Surf Durban. Surf photos by Celeste Jacobs
Tell as a bit about yourself?
First things first: I live on the Bluff and have got to say – I LOVE IT! I have my soul mate (Karl) and 2 dogs (Judge and Jury) that keep me on my toes and keep my life interesting. Karl and I both surf and love spending time outdoors.
If we are not in the water, we are usually outdoors, walking the dogs or just enjoying life. I am lucky enough to wake up every morning and have an amazing unobstructed view over the ocean. No day goes by without me acknowledging how special that is! Photography is something I love, and have always loved, but it is kinda just a hobby since I do also have a full time job in tourism, working from home, with some travel in between.
To me, I have the perfect life and could not ask for more.
When did you discover you have a passion for photography?
From the moment I knew about cameras, I loved taking pictures. Everyone always told me I was trigger-happy and took photos of everything. I believed I was capturing memories. Nowadays, when I look back at all the photos, I am really glad I took them.
They are always a topic of conversation or spark up a memory of things we got up to when we were out and about jolling or just having a braai or a rugby get together. I also realized that it was a passion when I landed up spending one of my first hard earned salaries on purchasing a camera, it was like I had purchased a large piece of gold – I was so possessive of it!
What’s your favorite form of photography, example: Photographing landscapes, objects, people etc. and why this particular form?
To be honest, I enjoy all types of photography – you have to keep challenging yourself to be creative and keep the spark alive at looking for new things to photograph in a unique way. Since I do surf, I really, really enjoy taking surf pics. But at the end of the day, family shots, kids birthdays, landscapes – if you want it shot, I will shoot it. The only thing I am not that into are weddings … strange I know, but its just me.
What camera and accessories do you currently use?
I have a canon 450D EOS with a 18-55 Canon lens that I use for every day kinda shots and a 120-400 Sigma lens that I love using for surfing shots. I use a monopod for stability.
What makes your photography different to other photographers’ work?
I believe that all photographers have their own unique style. I simply like to capture people in their most natural state. I am not a “smile for the camera” type of photographer and I do not like people that are trying to strike a pose. I enjoy getting people to do funny things and then capture the moment when they least expect it. I find these kinds of photos very special as the client also does not know what to expect because they do not know what I am taking a photo of. The main thing I want to get across is, relax, have fun and leave the rest up to me.
Photos and information provided by CelesteSharonPhotography – Celeste Jacobs
Do you have any advice to anyone wanting to become an amateur photographer?
Get out there and shoot. You have got to play around with your camera and get to know all the functions and what they do. Take your friends and do shoots with them to get extra practice, nothing falls into our laps without some effort put in. Believe in yourself and follow your own unique style and don’t mislead people because if they put their trust in you to capture a special occasion, you really do not want to ruin those special memories by having misled them. Have fun and ensure that your client is having fun too.
What features do you normally like to shoot in, “most of the time” (manual, RAW, AV, TV etc.) and why do you use this specific setting most of the time?
I like RAW and AV for very simple reasons. RAW gives you the opportunity to adjust a few more things on the photo if you have perhaps misjudged it when shooting. This might come in handy if it is your only shot of something and by adjusting it you can save the shot! AV because I love playing with depth of field – it adds something to a photo that really stands out to me. Sometimes having a person in the front blurred and a perfect clear wave in the background is just stunning – it really makes that wave stand out as your main focus in the picture!
For more information contact Celeste Jacobs celeste_jacobs2002@yahoo.com or 0825989083
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