Cyril Zuma On Photography, Founding iStockAfrica And His Dream For 2019

Cyril Zuma / 30 / Portrait, Lifestyle, Events & Wedding Photographer / Founder of iStockAfrica

You’re a young male photographer making moves, how has your journey 
been so far?
My journey in photography has been amazing, photography has helped me travel to parts of Africa I never thought I would see as a boy who grew up in Pietermaritzburg. I have been doing photography professionally for 4 years and only now I can truly call myself a photographer. Like any other field, it has its challenges that can be overcome with focus and consistency.

Where did the love for photography begin?
It began when my late mother bought me a photojournalism book for my birthday, it didn’t make sense until I bought my first camera and started practicing on family members and friends. Growing up in Pietermaritzburg I never had school photos or photos of myself as a toddler. That sparked a whole lot more interest in the field of photography.

How does a typical day look like for you?
First thing’s first, I pray then I respond to emails and check the news. Check up on the iStockAfrica team on what needs to be done for the day and week. If I am not on set, I am either somewhere pitching for new business or editing, which takes up most of my time.

What kind of photography style would you describe your work to be?
I started out as a street portrait photographer so my style stems from shooting a lot of strangers in the streets. I have since grown fond of lifestyle, event and wedding photography.

Biggest project you got to work on?
Every project is big and I treat it as such. There are so many elements that need to come together before, during and after a shoot that make it all nerve-wrecking and exciting. ‘Till this day I still get nervous before every shoot, thankfully I have a team that helps me prepare and stay ahead. It is worth mentioning that we were lucky enough to win the Flight Centre South Africa account to shoot stock images for a couple of their brands.

Ultimate photography job for you would be?
Geez, hahaha! I haven’t thought about it, however building iStockAfrica is my ultimate job at the moment. As a new player in stock imagery, there are a lot of things I am learning and discovering.

The one thing that separates you from other photographers in the 
industry is?
I struggle with this question, can we skip it hahaha! Being a “new comer” gives me the advantage to learn a lot from the guys I look up to and a lot of photographers are really scared to ask because it is an industry with a lot us working in silos. I am not afraid to ask questions if I do not know, nor do I limit myself to one certain style of photography. If it is cool and I vibe with it, then I will learn about it and implement it.

What’s your dream for 2019?
The dream is having the ultimate dream team at iStockAfrica. One of my personal goals is shooting a magazine cover, it eluded me last year, somehow I have a feeling it is coming this year.

Where and how can people contact you for your services?
Email: bookings@istockafrica.co.za
Instagram: cyrilzuma
Twitter: @cyrilzuma

 

Follow Cyril!

Instagram: @cyrilzuma

Twitter: @cyrilzuma

Facebook: Cyril Mxolisi Zuma

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Pearl Shongwe On Her Journey In The Broadcast Industry And What’s Still To Come

Pearl Shongwe / 31 / TV & Radio News Anchor / Host of the most impactful youth leadership show on the continent, One Day Leader / Voice Over Artist / MC & Facilitator

How did you mould your way into the broadcast industry?

From winning a radio talent search competition in 2010, I’ve come a long way.  It’s taken a lot of hard work, dedication, networking, failure, rejection and a lot of patience! I’ve tried not to plan too much in my journey, I have set my eye on things I have wanted to accomplish and worked steadily from there. I follow my gut and I allow myself time to grow into whatever role I’m in. Being authentically me and not allowing myself to succumb to pressure has helped me stay true to my cause. It has not been easy and I’m grateful that my journey hasn’t been the smoothest because my character and who I am now is better for it. A lot of the skills that I possess have had to be self-taught, which is one of the things I remain profoundly proud of!

 

Your schedule is probably demanding, how do you keep focused?

There is a lot of demand on my time but with everything I do, my secret is to talk myself into staying present, so that I don’t miss out on any experience and any opportunity to be grateful. It’s so easy to fall into ‘auto-pilot’ mode and so it’s become imperative for me to take it one show at a time, one voice recording at a time, one shoot at a time, etc and be fully present so that I can deliver the best standard of work possible. I have been working 7 days a week for several years now and yes, it gets exhausting. It is especially difficult because I miss a lot of family and friends time but I think I’m getting better at managing that now, especially this year. I have learnt to manage my time more efficiently.  That also comes with sacrifices like saying “no” to paying gigs!

 

What have you learnt on your journey in the industry so far?

That it’s so important to do things your way, in your own time and pace. People will try and mould you into their own ideas of who you are and what you should be doing, and when. It’s not necessary to live up to anyone else’s expectations except your own. Rejection is part of the game. Deal with it. Do your best, audition, get better, take notes, practice and perfect it! Do what you can, until you can do what you want. Also, never forget why you started and always pay it forward.

Biggest moment you’ve had?

There have been so many! I’m gushing just thinking about a few of them! It’s impossible to single out just one. My most stand out Television moments include what was the very first time I was booked as a field reporter at the 2014 Carling Cup, making my debut on SABC’s longest running breakfast show, ‘Morning Live’, and working alongside Kass Naidoo on the Rio 2016 Paralympic show. Also, signing off at the end of my first news bulletin on Metro FM was a massive moment of sheer elation, joy, and satisfaction. I had dreamt about it for a very long time.

 

Look up to any one in the industry?

There are so many female broadcasters that I have immense respect for; Kass Naidoo, Ayanda Allie Payne, Azania Mosaka, Carol Bouwer, Oprah Winfrey, Lara Baldeserra, Bonang Matheba, and Gorja Calvin-Smith are at the top of my list but I also have a deep sense of admiration for women working behind the scenes in television including Desiree Markgraaff and Mmabatho Montsho who are such A-graders!

 

What’s the end goal after doing your part?

There’s a lot that I still want to achieve but I think one of my ultimate dreams is to own a TV and Film school in the township. Our children are so talented and need to be supported if they are passionate about the arts. I always think of what Oprah has done for our country to advance education and to provide better opportunities for young girl children here, it’s something that I think everyone should aspire to do; to contribute towards positively changing the trajectory of the future of our children. Our success is not our own, it is meant to build others up and to create a better reality for those who come after us! I also have a secret dream of being a diplomat and then retire in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands at 45!

Working on anything else in 2018 you’d like to share?

Not much. I lost my dad in January this year and I think my biggest commitment has been to try and focus on my healing journey and being there for my family.  It’s been a challenging time and I’ve just been showing up for all the current projects I have running without wanting to put myself under any pressure. I am an extremely ambitious woman, and though it’s been a little weird trying to allow myself to slow down, I’m actually okay with it. I am not complacent however and something exciting is definitely brewing for 2019, but I won’t say too much about it for now. All I can say is that I’m banking on it being a game-changer for me.

 

Talent, consistency and hard work, what do these things mean to you in your everyday work life?

Talent is not enough, consistency in itself is hard work and is tough to maintain and well, hard work pays off! Cliché but, it works! Whether you believe in working hard or smart – either way, work must be put in!

 

Strong, fearless females are usually seen as intimidating in society, how do you deal with that stigma within your work space?

I don’t think about it and so there’s nothing to deal with. I stand tall, go about my business and get the job done. I have no emotional capacity to deal with negativity or to try and nurse egos or even notice who is feeling what about my position. It’s simply a non-factor. There’s work to be done and I’m pretty good at shutting out the noise. Men or even women who feel intimidated should rather focus on their own journeys. Life’s too short to try and keep up with anyone else. Pearl Shongwe is busy working…are you?!

Follow Pearl!

Instagram: @pearlshongwe

Twitter: @Pearl_Shongwe

Facebook: Pearl Shongwe

 

–Bridgette Makhela