By Katlego Sekhu
Starting his day on 959 Breakfast with Dineo Ranaka and Sol Phenduka is award-winning South African photographer Austin Malema.
Malema has photographed all the biggest names you can imagine from Connie Ferguson to David Beckham.
He tells 959 Breakfast that it was in grade 7 that he made the choice that he wanted to be in the entertainment industry.
“I thought I would be a director,” he says.
“I really enjoyed watching films. When I got into high school I didn’t apply anywhere. The only school could get into was AFDA.”
After completing his degree at AFDA, Malema was appointed as a junior lecturer.
Being a photographer wasn’t really part of the plan, it happened by chance.
“I was trying to make extra money on the side and all the personalities that I wanted to meet. The easiest way to meet people was to go to events and photograph there.”
He started shooting videos at parties and events but soon realised that it required more time and effort compared to doing photography.
“I solely focused on doing stills and tried to make the most money out of it. I studied cinematography and I got to understand how cameras function.”
Listen to Austin Malema on 959 Breakfast with Dineo Ranaka and Sol Phenduka.
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