A Grade 9 Kingswood College pupil snapped a photo in Port Alfred that’s left South Africans in awe. The heartwarming part? People loved it so much they are encouraging her to enter it into competitions!

Port Alfred, South Africa (06 March 2024) — A Grade 9 Kingswood College pupil has left South Africans in awe after she captured Mother Nature at her finest in the Eastern Cape’s Port Alfred.

Shared by her school, Siré Schoncken’s photo captures a bolt of lightning, rolling waves and a looming grey cloud on a deserted part of the beach.

Beyond the breathtaking photo, there’s heart to this story in just how encouraging South Africans were in their responses to the budding photographer’s moment in the lightning light. On social media, comments ranged from backing Siré to enter her work into a competition all the way to nods of agreement that this student has a future in photography.

Siré’s mom Desica shared that her daughter is “beyond excited about the reaction of her photo.”

Captured on a Samsung phone camera, locals can’t wait to see what this budding photographer might be capable of with professional gear.

In any creative field (especially for young creatives), encouragement can be the difference between giving your talents a go or pushing them to the side. And seeing how many strangers were so kind to a young talent made our hearts very warm today.

Sources: Kingswood College

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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One of the most-anticipated global gallery events of the year is dedicating its entire exhibition, ‘Human Stories’ to South African photographers!

London, United Kingdom (04 August, 2023) — Across the world, cultures intersect, inspire and enchant one another. So, it only makes sense that this year’s ‘Human Stories’ series by NOW Gallery in London is dedicating its 2023 event to one of the most culturally rich places on Earth—South Africa through the lenses of South African photographers.

As one of the most exciting exhibitions of its kind worldwide, Human Stories has become a highly anticipated event showcasing the names to know in the world of photography, and we couldn’t be more proud to see South Africa’s up-and-coming in the spotlight, together for the ‘Young South Africa’ exhibition.

From October to November, six South African photographers will take the gallery’s centre stage; each documenting the culture they have experienced in South Africa through visual tellings.

South African Photographers in the Spotlight

• Bee Diamondhead
• Fede Kortez
• Aart Verrips
• Nikki Zakkas
• Anita Hlazo
• Ben Moyo
• Karabo Mooki

The exhibition is spotlighting artists who capture ‘creative empowerment’; which is something worth fighting for and worth getting excited about! Despite all the challenges we face as South Africa, creativity continues to grow through the cracks, enriching all of us locals (and global onlookers) in return.

Each of the photographers will bring a different perspective to the exhibition; from Anita Hlazo’s Nganga through a fashion lens to Joburg’s Nikki Zakkas who narrates her work uniquely through her subject’s cultural riches.

Then there’s Aart Verrips and the idea of the Rainbow Nation reimagined through different forms of self-expression.

“’We are thrilled to feature exceptional South African talent in sharing their creativity through lived experiences. The show will reflects a fresh creative agency that embodies the evocative music culture, distinct sense of identity, and political articulation of the young people of South Africa.”—Kaia Charles, curator.

Sources: NOW Gallery

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The World Sports Photography Awards recognize the most captivating and emotional moments frozen in time by talented photographers from around the globe.

Global (03 August 2023) – In the world of sports, there’s something magical about freezing a moment in time through photography. That’s precisely what Patrick Smith of Getty Images achieved with his breathtaking shot, taking us on a journey of wonder and awe.

The World Sports Photography Awards, an esteemed global competition, showcased 24 winning images that transcended the boundaries of sports categories. From American Football to Basketball, Cycling to Gymnastics, and Football to more, these stunning visuals conveyed the very soul of each discipline.

This year, over 700 professional sports photographers from a staggering 70 countries submitted their work. The result was a collection of heart-stopping action shots and powerful depictions of teamwork and perseverance. From elite athletes to grassroots champions, these images are bound to elevate your sports coverage and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Created to honour the artistry and dedication of sports photography, the World Sports Photography Awards are the pinnacle of recognition in this field. More than a mere snapshot, these photographs tell riveting stories of emotion, passion, athleticism, and unwavering focus, elements that lie at the core of every sport. Now in its fourth edition, the World Sports Photography Awards continue to attract the world’s finest sports photographers. With a distinguished panel of judges from sports, media, politics, brands, and creative industries, these awards celebrate the incredible artistry behind sports images.

One of the highlights this year was the inclusion of entries from the “Pro” space, bringing fresh perspectives and raising the bar for future participants.

As Sophie Collins, Chief Marketing Officer at MPB and a judge for the 2023 awards, remarked, “As a judge, and as a sponsor of the 2023 ‘World Sports Photography Awards’ I was incredibly impressed by the quality of this year’s entries. The art of photography is about encapsulating emotions and feelings in an instant, and being able to tell a compelling story which aims to inspire the spectator long after they’ve experienced it. It’s been exciting to see the new entries in the ‘Pro’ space being shortlisted for the awards too as they have elevated the expectations for next year’s participants!”

In essence, the World Sports Photography Awards not only honour exceptional photographers but also immortalize the essence of sports in every frame. It’s a celebration of the beauty, dedication, and inspiration that sports bring to our lives. So, as we continue to marvel at these extraordinary images, we eagerly look forward to the next edition, where the bar will undoubtedly be raised even higher!

Check out all images below:

Sources: South African Football Association; Banyana Banyana

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Capturing Sporting Emotions: World Sports Photography Awards Unveiled! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A budding photographer from KZN is behind the photos that captured a nation and the world—’Miss Albany’. The pictures have surpassed viral status at over a million views, but this was no commercial campaign. Here’s the special story behind the project:

South Africa (13 July, 2023) — By now most people with social media access have seen a dose of pure joy pop up on their screens thanks to the viral ‘Miss Albany’, AKA the ‘Albany Bread Girl’.

You’d be forgiven for thinking this was some kind of campaign paid for by Albany, but the full story behind the viral photos and video is worlds away from corporate photography.

Its story begins with a budding photography student, Lungisa Mjaji who hails from KwaZulu-Natal. As a recently enrolled photography student at the Tshwane University of Technology, Mjaji was tasked with a university assignment which led him to a life-changing idea.

His project, ‘My Footprint’ aimed to capture elements of rural South Africa in a different, joyful light.

Mjaji’s mother was fully behind his creative journey, funding the bread for the shoot as the photographer shared.

Miss Albany is the photographer’s 3-year-old niece who happily agreed to be the model for the project. Anointed with a proudly South African prop, little Lethukukhanya Mjaji quickly became the face of a South African moment everyone can relate to—the joy of simplicity.

With a beaming smile like hers against the backdrop of muddy waters, it wasn’t long until the photos and videos blew up and captured South Africans as well as global onlookers, receiving millions of views.

Something about the pureness of her smile against a backdrop that is far from glossy reminded South Africans of our nation’s spirit.

Since the photos broke the internet in the best way, people have demanded billboards and for Lethukukhanya to become the face of the brand.

In fact, she has resonated so much with people that artists have even dedicated creations to her.

This has to one of the best story to unfold of a series of pictures captured buy Lungisani Mjaji. Realistic and true reflection of daily realities

The girl with a Albany loaf of bread. pic.twitter.com/C2ACRosMRW

— Ennock Mlangeni (@ennockmartZA) July 11, 2023

Thanks to Mjaji and the magic his photography created, both he and his niece now have better opportunities in life. Albany has reportedly even given them both gifts, and the next step we’re all rooting for is a billboard!

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Photos that Captured a Nation: The Special Story Behind Miss Albany appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A fire that started yesterday in the Bainskloof Valley has entered into it’s second day as strong winds have fanned the flame. Justin Sullivan was on the scene and captured photos of our heroic firefighters in action.

A fire that stated mid-morning in the Bainskloof Valley quickly spread yesterday due to high velocity winds and challenging undulating terrain. I spent the .

Teams from Cape Winelands DM, Cape Nature, WOF, VWS and the Red Ants were deployed alongside the NCC crews to protect property and secure the flanks.

“The fire in Bainskloof pass spread rapidly due to the extreme weather conditions despite the valiant effort of our fire teams. Fire crews were unable to contain the fire as it came down at Arc n Ciel and Kranskop and sections of Orchards and olive groves were damaged. We were unable to use aerial support due to the prevailing gusting winds conditions. Additional ground teams have been deployed to try and contain the fire which is now burning high up in the Kranse.”

“We have no reported injuries, all our resources are stretched to the limit, fire fighting operations will continue and we are expect the extreme weather conditions to prevail throughout the day.”

Justin Sullivan has been exploring photography in the greater Cape Town region for the past 2 years, broadening his expertise in Documentary Photography – specialising in Cape Wild Fires.

After completing his secondary schooling at the all-boys-boarding school Michaelhouse, Justin studied Development & Environmental Studies at the University of Stellenbosch. Justin completed majors in Geography & Environmental Studies, Public & Development Management, and a half-major in Sociology.

Sullivan now focusses his work on highlighting contemporary issues within South Africa, using photography to display insights into an unknown world. His documentary work from numerous Wild Fires around Cape Town has been highly recognised both locally and internationally, with various publications for print and online media.

Sullivan spent the night with NCC hotshot crews as they tackled the right flank up the mountain:

Sources: Justin Sullivan

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This July, Cafe Art, a UK based initiative that allows the homeless to express themselves through art & photography, gave 100 Fujifilm disposable cameras to the homeless in London…

Basic training was provided by the Royal Photographic Society, & then the camera recipients were asked to take photos with the theme “My London.”

Eighty of the one-hundred cameras were returned and around 2,500 photos were developed.

20 photos were chosen by judges from Fujifilm, Amateur Photographer, the London Photo Festival, Christie’s, & Homeless Link.

Presently, there is a Kickstarter campaign to turn some of these photos into a 2016 calendar.

“All the money raised goes back into the project,” Cafe Art says, “either to pay for the printing of the photographs and calendar, rewarding the winning photographers, buying art materials for art groups affected by homelessness or helping individuals attend art courses.”

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