Today, we’re getting to know Marethe Grobler a little bit better! This is part of a series of interviews we will be having with KIKI members. If you would like to be interviewed go to our interview page and answer a few questions!
Website/ Blog: www.marethe.com
Facebook Page:www.facebook.com/marethegrobler
Twitter: littlemissymg
1. When and how did the photography bug bite you?
2003 – After the birth of my daughter Isabella. She was just too beautiful, so I started taking pictures with my little “mik + druk” :-) After a while, all my friends wanted “photos like that”. I took some photography courses, bought studio lights and viola! My life changed.
2. Your house is on fire, your family, equipment and pets are safe, but you only have time to take 2 items, what would it be?
Hmmmm. I would be lying if I had to answer that question now, because I am quite at peace where I am sitting right this moment. Injected with adreline, my thoughts would definitely not be the same. So – the first thing that comes to mind is my bonsai – probably because my first one died and that made me really sad. And the second item would probably be my first framed photograph, one of my own – a landscape called “Minus Six Degrees”. But as I said, surrounded with fire, I would be thinking otherwise.
3. If you could have a conversation with anyone about anything, who would it be and what would you talk about?
The obvious answer would be God, and why things are, how they will be, and what they used to be.My second answer would be Christa Meola, and boudoir photography.
4. What can you talk about for hours? (apart from photography)
People’s emotions. I love to dig deep – I see things in their eyes that other people miss. I could have been a psychologist too, I think.
5. What makes you really angry?
Men who take woman for granted, doesn’t compliment them, doesn’t appreciate them, doesn’t tell them how beautiful they are.Woman that, after their first child is born, let go of their bodies and forget that sex can be wonderful.
6. You help an old lady load her groceries in her car; only to find out she is extremely wealthy. She wants to buy you something to say ‘thanks’. What would you choose?
What a kind lady. A trip to Italy, to visit Christa for one of her boudoir workshops.
7. What subject matter do you love shooting?
Eyes that talk.
8. If you could only take one lens on every shoot (even if you don’t currently own it), which one would it be and why?
85mm f1.2. I have the f1.8 and I love it. Apparently the f1.2 is even better.
9. If you had all the time in the world to do one photography project, what would it be?
Black & white portraits of people with a whole lot of soul. Pictures that make you cry, laugh, angry, sad. All age groups and cultures.
10. Have you ever had one of those embarrassing moments at a shoot? Would you tell us what happened and how you survived?
Oh yes…. I have a very funny story. It was my brother’s wedding. They flew me to the UK for the occasion. On the night of the wedding, busy clicking away, my front tooth broke (after a big bite of pork crackling). Needless to say – shock horror gasp. I called my cousin Cecilia, and watching her reaction made me realize how funny the situation was. So for the rest of the night I was my brother’s toothless photographer sister from South Africa. Poor thing.
11. What music do you listen to when you have to get through long hours of admin and editing?
Yurima. Cafe del Mar. Tiesto. Katie Melua. Chris Rea. Classical Music. And of course, my own voice, haha. In my next life I’ll be on stage ;-)
12. Which aspect of your craft are you the least and most confident in?
Least – studio lighting (and I don’t have the urge to become confident, really)
Most – reading people. And light. Beautiful soft natural light. I love it. I feel it.
13. When you have to make big decisions, which do you prefer? “Flipping a coin”, “Comparing the pro’s and con’s” or “going with the flow”.
Not one. I follow my heart, my passion. I dive in when I have to, even if it’s deep
14. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I’ve told you – Italy. I need some inspiration ;-). Oh, and New Zealand. Just because it’s so beautiful.
15. Give a link to one of your recent shoots that you absolutely loved shooting? Why did you enjoy it so much?
This one. I loved it because Gerhard, my subject, arrived with love. Chocolates, flowers, sweets for my children. And what did he do with the pictures? He framed it, for his partner’s birthday. And what did his partner do when he received the gift? He cried. I’ve always said, I don’t want anyone to tell me – that’s a pretty picture. I want people to cry, to laugh, to love – to experience emotion. Let it all out, that’s what I say :-)
