We recently partnered with Canon and KFM to give Alan Rudnicki, an inspiring creative always ready to share his passion for photography and the city of Cape Town, a much-deserved surprise – the Canon 1200D Twin Lens Kit! This 44 year old photographer has been a Medic in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the past 26 years and has been taking photos of our beautiful city and sharing it via social media freely before catching the attention of KFM. We’re definitely looking forward to following Alan and his new DSLR camera as he progresses to the next chapter of his photographic journey.
The Interview
1. When and why did you start taking pictures?
I developed an interest in Photography quite a few years back. With today's cell phones it’s become so much easier and convenient to capture that "perfect shot" having a 'mobile camera' - and the rest is history. For me, it's a hobby and as a Medic in the EMS for so many years it is my "escape" from all the sadness and tragedy I experience on a day-to-day basis at work. But I still love my job even after all these years.
2. What’s your favourite subject to shoot?
My favourite photographs to shoot are sunsets, landscapes and insects.
3. What’s your favourite image you’ve ever captured and why?
I have quite a few 'favourite shots' but this one was more personal. I was taking photos of the sunset at Lagoon Beach in the Milnerton area and this young girl came up to me. She had Down Syndrome and said she loved my photography while looking at my cell phone pictures as I was shooting. She asked if I could take a photo of her and whilst she was jumping up she yelled "hello" at the top of her voice. She came over to look at the photo and when I showed it to her, she gave me a huge smile like it had made her day!
What was even greater for me was that her Mom had seen it in here Facebook feed after one of her friends had shared it from my Facebook page and realised it was her daughter. She then send me a direct Facebook message to say thank you and tell me how happy it made her.
4. Have you had any formal training?
I have absolutely no formal training in photography. I have used my cell phone to take all of these posted pics.
5. Any advice for those starting out?
As long as it's a passion and you enjoy it, the world is your oyster.
6. What’s next on the photographic horizon for you?
I have been told I have "an eye" for photography so I suppose that helps a bit but I love capturing the beauty in our stunning city and country. Especially seeing the pleasure it gives to others as well. Now, after being given an amazing camera by Cameraland SA and KFM, I intend to continue taking photos and well, I will see where it takes me. For me, photography brings joy and personal happiness and that's what is important in my life.
7. 3 Photos | 3 Stories Feature – Three of your photos with your favourite “what was happening” story that goes along with them
DRAGON FLY
I found this beautiful dragonfly in a stream in Betty's Bay, Western Cape a few months back. It kept flying off and returning to where I sat. After each shot I took it flew away and, a few seconds later, returned to the same rock to be photographed again. There is so much hidden beauty in a 'simple' insect that we take for granted.
TABLE MOUNTAIN
Even as a storm approaches the Western Cape shoreline, and causes much flooding and destruction, the beauty behind Mother Nature is absolutely spectacular!
SUNSET
One if my favourite shots by far. I happened to notice this guy sitting on the edge of the shoreline. Maybe just admiring the ocean or the beautiful sunset, I’ll never know. A mother and her child walked by and looked back just as I captured the shot. Just something about the photo makes one think of so many things. For me, I wanted to capture the beauty of the sun being admired - how even passers-by had to take a second glance. What an amazing Sunset it was.
