Gertie - my second mother

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

South Africa | Sunday, January 13, 2013 | 5 photos

My camera found its way to me. It was not the other way round. I was at university when I was given a Pentax K1000. I knew nothing about photography and decided my first roll of film would be a Velvia 400. I still have the pictures on my computer. Most of them where terrible, except for one, which by some miracle turned out pretty good. Years later, its still one of my favourite photographs. Thinking about it, had it not been for that shot I might not be where I am now. I was born restless, with an insatiable need to travel, whether it was to distant lands or just getting out of the house. Now 31 years old, I find myself on a rather solitary journey through life. Armed with a definite purpose I am still unsure of - or perhaps afraid of - my camera has become like a lifelong companion. It’s my compass for truth. Taking pictures is both a privilege and a passion. I like to shoot things that matter so that they can matter. Translating one’s vision into something that is accessible is probably the biggest challenge I face. Once I get it right perhaps I will feel less alone. So maybe, with the opportunity of a lifetime my photos will enable me to make a difference. In short, to matter.