I can’t remember the last time I met someone that is so passionate about what they do or perhaps I just haven’t.  I spend quite a lot of time at Alan’s house since he is my brother in law but I can honestly say we don’t spend much time speaking to one another and not because we don’t want to, rather cause he is usually playing 1 of his guitars.  On my last visit I decided to get my camera out when I heard him start rocking out in his bedroom.  I shot these photos as the sounds reverberated off the walls and while Alan explained to me the differences between his guitars.  Alan’s band, ‘Zebra & Giraffe’are currently one of the top headlining bands here in South Africa. Check em out!

The ‘Nollie Faith’ community is basically a couple guys that are helping street kids in the area of Maboneng, Johannesburg.  I’m not quite sure how the whole thing works but it seems the kids have access to skateboards and other cool stuff.  I went down there on Saturday to take a look… these are some of my photos.

Sam thought it would be funny to balance his skateboard on his head, like a traditional Zulu.  I thought it would make a cool photograph.

I shot these photos on a recent trip to the Maboneng Precinct in the downtown area of Johannesburg.  This kid really enjoyed running up to the camera and then riding off down the street on his skateboard.

Johannesburg is definitely a place of diverse culture, with so many different languages and tribal back rounds, just about every person you meet has his or her own individual story of tradition and belief.  It’s an interesting place to say the least!  I’ve been going down there to meet up with the local skateboarders for the past couple weekends now trying to capture moments in time as they move about in this crazy, contrasted environment. 

POST has become one of our favorite places to go get coffee and hang out with some cool people in downtown Johannesburg.  If you’re ever in Johannesburg and you feel like some good food, music, excellant coffee and great company, make sure you stop by!  The address is 70 Juta!  If you’re rollin in on a skateboard, they’ll even give you some free lemonade! 

A couple months back I wrote an article for COLOR MAGAZINE about an artist/friend over in California.  I have since then been trying to get more involved with doing some photography for them and getting some other articles published about the skate/art life here in South Africa.  I’ve been pretty busy with shooting photos in the downtown area of Johannesburg, with skaters and random people alike.  Trying to put together a story of life on the streets of Johannesburg.  There’s so much to photograph and interact with, so many different kinds of people and skaters, all hangin out and goin about their daily routine.  It’s an adventure in itself.  Here are some of the shots I took this last weekend.

I just recently replaced all my camera gear after it all got stolen a couple months back.  I used my insurance money to upgrade my camera to the Canon 1D Mark IV.  I have to say, I’m completely blown away by it and it and can’t wait to shoot more photos with it!  My first real use of the camera was a live shot with these guys from Z&G.  It was a late show with difficult lighting but it allowed me to explore the shutter burst of this beast of a camera.  Here are some of my favorite shots from the evening.

I first met Tim at an exhibition I was doing last December, we chatted for a brief moment about some photography stuff and he showed me some of his photos on his phone.  Months later, I was skating the local skate park close to my house and saw him there, carving through the park with the unmistakable style of someone that has been familiar with a skateboard their entire life.  We have since then skated together many times and shared many laughs.  I shot these photos of Tim doing a Melon Grad over his Vespa last Friday, he broke himself and couldn’t skate the rest of the weekend but I’m sure he’ll agree that it was well worth it!  Tim is also an amazing wedding photographer!

Check out Tim’s Photography work at www.timmoolmanphotography.co.za. 

Some friends of ours recently opened a coffee shop in the downtown area of Johannesburg.  It’s a cool spot to relax or meet up with some friends and sip some of the best poured coffee in town.  I love it there and love their coffee!  Our Saturdays have become a regular visit since their opening!  I shot these photos there this last Saturday and I’m already looking forward to goin back!  Post is situated on 70 Juta Street in Braamfontein so make your way down there and get your fix.