“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.“
—Oprah Winfrey
Passion is what kept Commercial Photographer Tlotlisang “Skwe” Lehlwesa going. He described himself as a humble, wiser, strong and passionate person.
Skwe shared his journey, motivation, inspiration and challenges he faced while shaping himself to be a Commercial Photographer.
People who know his work can identify by spotting his spectacular aerial shots because he is well known as a great Drone operator.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Tlotlisang was born and bred in Sterkspuit, Eastern Cape later him and his family moved to Gauteng province in 2001. He went to Moshoeshoe Primary then matriculated in H.B Nyathi Secondary school.
He furthered his studies at Ekurhuleni East College where he completed his N6 Management Assistant course and has successfully archived competence against national certificate in information Technology: System Support (NQF 5).
TLOTLISANG’S JOURNEY
He discovered that photography was what he wanted to do back in 2016 after he attended a mentorship programme. He explained that in that moment photography spoke to his soul then he decided to take free photography classes at City for two years.
“My passion drives me through my inspiration”
—Tlotlisang
Like any other successful photographer, Skwe’s journey also had challenges and criticisms he has faced. The challenges and criticisms in the photography field had play a huge role in his life as it has given him a chance to improve more and get a clear direction to move forward.
“Honestly, in photography, making yourself comfortable in Auto mode doesn’t make you utilize your potential fully”
—Tlotlisang
Tlotlisang started capturing pictures with his DSLR camera, where he also learned camera features and settings like speed, aperture and ISO until he mastered them. This knowledge resulted to him taking control of his camera and take high quality pictures.
INTEREST IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Tlotlisang has so many things that interest him when it comes to photography. He mentioned that the process of getting to the location, setting up, making the exposure, seeing the end result and getting a “wow” reaction, recognition and positive feedback coming from the clients, it is what interest him most.
“Other photographer’s work and the thought behind it also interest me.”
—Tlotlisang
He further explained that his interest in photographers does not only lies on how the picture was taken but also to the reason, science, the reaction of people to composition, exposure, techniques, just to name the few.
GREATEST ACHIVEMENTS
Skwe has his photography exhibition displayed at Springs Art Gallery following the successful completion of photography course ai City.
His passion drove to a point where he decided to launch his business in photography/videography which works on big special events like weddings, conferences, church ceremonies just to name the few.
His company is known as Skwe Media Production and was launched in 2017.
Tlotlisang was honoured with an Award of Media and Entertainment in Ekurhuleni
was featured in Inside Education newspaper article as one of the 100 Ekurhuleni Shinning Stars.
Tlotlisang also teaches young children from his township how to operate drone and cameras, he said it just his way of giving back to the community.
Tlotlisang stressed the fact that technology is evolving every day, today there are less common Sony mirror cameras but he still considers Canon 5D mark 111 and IV camera because it is still the best portrait and landscape camera in the professional world. It takes and runs for ever wonderful pictures. This is used by most photographers.
“As a beginner photographer I know many tend to be visual, don’t go crazy buying the most expensive equipment right way just focus and capture nice photos. Know that the photos you take the more you know what type of camera you need to get when, it’s time to upgrade. Consider great lenses and enjoy the learning process. Use advantage of free resources to learn.”
Tlotlisang’s advice to a novice photographer
To see more of Tlotlisang’s work you can follow him on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram
Snap the moment 