July in Durban causes horse fever! The Vodacom Durban July horse race is the biggest on the South African horse racing calendar. But lately the horses seem to run second fiddle to the more important part of the event, that is, the fashion! For weeks leading up to the race fashion competitions are in full swing to see who design the best garment based on the theme (which changes every year). From student designers, to the leading fashions designers around the country, all showing off their garments, designs and abilities, it leads up to a very interesting event on the day.

Then, Race Day arrives and 55 000 people swarm to Greyville race course. Nightmare! But the most interesting part of the day is the race day fashion – the average person in the street showing off their abilities and designs, brings out so really interesting and amazing stuff. Check back after the 7th July 2012 for some race day fashion designs.

Below are some of the shots taking leading up to the Race Day event …

That time of year again in Durban – horse racing fever hightens and the fashion gets into full swing!

I decided to do something slightly different with Grant and luckily he was up for it! Although showing little of what he does, Grant is a vastly improved paddler from when I first met him a couple of years back. He has shown plenty guts over the last few seasons, and since he has joined forces/team-up with Hank McGregor, he has made hugely impressive strides in his paddling. He often partners with Hank in the doubles, the two winning the Umko Marathon and numerous surfski races, together with numerous Marathon Champs.

However, in singles he is fighting to take one off Hank – hence the reason for the image! I see Grant as someone shouting out for that K1 win, gritting his teeth as he grinds away for that top spot. Based on his previous growth, I sure it will come soon in the near future. Adding some spice, the background mimics the expression …

Oscar has always amazed me ever since I have been shooting surfski. It was 2007, Surfski World Cup from Toti to Durban, we were following who we thought were the leaders (Hank McGregor, Matt Bouman, Dawid Mocke etc) and we were fast approaching the harbour entrance where from nowhere Oscar appeared from the deep swells and pulled up alongside Hank as they reached the harbour entrance. He went on to win …

I can only imagine this is what happened in this years Molokai. One of the toughest races on the annual surfski calendar and Oscar, at 49, decided he was out to win it for the 12th time. What seemed almost impossible, proved to be possible and I think only Oscar could do it. Beating a class field and much younger paddlers is enough to make you tip your hat off to him. Amazing is the only word.

In my quest to photograph as many sportsman as possible, I figured I needed to ask Oscar now under the famous result of Molokai 2012. I contacted him and to my delight he agreed straight away – thought I might need to do some convincing but he was up for it. So Oscar, I hope this image does you justice! It is a composite of one of my best images of Oscar, taken during the 2008 Surfski World Cup, also used on the cover of the SA Paddler Magazine, and his visit to my studio.

It is almost that time of year again when a normally drab and colourless landscape gets transformed into something of magical beauty, amazing colour shows around every corner, and something that should not be missed!

I decided to do a roadtrip in 2011 after much communication with a contact in Hondeklipbaai. I had heard that the rains had been good and had been a wet season leading to a good flower show. But no-one was providing a definite answer … so I just decided to chance it! Boy, what a show … I have been to the West Coast before for the flowers but never actually to the Namaqualand area. This was my destination …

Wow, is all I can say! The Namaqualand National Park was on fire with the Namaqualand daisies – fields of orange just as far as one could see, interspersed with yellows and reds.It was a show beyond. But to my amazement, the best was still to come! Driving through the Kamiesberge for the next 3 days or so just provided fields of glory beyond all expectations. Two areas stood out and they just kept me busy for hours. It took me 5 hours to drive 80km, just because of the photo opportunities.

So, I have finally got to process all the images and hopefully these will inspire people to plan for the season ahead and visit this magical world when the flowers make their appearance …