Featured photographer: Inge Prins

Now this is a real treat, I got to do a quick interview with a powerful and well known name in South African, and international, photography; Inge Prins. She is published, has exhibited across the globe and still calls the south of Africa her home. Here is a little bit more about her and her work:

In your opinion, what is the secret behind or biggest contributor towards your success?

"Hard work and commitment."

How did you get into photography?

"I wanted to be a photographer since the age of 9. It has been my lifelong obsession. My father was a great photographer and we often had family slide shows at home. His images projected onto a large screen moved and inspired me. When I realized that photography nicely combined two of my main interests; art and science, I was hooked."

What inspired you to go into the photographic industry?

"I have always wanted to be a photographer."

What are you most proud of professionally and why?

"I am proud of managing to work for international clients and local clients. Working for international clients has allowed me to travel and see and work in interesting places that I otherwise would not have been able to visit."

How would you describe your photographic style? How has this style developed over time?

"I do not believe in having a photographic style. I try to avoid having a style at all cost. I believe more in developing myself as a person and aim to let my personality shine through my work and that giving my work its particular "flavor"."

What would be/ has been your dream project/ dream client?

"I shot a recipe book in France - got to live in a beautiful Chateau for almost two weeks , photographing and eating delicious food."

How does the photographic industry/creative industry differ from those in Europe? Do you find it difficult to adapt or is the transition easy between the two? If so, why do you think it is easy?

"All creative industries differs - even the different European countries. I do not like to generalize differences. But I do feel that the industry in Europe is more professional and the standard of work produced often higher ( generally speaking) perhaps due to the fact that the market in Europe is so much more competitive because of the scale - there are so many more people in Europe - and even within the industry - many more photographers competing for work etc. I also think the South African market is more conservative (in general)

I see myself as a world citizen and try not to think from within frameworks or borders. Photography is a universal language - people all over can read images. I do not find it hard to work for local and international clients - I treat each job and client as a new challenge.

The South African creative industry is growing fast - and I hope and believe it can retain its own character if it stops looking to europe or compare itself with other creative industries. We all need to work with ourselves and start there - we have our own personal magic that is unique. I like the phrase "think locally, act globally"."

What is the one thing about Cape Town or South Africa that inspires you and/or your work?

"The big mix of people / cultures / ideas / ways of thinking."

What is your creative mantra?

"Live and work and look from your heart space. Be honest and true to your own unique being - always."

Any recent news you'd like to share?

"My new website has just gone live at http://www.ingeprins.com/.

I just moved into a beautiful studio space in Cape Town city centre called The Ground Floor, which I share with another photographer and an Art Director. The studio is situated near equipment rental suppliers, wardrobe rental houses, prop houses and model agencies. It has beautiful daylight. We rent it out to third parties Here is a map - http://bit.ly/oG7xJh."

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