About "Patterns in the Whole"

“Photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” – Elliot Irwitt
I apply this theory to much of my work, whether it be through the use of a different lens or angle, or simply waiting for the right shadow play, or position of the subject…an inflection if you would, much like the change in pitch or tone of a voice.

Sometimes, an image doesn’t need to have a story. Sometimes, an image is about appreciation. For texture, a bold colour or juxtaposition, even a pattern… a hidden abstraction within the world we live in. These abstractions are all around us, you just have to look…and see, the patterns in the whole.
View the catalogue through GFI Art Gallery

I share Elliot Erwitt’s view that “photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them”. Follow my photography, adopt new perspectives and surprise yourself with the unexpected beauty of the everyday.

This site contains a selection of my personal body of work featuring photography from around the world. Following an Honours Degree in Fine Art (Photography) at Rhodes University under the guidance of renowned photographer Obie Oberholzer, I worked as a photographer in Johannesburg. My career path veered into the corporate world of information technology and knowledge management until, in 2009, I moved to Port Elizabeth and returned to photography full time.

Nana Kojo Minnah II | Teberebie, Ghana, 2008 – Nana Kojo Minnah II is the Nana (chief) of the Teberebie Community, and is part of the Community Consultative Committee, and the Monitoring Advisory Group with the local Gold Mine. Basically; nothing happens without his say-so!

Let’s Learn Something | EP Kilomoto 1 & 2 Primary school & Institute Tech Industriel (Technical High School), Mangbwalu, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012 – The building the schools are housed in, were built by the Belgiums in the 1940’s, and have since never been maintained. The school is literally falling apart, with class being held in an excuse for a buliding. The floors are hardpacked clay. In the rainy season, water leaks in everywhere, and the floors turn to thick mud. The mining companies in the area are now systematically upgrading all the schools in the area with new buildings, in collaboration with the communities. I did visit a few schools where upgrades have been completed.

Road To Recovery | Westonaria, South Africa, 2015 – Mncedisi Momoza, has been on extended sick leave from the mines, with TB. Through a TB recovery program funded by the mines, and run by an NGO, Mncedisi is fully recovered and is returning to work.

A touch over ten years ago, I gave up my corporate desk jockey job, and moved down to Port Elizabeth. It was here that I returned to my original career choice, and passion, which is Photography. Started life again, and never looked back. Moving from an inland city, to a smaller coastal town takes some adjustment, and after a few months all was good. The bonus of living at the coast, is being there. A late afternoon drive along the ocean to Sacramento grounds you, and releases stress. Once there, I usually find a bench, crack open a cold beer (just one, unless someone else is driving). Then I stick my binoculars to my face and watch the whales playing. It’s really horrible…

This image I took in the DRC, of the rain forest. A rare gap appeared while flying over the canopy which revealed the incredibly high trunks and branches of the trees (apparently from 60-70 metres high). The forest floor is not yet visible in this shot. I really love this pic, I find it peaceful and calming. My intention was to print it onto wallpaper and apply it onto one of my bedroom walls…that was a few years ago…yet to do it. Sigh could’ve, should’ve, would’ve I hope when you look at it, it gives you peace too.