as Shem Compion with his successful photographic safari company (C4 Images & Safaris). I admire the team at Outdoorphoto shop for their ongoing support. If you could work alongside any one photographer in the world during an assignment who would it be? Someone who tries to photograph moments that stands out from the rest. I would like to work with someone who has a vision, tries different techniques and never gives up until they’ve captured the scene they had in mind. What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
After studying I want to be in the position where I’m living and working in the wild with opportunities on my doorstep. I want to create some never seen before photographs and make strides in the sales of my work. I don’t think I’ve really started; there’s a lot of hard work and a lot of fun to be had. I’m really looking forward to the future. How would you characterize the style of your photography? As the photographer, I see my images differently to others – I remember the morning fresh air, the hours of waiting and the challenges faced. I like to think of my style as storytelling, thought provoking, vibrant and pretty simplistic. I enjoy seeing the reactions of people looking at my images for the very first time.
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I enjoy the work of Chris van Rooyen; his ability to photograph birds in action is very impressive. I had the privilege of shooting with him in 2008, it meant a lot to me.
I have so many goals, so many things I want to achieve in my photography… sometimes I struggle to sleep at night because my mind is filled with goals I wish to accomplish.
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Which photographers work do you admire and why?
One such reaction that stands out from the rest was from a waiter in Kruger National Park. He almost fell off his chair when he noticed a crocodile in the foreground of what he thought was a classic riverside landscape. Later on, I found out that he and his buddies enjoy the occasional fishing trip under the bridge close to camp, hence his rather petrified response. I don’t know if he has gone fishing since then. The tools of your trade, what equipment are you using at the moment? I’m using Canon equipment. Mostly a Canon Mark II camera body, 35-80mm and 400mm lenses.
Contact Have a look at my website, www.naturephotography.co.za, to leave a message and see more of my work. kirsten@naturephotography.co.za
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photography, Paul van Schalkwyk is highly regarded as a legendary photographer and filmmaker in Namibia. He has received more than 50 awards, both locally and internationally, for his work as photographer, cinematographer, director and writer. His wildlife films have been broadcasted on National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and other television channels around the globe and his photographs are regularly published in local and international magazines. Paul’s passion for the visual image is the driving force behind his entire life and has spurred every venture of his colourful career, culminating in the launch of Paul van Schalkwyk Photography, his photographic art brand. In 1987 he founded the first Namibian film and Production Company as well as the leading
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Paul van Schalkwyk
No newcomer to the art of
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AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ART
Text Adele Minnaar Images Paul van Schalkwyk
advertising agency Advantage Y&R. He also started Venture Publications, publishers of a wide range of tourism and environmental magazines and books, including Namibia’s national airline in-flight magazine, Flamingo and in 2003 he launched One Africa Television, Namibia’s only independent, freeto-air television station. Nevertheless, the camera remains his first love and his appreciation for the light, composition and subject of life inspires him to capture beauty through the lens. From the cockpit of his aeroplane he was now able to roam the skies, to find and capture images of the most extraordinary colours, textures, light and composition. This freedom of space and time enabled him to develop and produce what is best described as aerial photographic art, inspired as always, by the haunting beauty of the Namibian landscape. Here follows what Paul van Schalkwyk has to say about his passion. What does Aerial photography mean to you?
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To me Aerial photography means exactly what the combination of those two words does. It combines two of my great passions, flying and photography, into one single pursuit. It also enables me to share with a wide audience the beauty and pilots’
experience. On a personal level it is a big challenge to me to find unique compositions and to create images from the air which will stop people in their tracks and attract their attention. You have received numerous awards, locally and internationally. Which award was the most memorable for you? Over the years I have been fortunate to win a few awards where people I really admire sat on the judging panel. As a creative there is nothing more satisfying than gaining peer recognition. It’s like flying. If my passengers compliment me because of a good landing it is nice, but if a fellow aviator or instructor compliments your flying it really means so much more. What initially interested you into photography? First without doubt it was the mystery and anticipation of film photography which attracted me. Later when I started to do my own processing and printing it was the magic of images appearing in the chemical baths. These days digital makes it easy. You can see what your picture is going to look like on the built-in
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digital screen of your camera and you can print it out immediately from your computer. In the film days you had to use your imagination to visualize the picture you are making. And then there was the long wait to have it processed and printed. Sometimes there was the disappointment of pictures “that did not come out”.
Photography starts in the eye and the imagination of the photographer. Although he did not intend it to be applicable to photography, Mark Twain’s quote that “you cannot see clearly if your imagination is clouded “in my mind, is also the essence of good photography.
Once I began to master all the technical aspects of photography it was just a natural progression for me to become interested in the artistic aspects of photography.
Would you say photography is a hard line of work to get into?
Without a doubt good knowledge. Good equipment is absolutely secondary. A painter is never asked what brush he used. You can create stunning pictures with anything ranging from a cell phone to a camera which will set you back many thousands.
How technical is your photography and how do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it? My work is not very technical. If I had more time to master new techniques and if I were smarter it would probably have been far more technical.
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What would you say is more important Good Knowledge or Good Equipment?
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I get enormous satisfaction from the creative process. I am really very happy when I can share it and when I realise that it evokes feelings and emotions. I really enjoy life when I am looking through the viewfinder.
Yes I certainly think so. Things have changed quite a lot but it is still difficult. When I started out there were not many opportunities and just because of the nature of film photography it was cost prohibitive and difficult to get in. Nowadays there are many more opportunities but also very serious competition. The end result is the same – it still is very difficult. Without passion, hard work, dedication and “vasbyt” you will not be successful.
Every photograph is a manipulation. In the film days photographers selected film on the basis of what effect they wanted to achieve. The next decision was the lens in front of the camera, this glass thing transformed reality in many different ways.
The famous landscape photographer Ansel Adams who was admired for his darkroom techniques once said: “the print is not realistic, but (it is) a faithful equivalent of the visualization.�
Finally it was the darkroom. Many techniques were used to manipulate the images in some way or form.
If you could work alongside any one photographer in the world during an assignment who would it be?
With digital it has become a lot easier and painless. I am very glad that I will never again have to spend long nights alone in cold darkrooms breathing chemical vapours. Digital does not only make things easier it also offers infinitely more possibilities. It really challenges creativity. It is fantastic. Because I shoot my pictures in raw mode, I have to process them digitally. I spend many hours on each image before I am happy. Sometimes I do it over and over again during many days or weeks.
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Basically I slowly build an image by treating each element of importance to the final picture individually. I work towards the final picture slowly building the different elements layer upon layer until I am happy with the end result. Although it takes long, I consider it an essential part of the creative process and I derive a lot of satisfaction from it.
I would love to work alongside Gregory Colbert the creator of the Ashes and Snow photographic exhibition which is touring the world. Go and look at them on www.ashesandsnow.org. His images are all planned and created in every aspect. They are awe inspiring. What have become your biggest marketing tools in the last two years? Without any doubt the internet and the way it enables you to spread your wings around the world right from where you are sitting behind your computer. The internet is empowering millions of people around the globe and I am certainly also benefitting.
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Paul van Schalkwyk is synonymous to? Someone intoxicated with the beauty and serenity of the world and the people around him. Are you working on any important project at the moment? What is this project all about? Please tell us more. My major project at the moment can be called the “Aerial Art of Namibia.” Namibia has big unique and unspoilt landscapes with lots of variety. Many of these have become stereotyped.
system ranging from super wide angle to extreme telephoto lenses. For more information, please contact
I use Nikon digital cameras Hasselblad and Phase One. I have a fair variety of lenses for each camera
elmarie@paulvans.com / elmarie@mac.com.na www.paulvans.com rm
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The tools of your trade, what equipment are you using at the moment?
Elmarie van Rensburg – Managing Agent +264 81 277 3334 +264 61 220 410
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I discovered new and exciting perspectives from the air. These can be super realistic but also abstract in the extreme. I have been working on this for the past four years and I am now slowly achieving the images I am really satisfied with. It will probably take me another two years and many more hours of flying to complete.