A photographer’s survival guide to Soweto
Requirements: Camera Batteries Tripod Additional lenses UV filters Sun cream Water Good walking shoes A friendly smile A willing ear I was recently given the opportunity to attend a walking tour of Soweto, hosted by Nikon. Armed with little more than my Canon camera, I soon learnt that the list of necessities need not be much longer than that above. It was with just these that met the characters I did. Meandering through the market I was beckoned aside by Pappa Charles, a taxi driver. A big man, I struggled to initially overcome my feeling of trepidation as he waited for me beside his taxi. But his grin, perfectly suited in size to his body, soon put me at ease. He proudly showed off his quantum, its spotless bumper and wheel arches drawing my attention away from the puddles and the litter it stood in. People passing by laughed at his enthusiasm, but I appreciated his open show of welcome. A child penned up in a banana box, an old tailor meticulously working in a little alcove and the psychology graduate who tried to convince me of the shallow nature of men were just a few of the other wonderful personalities I met while strolling through the streets of Soweto. The boy listening to music has to be one of favourite characters from that morning. Lost in his own world, so separated from the hustle and bustle of the street, you could not help but want to join him. Blues? Trance? Rap? I wish I could have asked him what he was listening to, what was so much better than being in the present. But after granting me a brief nod of permission he tired of being photographed and moved on. There was also the little boy I caught peeking as I photographed his sister. She watched me curiously as I spoke to Pappa Charles, and giggled, along with many others, as I stopped to photograph spoons. I chatted to her, photographing her sweet smile, and we laughed at her brother’s shock as I caught him curiously watching my antics. At the end of the tour, my feet were sore, my shoulders were burnt and I was parched. Upon reflection, perhaps some items should not be crossed off the list, but everything missing added to the experience. |