Photographer Eugene Nyathi

—Are you photogenic?

—Hahaha ... when I take the photo "yes" but when someone else take the photo nope!!

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—I needed a hobby to relieve me from a stress filled life. I needed to do something that wasn't "work" ....

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—The emotion of the photo ... its voice, what it says!

—Do you love traveling?

—O yes....and boy do i travel...haven't done the Asian countries yet but am sure one day I will .... am waiting for an opportunity to travel again to Paris...been there before but long ago and without a camera then.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Meeting people .... especially new people, they all have their own unique story.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Making a decision to choose between 2 similar photographs!!

—What will be the future of photography?

—It will always be to make people happy.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—The ability to be a part of two people who are starting out together ... being trusted to record that memory.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Its never easy to be criticised ... I however ask myself what is the purpose of the criticism. I learn through being encouraged, infact I grow leaps and bounds when I am encouraged but criticism has the same effect for me. So I may drag my lip for a day but soon I rise up and keep walking.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Yes there are....trends are fine, but I prefer classic styles that remain because trends come and go and I believe the foundation of my photography must be based on the clear basic photography truths.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—A photographer who they click with ... you can't say "this pathetic, useless, unreliable photographer did our wedding and did these beautiful photos....the photographer becomes part of the memory.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—It all depends on which part of the shoot I am doing...I communicate verbally when its needed but I don't allow myself to be a chatter box... I don't chew gum when shooting either....or headphones during shooting, evening answering calls or texting....no, no, no.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—That moment when the bride walks in and the grooms face lights up...everyone at that moment is fixed on the bride but there is of course the groom, the parents, watching their daughter walking down that aisle. The detail of the wedding gown and all the accessories that come with it. As a photographer, I have been behind the scenes with the couple to I am aware of their challenges up to this moment and very emotion at that moment makes sense.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—Light, interest and composition.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—Anyone who puts the needs of others first.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Barak Obama

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Christine Meintjies (Cape Town Photographer) and Ryan Parker

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I worry about pleasing the client, waiting for that "thank you" after I have delivered the photos. I worry that I may get the "thank you, we are happy with the photos BUT...." so far I haven't received that call :-)

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Ignoring my fears of the opinions of people and doing the things that are on my heart to do.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—Simba the Lion ... he discovered the treasure that was within him.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My inspiration comes from my faith in Jesus Christ. I have discovered that life without him is no life at all.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—Success is being brave enough to follow your heart, its measured by the satisfaction it brings to my life.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected. Respect is earned, you can be liked today and unliked tomorrow. Respect however means your life has been watched and evaluated by those around you.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—I posted images of a wedding on Facebook without permission of the client. The client was the mother of the groom. I paid back all the money. Hard lesson learnt but part of my growth. So now I work with a contract.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—My camera ... usually on my phone...to savour the moments I have been through. I take care however not to be too engrossed with taking photo after photo and missing out on just enjoying the moment within my soul and not through the lens only.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—No...I have been careful in my buying.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I follow photographers online, I attend workshops outside my country, and watch YouTube photographers that appeal to me.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Christine Meintjies and Ryan Parker.

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—Shoot so that you don't spend too much time editing.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Life is beautiful.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The different people that I meet.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Honestly my parents were perfect...they were strict but I could breathe.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—I would follow my heart more.

—What about life on other planets?

—None :-)

—Who are your heroes?

—Nelson Mandela

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Selfish people who have no respect for others.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I compose music.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I stop comparing it with others.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—Yes I do.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Too easily but have learnt to take time to really trust.

—Where would you like to live?

—Seychelles

—Is there life after marriage?

—Definitely yes. Its such a beautiful transition, married builds you, you learn to be less selfish.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—Rather my favourite line is ... "Ships are not made for the harbour"

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I like dogs.... they communicate more.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Cold coffee ...

—The best thing in life is:

—Freedom

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—A fly!

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—A cleaner community ... less litter on the roads.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I would like to be slow to judge people according to outward appearance.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—People to put others first.

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Learn from others but follow your instincts .

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Take me to your leader!

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—True Story Drama

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—a wedding in Paris!