Today, we’re getting to know Eddette Steynberg 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.purpleapplestudios.co.uk
Facebook Page: facebook.com/PurpleAppleStudios
Twitter: @Purple_Apple
1. When and how did the photography bug bite you?
My father used to take photographs at crime scenes when he worked as fingerprint analyst for the Police. He always use to take me with him into the dark room when he developed his (less graphic) photographs, and I was fascinated by the mystery and magic of a photograph appearing on a blank piece of paper.I loved capturing my teenage years and subsequent travels with my film camera, but always felt frustrated by the time it took to develop the film! A friend became a fashion photographer here in the UK and introduced me to the magic of studio lights and his DSLR when I assisted him on his shoots…and I had to give it a go myself
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?
Our wedding album and box with letters and cards, sent from parents, friends and family to us over the years.
3. If you could have a conversation with anyone about anything, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I would love to meet any modern-day, living Iconoclast…my top 4: Nelson Mandela,I would love to simply sit with him and experience him as the man very few people get to know. We can do anything he likes to do. Oprah Winfrey, what an amazing business person and emotionally intelligent woman. I would ask her to interview me and ask me some difficult, personal questions!Richard Branson, I would love to ask him to review my business plan and guide me to think outside the box when it comes to business. Desmond Tutu, what a fun and outspoken guy! I would ask him if I could photograph him and his family.
4. What can you talk about for hours? (apart from photography)
It sounds strange…but I find the financial and political changes we have experienced in the world this past year fascinating. I can talk about it for hours!
5. What makes you really angry?
The senseless killing of any animal or human being.
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?
I would ask her to invest in my business so she can get something back for her money!
7. What subject matter do you love shooting?
Newborn babies! Love them.
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?
Canon 85mm f/1.2L lens. It creates such creamy, soft images. I call it an airbrush-lens!
9. If you had all the time in the world to do one photography project, what would it be?
I would love to start a charity project to raise awareness for animal poaching, animal cruelty or crimes against humanity. I am still trying to think of the best way to approach such a big subject! Any suggestions would be appreciated.
10. Have you ever had one of those embarrassing moments at a shoot? Would you tell us what happened and how you survived?
I arrived at a shoot where I had to photograph a couple at their flat in London. The husband was diagnosed with cancer and his hair loss was imminent. They only had that day to do the shoot as his treatment was starting the following week. They specifically requested a studio shoot indoors, as the husband’s immune system was weak and they did not want to take the risk of him walking outside in the cold London air. As soon as I set everything up and started testing my lights, my radio trigger completely failed. I did not have my speedlights with me on the day and they had very small windows. I had no choice but to use the video light I had laying in my bag and start shooting with it in one hand, my camera in the other. I have never stressed so much on a shoot, but the couple loved the images in the end.
11. What music do you listen to when you have to get through long hours of admin and editing?
Dance Music! I love anything happy and funky such as Goldfish, Cafe del Mar, Hed Kandi or some relaxed Ibiza mixes.
12. Which aspect of your craft are you the least and most confident in?
I finally feel confident with my camera and it’s abilities as well as shooting in natural light. On a technical side, I am very confident when using Photoshop and Lightroom. As I have mainly used natural light and studio lights so far, I am planning to go on a few speedlight/ flash courses this year as I do not feel I am using it to the best of it’s ability when using 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”.
I just do it without thinking too much about it! It does not always result in the easiest way, but I always get to my planned destination!
14. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to take a boat trip “over” the North Pole and stand on the South Pole.
15. Give a link to one of your recent shoots that you absolutely loved shooting? Why did you enjoy it so much?
I loved this shoot, as I arranged it all the way from the UK and got to collaborate with some amazing and talented new friends back in South Africa. Everything just worked on the day and everyone was extremely positive and helpful.
