For more info on Sharyn Hodges and her work:
Web: sharynhodges.co.za
Instagram: @sharynhodges
Twitter: @sharyn_hodges
Facebook: Sharyn Hodges Photography
Our featured Instagrammer for the month of September is Sharyn Hodges, i.e. @sharynhodges. Based in the picturesque setting of Plettenberg Bay, this photographer has a casual and relaxed style that will quietly set you at ease and put you in awe as you scroll through her Instagram gallery. Her landscape photography is captured with the a subtly romantic flare guaranteed to make you fall in love with the shot, ready your suitcase and set sail for the coast!
The Interview
1. What gear do you use? What do you use most: DSLR or Smartphone?
I use my Nikon D750 for most of my photography. I am currently using two Smartphones, the LG G4 and Huawei P8, they are used for my cupcake and coffee run photos, down time selfies with my friends and, of course, Instagram Stories.
2. When and why did you start taking pictures?
To be honest, I can't remember exactly when I started taking photos, but I worked on the Royal Caribbean - Voyager of Seas (a Cruise Liner) in 2010/2011. I was exposed to so many new cultures and countries, that I really wanted to document everything I saw and tasted. Royal Caribbean offered two spots for their staff on every excursion. I went whenever I could. My nickname on the Voyager was "The Tourist".
3. When did you start your account and why Instagram?
I started Instagram in December 2012 and honestly I had no idea what I was doing, I was one of those people who posted like 20 images in a ROW and didn't quite grasp the concept of Hashtags. Then, in July 2013, Knysna Oyster Festival was hosting an InstaWalk with Gareth Pon, Scrumpy Jackson and Heather Summers (of course, I had NO idea who these people were), but the company I was working for at that stage needed me to cover that event. And, well, the rest is history as they say.
4. What's your favourite image you've posted and why?
Oh my word, that is like asking which is my favourite child. They say a photograph says a 1000 words and I think this image is probably the one for me that gets really close to 1000 words. This Lion Portrait of Alan was taken at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary (@saasa_jukani), Alan was posing like a real model, looking up, looking down and from side to side and then, all of a sudden, he looked straight at me and it was such an incredible moment that I almost forgot to push the shutter! I only pushed it once and this was the photo. I get goose bumps every time I look at that photo purely because I felt like we had a moment. He wanted to eat me and I was in awe.
5. Are there any photo apps that you would recommend?
I use VSCOcam and Snapsneed.
6. Have you had any formal photography training?
No, everything is 100% self taught.
7. Would you classify yourself as a hobbyist or pro? If hobbyist, what's your 9-5?
Ha, I struggle with term "pro". I am constantly learning and trying new techniques and editing styles, but yes, I get paid to take photographs and I am a social media specialist, which basically means I run social media accounts for clients.
8. Instagrammer you most admire?
Another difficult one, there are so many amazing photographers out there and to pick one is really difficult. So check out @deancothill, @louwlemmer, @jscottish, @livingitrural and @kpunkka.
9. Any advice for those just starting out?
Photography is art and art is never wrong. There are so many different styles out there so develop your own unique way of photographing, editing and storytelling. Photograph every day and don't worry about how many followers and likes you are getting. It will drive you insane. Attend InstaWalks or PhotoWalks and steal with your eyes and ears. Look how some people set up a photo, listen to what they are saying to their models. You can really learn so much from just observing.
10. 3 Photos | 3 Stories Feature
"Cape Town Aerial"
This photo has such a story, I was working in Cape Town following a French Contingent around. One of the activities was to go out on a power boat from Hout Bay and the skipper assured me my camera equipment would be safe. Well, I can tell you that by our first stop my camera bag was drenched with water and, yeah, very emotional as you can imagine. My best friend was actually in the CBD when I messaged her and she and her boyfriend drove to Simonstown with a rented Nikon D750 so that I could continue to work. I'm so lucky to have amazing people in my life! The last activity of the day was a Helicopter tour from Cape Point back to the V & A Waterfront and the conditions were perfect as you can see here. So from crying 6 hours before thinking my world has ended to witnessing and taking this photograph, it is a constant reminder that even when disaster has struck it will still be okay.
"Hay Bales"
I've always wanted to photograph the Hay Bales and last year during December, my friend and I went to Cape Town for one day (we made sure we made the most of it: we visited the Penguins, drove along Chapman's Peak, sunset at Maiden's Cove and sunrise at Bloubergstrand). There was an InstaWalk planned and she was the special guest. So, on our way back from Cape Town we just had to stop and play around in this field, the clouds rolling in looks like snow and, again, a photo with lots of memories.
"My Happy Place"
There is something so special about Robberg Nature Reserve, that I really can't get enough of it. To be able to share this beauty with someone that will appreciate it as much as I do is really a fulfilling feeling, i.e. knowing that your photographs has inspired someone to want to see Robberg.
