Featured Photographic Artist: Johan Wilke

Johan Wilke is one of the five photographic artists featured at our FotoExhibit #2 which launched with First Thursdays at Cameraland on 06 August and will run until 05 September. Born in the Karoo, Johan's first camera was a Kodak Instamatic which he used to photograph his dog before developing the photos in his Grandmother’s unused outside toilet with outdated chemicals she had bought at an auction. This passion for photographic pursuits remained as he studied Graphic Design and then pursued a course in photography immediately after.

After travelling around Europe and living in London for a year, Johan made the move from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town in 1990. Running his studio for 23 years in various locations, Johan specialises commercially in fashion, beauty and food. Having had more than 2o exhibitions with subjects varying from documentary to nudes, he’s always preferred to work on more personal photographic pieces for exhibitions.

1.       How would you classify your photographic style and who inspires you?  

I do not pose or direct people, it is a pure documentary-style of photography, a moment of real life.

2.       What is it that draws you to pick up your camera and take a photo?

The fact that there are moments going to waste, real life that presents itself and needs to be captured.

3.       What type of gear do you use and do you have any favourites?

Canon 5D Mark 2, mostly a 28 to 70 mm lens.

4.       What would be your ultimate shot and how would you shoot it?  

I think I have my ultimate shot, but you can never be sure. I would like to shoot an undertakers life.

5.       What is the most challenging part of photographing your preferred subject?  

You have to walk nonstop, hoping that life reveals the ultimate moment.

6.       What’s next on the horizon that you’re most excited about?

I would like to go to Mexico to shoot an exhibition.

7.       If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice when you picked up the camera for the first time, what would it be?

Start shooting ASAP do not waste time.

Website: www.willworks.co.za