Meet these amazing photographers
2018-03-09
These days everyone shares their memories, day to day activities and interests through pictures and videos. It’s true, a picture can say a thousand words, which is why we asked these three photographers what they have to say about their images and passion for photography. Meet Aiden Tobias, Jessica Craig and Michaela Duerso, three photographers on different missions with the same passion. We invited these snazzy people to talk with us and share their voices. With their fun combination of professional and hobby driven take on photography and their cultural influences from both local and foreign realms, this should be nothing but exciting and inspirational.
When did you realise you had a passion for photography?
Aiden:
“I think it happened as soon as I got my first camera, I just fell in love with it.
It wasn’t a good camera at all, during my gap year; I bought the Nikon D5000 my first SLR and I stole a bunch of my dad’s old film lenses that had the same mounting bracket. The only thing with using these lenses was that the in camera metering didn’t work so I had to guess the correct settings. Looking back now it really helped me understand exposure and how to break the conventional rules of photography. I had my camera wherever I went and I still do to this day. “
Jessica: “When I got to Cape Town and started taking close-ups of my friends.”
Michaela: “3 years ago in Puerto Rico. I had an IPhone 5 and I took a photograph of my friend Rachel on the beach. The photo was what I like to call “accidental greatness” and the rest is history.”
Michaela
Do you have a favourite picture?
Aiden: “Yes I do, both one that I have taken and one that I didn’t, the one that I took Is attached below and the one that isn’t mine is called Andreas Gursky's "Rhein II" (1999) and it’s the second most exspensive image ever sold.
Jessica: “All my pictures are sentimental to me because they capture an individual’s characteristics.”
Michaela: “Man, that’s a really deep question. Nothing comes to mind yet. But I do want to do portraits of my parents when I get back to The States. I am sure that will be my fave.”
Aidan
Do you think it is your skill or your camera that does the magic?
Aiden: “It’s funny how many people ask this question, No I donn’t think the camera makes the photographer at all, it is a tool but it’s not the only factor to an amazing image.
It’s actually so funny, I have been shooting some images on my IPhone lately
I think it is inevitable and progressive so I have embraced it but I hate how it has made everyone who has a smartphone “think” they are a professional photographer. It’s opened a sea of useless but also produced some amazing works
But this shows you don’t need an expensive SLR to take a nice image”
Jessica: “My skill, and focus of diverse aspects.”
Michaela: “My skill. I actually hate when people compliment my camera. It’s like telling Beyoncé “that’s an amazing mic you have, what kind of mic is that? It makes really good songs” (I say this humbly, I’m not the Beyoncé of photography by any means).“
Aidan
Best experience as a photographer ?
Aiden: “The people I get to meet and the places I see through my photography are definitely the best part of my job, also getting to go backstage at all the big festivals and concerts.”
Jessica: “Creating an atmosphere in one simple image”
Michaela: “Hands down, shooting Nuru Kimondo’s portrait on her camera.”
Michaela
A piece of advice for photographers
Aiden: “Have a camera with you always and don’t ever be afraid to shoot something, those are usually the best images “
Jessica: “Capture things close up no matter what they are, because you are more exposed to these items.”
Michaela: “Don’t give up. I shot for 1 hour a day every day for a year straight. I figured I needed as much practice as possible. And I still do.”
Aidan
Would you say you have a signature style?
Aiden: “I don’t think I do, but people have told me that I have one”
Jessica: “Yes I do”
Michaela: “Not yet. I love natural light and lens flares. I love shadows and black & white photos and I love the grainy film look as well. I know I’m definitely a portrait photographer, but I’m certainly still finding my photo-voice.”
Jessica
Favourite place to shoot in Cape Town?
Aiden: “Beta/ Bucoven, always finding new spots to shoot at Beta, also Misty Cliffs and Woodstock”
Jessica: “The beach, because the lighting is soft and beautiful.”
Michaela: “Anywhere the sun leads.”
Michaela
Where is/was your favourite place to travel?
Aiden: “Wilderness is one of my favourite, but I also loved Zanzibar and Mozambique.”
Jessica: “Bali, Asia”
Michaela: “I honestly do love Cape Town; Puerto Rico is a close second.”
Jessica