Guy Fawkes

Hundreds of people gathered on 5 November to enjoy the fireworks display at Campsbay, Cape Town. With my camera set on a tripod with a slow shutterspeed and a little moonlight peeping around Table mountain, I got this shot within the first 20 frames.

Lost in the Stars

Tazewell Thompson, director of the musical Lost in the Stars wat which will be showing at Artscape, Cape Town, from 24 to 27 November 2011.  This trulry South African story has been told in American teater for many year, and is finally brought to South Africa by Thompson. A must see!


The musical plays of in August 1949 in the South African village of Ndotsheni ("The Hills of Ixopo"). The black priest of St. Mark's Church, the Rev. Stephen Kumalo, learns that his sister is in trouble, from a letter from his brother, John Kumalo, who lives in Johannesburg. Stephen decides to travel to Johannesburg to help his sister and also seek his son, Absalom, who works in the mines ("Thousands of Miles"). In Johannesburg Stephen learns that his sister will not leave but she asks him to take care of her young son, Alex. He finally locates his son Absalom, who had been in jail but now plans with his friends to steal so they can get enough money to avoid a life in the gold mines. Absalom's pregnant girlfriend Irina tries to convince him not to take part but he goes ahead with it ("Trouble Man"). During the robbery, Absalom kills Arthur Jarvis, a white friend of his father, Stephen. As Absalom is jailed, Stephen wonders how to tell his wife, Grace, and realizes he is facing a crisis of faith ("Lost in the Stars").


Stephen knows that his son could either tell a lie and live, or tell the truth and die. He prays for guidance ("O Tixo, Tixo, Help Me"). At the trial, Absalom's two friends lie to the court and are freed, but Absalom, truly repentant, tells the truth and is sentenced to hang ("Cry, the Beloved Country"). Stephen performs a wedding between Absalom and Irina in prison, then returns home to Ndotsheni with Irina and Alex. Alex and the child of Arthur Jarvis meet and start to become friends ("Big Mole"). Steven tells his flock he can no longer be their minister, and their faith is now also shaken ("A Bird of Passage").

On the still-dark morning of the execution, Stephen waits alone for the clock to strike ("Four O'Clock"). Unexpectedly, the father of the murdered man pays a visit. He tells Stephen he has realized that they have both lost sons. Out of recognition of their mutual sorrow, and despite their different races, he offers his friendship—and Stephen accepts. - Wikipedia

Fields of Gold

Experiencing the sheer beauty of the Canola fields in the Overberg region, should be one of the top 10 events in every photography enthusiast’s diary. Take a daytrip between Swellendam, Caledon and Bredasdorp during this time of the year, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenes of golden hills and landscapes.

I took this photograph on the R319 between Swellendam and Caledon. The old farmhouse and windmill created the perfect setting for the contrasting green and gold lines of the canola field in the background. I had to walk up a hill to get this angle, but it was well worth the effort. Remember to set your aperture as small as possible for maximum depth of field and take advantage of the landscape’s lines to guide the viewer’s eye into the photograph. Use the rule of thirds and you are destined to create a masterpiece!

So, fill up the tank, pack some boiled eggs and ‘sarmies’ in the trusty Tupperware and get out there! Oh, and please respect the farmers. Don’t jump fences and ask permission before trampling their crops.

International Ballet Gala

Hyo Sean Park watches Hyo Jung Jun and Unkyu Jang Jun in 'Don Quixote'.

Thoriso Magongwa

Andile Ndlovu

The International Ballet Gala will be at the Grand West Arena, Goodwood, tomorrow night (29 June 2011) for one performance only. Dancers from across the globe will showcase their skills at this prestigious event. I had the privilege to spend this afternoon at their full dress rehearsal. Spectacular!

 Hyo Sean Park watches Unkyu Jang Jun in 'Don Quixote.

Breyani

I had the privilage to photograph the legendary David Kramer to promote his latest production, Breyani. It featured the best of South Africa's cultural musicians with a hint of flavour added by the master himself!

I only had a few minutes with Mr Kramer due to his busy schedule, but with his experience in the entertainment industry, I had no trouble getting this vibrant shot!

BitterSweetBoland

Beyond the lavish vineyards and trendy restaurants of the Boland I found this beautiful autumn scene: A boy playing with an old car tyre in Mbekweni, just outside Paarl.

Marion Island

On the 10th of March the SA Agulhas left Cape Town Harbour to deliver a different type of cargo to the new research base on Marion Island: A handful of  environmental journalists.  This rare opportunity to experience Marion's untouched beauty was truly a life changing experience. Read more about the trip on: http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/new-marion-island-base-opens-1.1043782

Prof. Linda Cloke in King penguin colony at Tripot.

Mating dance of the Wondering Albatross.

Researcher Kari Schoonbee, west of the new base.

Junior's Kop

For more info on Marion Island: http://marion.sanap.org.za/index2.html

Shirley Gunn

As a MK-fighter she was falsely accused of the Khotso House bombings by Adriaan Vlok in the late 80's. Being imprisoned with her 16 month old son, Haroon, she made headlines across the world. Today she is the director of the Human Rights Media Centre and a mother. a Beautiful woman.