In conversation with Mark, overall 2022 second place of the 2022 South African Photographer of the Year Competition.
What does Photography mean to you?
Photography is like therapy for me, I love being outdoors, being creative with my camera and trying to capture the essence of the natural world. Photography means more to me than the actual images I take though. Photography has taught me to see the world differently, in greater detail than I normally would have.
What drives you to capture the images you do?
The need to be creative, the constant learning curve associated with photography and trying to be better at it, but above all of that, the inner obsession I have for chasing amazing natural wonders and visiting amazing destinations is what drives me the most to do photography.
What does the South African Photographer of the Year Awards mean to you?
I have been doing photography for 16 years, and it’s so nice to be recognised for the hard work I put into my photography, and also being a South African, I am very proud to have been recognised and chosen as an awarded photographer in this competition of my home country.
Why did you enter the South African Photographer of the Year awards?
Firstly to support nature conservation, but also as a platform to potentially showcase my photography.
How does it feel like to win with South African Photographer of the year?
It’s an honour, being chosen as 2nd place is a great honour. I don’t judge my photographic success by how many competitions I enter, but by how many people I am able to share my images with, and hopefully connect with. I feel like an ambassador for nature, and competitions like this are a great way to share my love for nature with more people.
What advice do you have for anyone who would like to enter these kind of competitions?
Enter images that speak to you, don’t enter anything for someone else, or what you think the judges might like. As with photography, shoot for yourself.
Will you be entering again in 2023?
Absolutely!
Do you believe competitions such as South African Photographer of the Year is important for the industry?
I think its a very good thing, not only for the fact that these competitions help share the beauty of the natural world with many people, but also for the nature conservation efforts associated with it too.
Tell us a little more about your winning image?
It’s an image I am very proud of. In my photography, the goal is to always tell a story, and I feel a very compelling story is told with this image. During the very dry months in the Kruger National Park, animals often compete for water, and with these 2 Buffalo, it was exactly that, engaging in battle over the ability to drink from the waterhole they were at. The dust in the photo adds so much drama, to perfectly complete the story of the harsh, dry months in the bush.
Anything additional you’d would like to add?
To say a big congratulations to the other winners, especially to 19-year old Ruben for taking the grand prize. That image tells a compelling story! Also to thank the people involved in running the competition. Its an honour to be chosen as 2nd, thank you!
Enter the South African Photographer of the Year competition today by visiting: https://southafricanpoty.com/enter/
More info: southafricanpoty.com
