Over the weekend, I have the pleasure of heading down to Cascades MTB Park, to photograph The Greg Minnaar Rookie Series. I immediately jumped at the opportunity to photograph such an awesome event, back behind the camera, photographing what I love and where it all started!

The Enduro series is in its second season, after having an amazing first series last year.
It was also great to see some familiar faces I haven't seen in months or years thanks to the current Covid Pandemic. It was great to see cyclists of all ages and skill levels take on the 4 stage event. There was a little bit for everyone.

With the event split; from rookie riders (more novice to the sport) and Pro riders, everyone ad their own goals to chase and not try beat the GOAT (Greg Minnaar) himself down the hill.
What I personally find that makes Greg an absolute legend; it's not only because he's an absolute machine on the bike, but he's an absolute gentlemen off it. It was great to see him socialise with some of SA up and coming talent and give them guidance and motivation when they needed it.

It was fun to watch some athletes take the track by the horns and give it their all. From all the rains recently in KZN, the Cascades forest was unbearably humid, so I give full respect to everyone who took part! As in enduro, its not all about coming down the trails as fast as possible, you also need to ride to the top of them each time.

A massive congrats as well to our winning elite riders. Even though its a series focused on rookies, it was great to photograph your skills and bravery on the trails.

"There is a time and a season for everything." The words spoken by a true champion.
Cherie Redecker; the smiling face of cycling, announced that she will be stepping back from professional cycling from this year. Being a photographer, I have had the privilege of documenting her professional career, almost from when it began!

I mainly captured her years at the OMX Pro cycling team, but have had the chance to get a few snippets while she raced for other teams; both locally and abroad. I have also had the amazing opportunity to photographer her succeed at every level of cross country racing, from local KZN races, to National races to continual races and luckily some internal level races that have been raced on local soil.

One of the biggest highlights of my time photographing Cherie, was traveling down to Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, to capture her win the Elite Woman's National Tittle at the Cycling South Africa National Championships. I also got the honour of having my image of her crossing the line on the front page of various media agencies and Modern Cyclist magazine!

I can only assume that winning the national title was a huge highlight for Cherie as well, it was a spectacular course with spectators packed around the trails.
It is awesome to be a photographer, as we get to share those memories and emotions with the winners on the day!

It has been an absolute honour to photograph a part of your Professional Cycling Career Cherie. I have sadly missed out on the last 2 years due to the covid pandemic, but the chances I got to capture your memories has been great.

It is hard to believe; among all this Covid-19 crisis, that the new PSL season is about to get underway! With that in mind, I had the amazing pleasure of heading down to Harry Gwala to capture some Maritzburg United players as they unveil their new kit.

Their new kit is an evolution of last years kit; which was a drastic change from what the Team of Choice have been wearing for many years. But I really enjoyed photographing with the guys, having a laugh and just having a good morning out.

Along with the new kit launch, I had the honour of photographing Maritzburg's key new signings for the coming season. It should make for a great entertaining season, and hopefully with some relaxed regulations I will have the ability to capture some entertaining football.

Here's to a great new season!
To read the media release from the shoot, click here.

Family is everything, right?
I had the pleasure of capturing this adorable little girl's 2nd birthday!

It always brings a smile to my face, when I have the opportunity to photograph some priceless moments that will be treasured for a lifetime! It is always great to photograph such happiness, love and laughter in photos!

I love being able to document this amazing occasions, and I look forward to covering many more in the future!

Family is everything. Over the years I have had the amazing privilege of photographing some amazing families.

It always so amazing to photograph families sharing such love and smiles with one another; and at times, bringing families together who generally live far apart.

I look forward to shooting many more loving families in the future, photographing the love and joy and spreading it around the world.

It's Thursday, which means its time to reflect back on some of the amazing sporting related shoots I have done over the years in #ThrowBackThursday.

I have had the honour and privilege of photographing some of South Africa's and the worlds most talented athletes in action, capturing what they do best. It is always a goose bumps moment when it becomes your honour and responsibility.

I am extremely excited for many more years of spectacular photoshoots with even more talented and inspirational athletes. Thank you to all athletes and event organisers for always putting on such a spectacular show.

It is #MotivationMonday! After a fairly busy last few days, I took a bit of a break from the BOOGS' Blog, but its back!

Monday is always the start of a new week, which means new goals and new challenges! I personally take the chance to set myself some new motivational targets as well as look back at some of the motivational moments I have captured over the years.

I love staring the week enthusiastic and motivated to achieve new heights and smash new goals! I'm excited to see what this week brings.

It's Friday, which means it's the end of another working week for most people! This is great reason to take a deep breath, smile and enjoy your weekend.

Over the years; a various events, there have been many moments of fun and entertaining memories that everyone would remember for a life time. It's always such a pleasure to capture those moments of happiness and pure joy.

One of the most entertaining things to shoot particular on a Friday, is Maritzburg United taking on their various opponents at Harry Gwala in Friday Night lights. The Team of Choice are undefeated when playing at home on a Friday for longer than I can even remember!

Friday should be a time for families to get together; understandably under lockdown that maybe a bit hard. But it's time to take a deep breath and remember how blessed and grateful we all are!

It's so interesting to see how different organisations are structured and how they work. It's always awesome to work with them and get the images they have in mind, whether it be profile shots or "in action" photos.

I have had the pleasure of travelling all around the KZN, capturing a huge variety or organisations working in completely different working environments. I love this as I get to see a huge variety of careers at work and what other people love doing.

I can't wait to work with many more organisations in the future, capturing the ins and outs of their amazing companies.

It's the start of a brand new week, and that mean #MotivationMonday. Everyone needs a little bit of motivation to get their week going, so I thought I  would go through and find some positive images.

Taking photos can be so inspiring and motivational to both improve my images as well as myself, so I thought I would share a few to help inspire everyone too.

In the future I hope to take many more motivational images that can be treasured for years to come. Heres to a great motivational Monday and hoping that everyone is keeping safe.

It's Sunday, so why not make it a Sunday Fun day. One of my greatest joys of being a photographer, is photographing those fun moments that have the ability to make everyone smile. So I had a look through some of my shoots over the years, that were filled with fun, happy memories that everyone could have a laugh and smile at.

Happy memories last a life time, whether it be memories with family and friends or memories with mans best friend. They are all memories that I love to capture so that you have something to look back on many years down the line.

I can't wait to get out there and capture some more of those priceless memories that everyone can remember. Just remember to have a #SundayFunDay.

It's shout-out Saturday, and I just wanted to give a massive shout-out to all those athletes that have been affected in some shape or form by the current Covid-19 pandemic.

All major sporting events have ground to a halt during this time, forcing athletes into a tight spot as training becomes difficult to near impossible depending on your living situation. It is hard to believe that such a sporting nation like ours has managed to survive so long without any form of live sport.

But, now with easing some of the restrictions comes with some great excitement that many athletes can return to training. The next exciting step is that live games shall return. However in a controlled environment, but is great news for all the sporting super stars around the country. 

It is also great news for myself, as I am mainly an adventure sports focused photographer, a lot of my work has come to a complete stand still. I am extremely excited to get behind my lens again and capture these talented athletes back in action.

Everyone loves food, right? Over the years I have been fortunate enough to shoot some amazing restaurants, food as well as events that have some delicious food.

Food can sometimes be challenging to shoot, as photographing people eating food can sometimes be a bit unattractive, meanwhile making the food look good and delicious is the number one priority.

Food at sporting events can can also be vital to an athletes performance, from their hydration to what they eat, it all plays a roll in the outcome of the event. None was more present than when I shot the Absa Cape Epic, food and hydration stations were packed with delicious snacks and liquids that athletes could not resist. 

Everyone has their different favourites when it comes to what type of food they love, its great to see that we are all different, or life would be so boring. Food to me can be like photographing a master piece, someone went through a great amount of effort to create such master pieces for all of us to enjoy.

I look forward to hopefully capturing the ins and outs of many more restaurants in the future, as well as some amazing events that have some absolutely delicious food.

One of my ultimate passions in life; other than photography of course, is cars! It is something that has run through the blood lines in our family for many generations. This been said, when ever I get the opportunity to take any form of car related photos I get excited.

Whether it be old or new cars, I love them all! One of my greatest highlights was covering the Landy Festival a few years back, it was also great to bond with others who are so passionate about cars.

I have also been blessed to cover some formal functions where cars have been involved. This is extremely special as I know I'll be taking images that will last a life time. Its always combining two great passions to create some amazing photos.

I hope that in the future I can capture many more car related and other events involving cars!

Being an adventure sports photographer, I do have the amazing opportunities sometimes to photograph all around the country as well as photograph some high profile international athletes.

It makes someone realise what a beautiful country we live in, each and every area is unique and beautiful in its own way. Being in lock down has made me realise how much I miss capturing those stunning moments around the country.

Sometimes, you just need to look out the box to see the true beauty in everywhere you go. Sometimes, I don't think we realise how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful world.

It's is Monday, which can only mean one thing, it's time to take things to a whole NEW LEVEL. 
​

"If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life."

For me however, being mainly an event based photographer, a lot of my work is still on hold as sporting events and corporate functions have all been suspended or cancelled all together.

But, during lockdown as I'm sure you are aware, I have revamped my website with some fresh new content of some of the amazing jobs I have had the honour to shoot, and just that gives me motivation!
​

While going through images from over the years, it brought back so many happy memories I shared with my amazing clients, getting to share their special day with them! I can't wait to get back out there and cover some more amazing events.

I look forward to being back behind the camera soon, at some of the countries most amazing events.

A few weeks ago, I had the amazing honour to head down to Kings Park Stadium; in Durban' to cover the fun and exciting Santa Fun Run for THIRSTI.

Such a fun filled event, as participants ran in and around Kings Park Stadium; the home of the Sharks, and finishing it off with an awesome snow shower and a tasty THIRSTI water handed out by some of the Sharks players.

At the end of the event, I think I had just as much fun as everyone taking part. Brings me such joy to see so many happy people enjoying a great day out.

Until next time.

​Boogs

One of the pleasures being a photographer, is bringing a new look to a client. It brings me joy, trying to match the images the client has in mind for what they have been imagining and dreaming of what the final product will look like.

A few weeks ago, I had the amazing pleasure to partner up again with Society 7 to give an amazing company; Hellochoice, a new look. We were after something simple but professional, but at the same time something different. We played with the area in and around their offices, trying our best not to venture to0 far and rather use what we had.

It was a great afternoon spent with an awesome bunch of people. Here's too many more.

Until next time.

​Boogs

You know what they say, rather late than never! And seeming the Urban Challenge is this Friday, why not? A rather belated blog from an event I covered a few months back. I had the amazing pleasure of traveling down to Infinite Adventures; to cover the Waterra Adventure Race series.

Athletes and myself arrived at the event to the site and sounds of rain. I don't really mind the rain, as it generally adds an extra element and drama to images, but with the rain came the mud, a lot of mud!! I guess it wouldn't be an adventure race without any.

Well done to everyone who took part, it was a great pleasure to be there and capture you all in action.
A massive congratulations to all athletes that represented South Africa at World Champs a few weeks after, you all made South Africa very proud.

Good luck to all those racing this Friday at the Urban Challenge, make it one to remember!

Until next time.

​Boogs

This past Friday, I once again had the amazing opportunity to grab my camera and head down to Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, for a massive encounter between Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Team of Choice(Maritzburg United), have managed field an unbeatable team when it comes to playing on a Friday, whether it be home or away. The team have created a name for themselves, always finding away to either come out on top, or sharing the spoils with their opposition. 

On last Friday's version of Friday Night Lights, it was no different! After a very intense first half; that ended goalless, it was all to play for in the second half. The visitors opened the goal count in the second half, and then shortly after doubling their lead to have a 2 0 advantage over the Team of Choice. However, the boys in blue had a never say die attitude. After converting a penalty from the spot, Maritzburg eventually found their equaliser in referees added time after the 90 minutes. The game ended 2 2 with both teams sharing the spoils.

It is always such an unbelievable atmosphere at Harry Gwala Stadium, and its always such an honour to be there to capture the action. Next home game for the team will be on the 27th(My Birthday ;) )

Good luck to the team who will be playing away in the TKO Semi Finals.
To read the team's match report on how it went down, Click here.

Until next time.

​Boogs

I recently had the privilege of covering the annual ROAG Series awards dinner for another year. This year, the 2019 edition of the awards dinner was hosted at the spectacular Hilton Bush Lodge.

I have had the honour of photographing the annual function for the passed 3 years, each year the ROAG team find a way to out do themselves; this year was no different. It was great to capture those small details that take up so much time and effort that make an event better than before.

The event was fulled with laughter and excitement, as all award winners were praised for all their hard work throughout the season. The function also created an atmosphere of fun, as various games and challenges were held throughout the night to give away some lucky draw prizes.

A massive congratulations to all prize winners. It was great to capture and share such a special evening with you all.

For the full photo album, please click here.

Until next time.

​Boogs

The Team of Choice have created a fortress at Harry Gwala Stadium! I once again had the amazing privilege to capture Maritzburg United on route to another victory in the 2019/2020 season. 

The Team of Choice came out victors on Friday night's game against Highlands Park, after the match ended 1 - 1, Maritzburg got the better of their opponents from the penalty spot.

It is always such an honour and privilege to capture the team in action. The team move on the face Kaizer Chiefs away from home in the next round.
Good luck to the team who take on Olando Pirates tonight in the ABSA Premiership clash.

Until next time.

​Boogs

So... It's been a while!
2019 is flying by, it is scary to think we are in the final quarter of the year! However, I thought I would hit the pause button and share a stunning and unique event I had the pleasure over covering recently.
The Jump City Challenge, Stadium Dash took place recently in Durban. What makes this event so unique compared to other obstacle events, is that it managed to make use of most of Durban's top sporting stadiums!

Registration as well as the start and finish all took place within the Dome at Suncoast Casino, which made it easy for athletes to get to and from their transport when they finished their events. The Dome created such a festive atmosphere, which got everyone up on their feet, and in the mood to tackle the challenging 5km route.

Not only did the event have the opportunity to make use of some of KZN's iconic stadiums, it also had the opportunity to make use of the beautiful Durban beach front as well as the stunning city surroundings, making it a truly rememberable event for everyone who took part. The challenge also added in the additional curve ball, of finishing after the sun went down, adding additional thrill and excitement to an already awesome event.

Just like the majority of the athletes, I had an evening to remember! An event that is unlike any other! What a night! What an event!

Until next time!

​Boogs

This passed weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to be a photographer for Racefood at the 94th running of the Comrades Marathon. What an amazing brand and what an amazing race to be associated with. 

Before I start, I would just like to congratulate every single runner that took part, you all inspired myself and many others. A special congratulations to Gerda Steyn (RSA); who won and smashed the woman up run record, as well as Edward Mothibi (RSA); who took the honours in the men's event.

A bit like the athletes of the Comrades, our day started before the sun came up. It was great to see such great team, as everyone played their part in order to get everything ready before the first runners arrived. The thick mist compromised visibility and light, making setting up that little bit more of a test(Myself included). with all the challenges, everything was sorted and ready to go before any runners had arrived.

I had a great time, capturing the emotions of the day. I would like to give a special thank you to my amazingly talented Girlfriend(assistant); Rachel. who assisted me thought the entire day!

Next up is the SA XCO Cup Series at cascades this weekend. See you there!

Until next time.

​Boogs

From the 15-18th of May 2019, I had the amazing opportunity to be the official photographer at the Tour de Limpopo. The event room riders through some stunning roads that pass through the province of Limpopo.

The race been a UCI category 2.2 event, attracted riders and teams world wide, as everyone saw the opportunity to get their hands on some valuable UCI points, as well as prize money that went with it. This resulted in some tight unpredictable racing; that saw a different winner on each stage, as well as the leaders yellow jersey jumping onto the shoulders of 3 different riders throughout the duration of the Tour.

Each and every day, the morning starts with all athletes signing on; this is a way organisers can monitor who is still in the race and who has pulled out over night. It is a very basic process that is vital for the tour.

Stage 1 of the Tour de Limpopo, saw the riders take a 175km route from Bela Bela to Polokwane. The stage consisted of 3 sprints as well as 1 KOM hot spot. I had fun rushing between each spot, as well as stopping by the side of the road to capture the action. It was so exciting to photograph and watch how the racing unfolded through the day; from the heavily contested sprints to the drag up to the only KOM of the day. Even after such a punishing day, was great to see a small bunch sprint finish that saw defending champion Gustav Basson(TEAM TEG CONTINENTAL) take the honours.

Stage 2 saw a much quieter route from Polokwane to Tzaneen, with only 1 sprint and 1 KOM to speak of over the 96,6km route. However, even with less on the route profile, the stage include a hair raising decent about 15km from the finish. The stage ended up being a decisive day, with over night leader  Gustav Basson(TEAM TEG CONTINENTAL) taking a tumble shortly after the sprint that saw him fall out of reach of other GC hopefuls. The stage came down to another sprint finish, which saw Connor Brown(DIMENSION DATA FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM) narrowly nudge the win from fellow South African Clint Hendricks(TEAM PROTOUCH CONTINENTAL).

Stage 3 was a very interesting day for me behind the camera. The stage was 103km in length with no sprints and only 1 hot spot. The stage's party piece was a brutal finishing climb, that saw the peloton completely shatter. The climb up to The Old Coach House in Tzaneen, was the thorn in many GC hopefuls plans. With over night leader Connor Brown(DIMENSION DATA FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM) having been dropped earlier in the day, it was all to play for with anyone who remained. Unbelievably, the stage still came down to a sprint finish, with Samuele Battistella(DIMENSION DATA FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM) muscling his way passed Kent Main(TEAM PROTOUCH CONTINENTAL) and  Eric Manizabayo(BENEDICTION CYCLING TEAM - Rwanda) to grab the stage win as well as the GC overall.  

Stage 4; the final day of the tour, saw riders depart Tzaneen for Polokwane on a 116km route that followed the same route as stage 2 but in the other direction.  The stage consisted of 1 sprint and 1 KOM before finishing with some fast and furious laps around the streets of the Peter Mokaba Stadium. I had lots of fun bouncing too and from the constant breakaways and the main peloton. The stage came down to another sprint finish, with HB Kruger(TEAM ALFA BODYWORKS/GIANT) been pipped to the line by Clint Hendricks(TEAM PROTOUCH CONTINENTAL). 

A massive congratulation to all riders who managed to get it to the finish line after 4 brutal days of racing. And a special congratulations to all the category winners!

Overall:
1. Samuele Battistella(DIMENSION DATA FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM)
2. Kent Main(TEAM PROTOUCH CONTINRNTAL)
3. Connor Brown(DIMENSION DATA FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM)

Young Rider:
1. Samuele Battistella(Dimension Data FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM)
2. Connor Brown(DIMENSION DATA FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM)
3. Jason Oosthuizen(TEAM TEG CONTINENTAL)

KOM
1. Samuele Battistella(Dimension Data FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM)
2. HB Kruger(TEAM ALFA BODYWORKS/GIANT)
3. Connor Brown(DIMENSION DATA FOR QHUBEKA CONTINENTAL TEAM)

Hot Spot
1. Jason Oosthuizen(TEAM TEG CONTINENTAL)
2. Nolan Hoffman(PROUD BEGINNERS)
​3. Gustav Basson(TEAM TEG CONTINENTAL)

Such an amazing tour to be part of, I can't wait to see how this Tour grows in the future. It was an absolute honour to be the photographer behind it all.

To see results head to their website.
To see images from each day head to their page.
To see some of my selected images head to my page.

Until next time

​Boogs