Back in the day when I finished high school I had little doubt I needed to look at something in the artist circles, something creative. The more traditional male careers of law, engineering, or medicine never really inspired me too much.

I enrolled with the Graphic Design Dept at Natal Technikon and never looked back. In terms of photography this is back when film was the norm still. We were given a crash course in camera and film development in the department lightrooms. All the various techniques in black & white.

Fast forward to the real world, after a brief period in desktop publishing I had an opportunity to apply for an assistant position with the companies photo services at Image Factory Studios. Digital Medium format camera's, tungsten lights, instant-image-to-computer transfer, and a full length infinity curve was definitely a bit overwhelming initially. The job description itself did not give me a lot of creative freedom, but off my daily routine I was given liberties to experiment to my hearts content. It was this license that gave me a lot of confidence to build a renewed interest with the photography world.

Nearly 4yrs on, studio and various freelance photo jobs later, I made a request for a position overseas onboard Carnival Cruiselines out of Miami. Once approved I joined the photo college where we were drilled into the various portrait requirements for the Ships Photo Department. I completed one contract as an onboard photographer, a formula that was easy to remember, but lacking of variety. I returned for a second contract but quickly learnt the same formula is implemented fleetwide. I quickly considered my options.

I took the chance for a position as a printshop technician, a natural choice with my graphic qualifications. From there I continued for 4 more contracts with a promotion for the last two. I was priviliged to be able to visit and experience so many different countries and cultures during this time. It allowed me more time for my own photographic interests. A return to some familiar studio setups and thousands of travel shots later...