Through the Lens with Shekinah Photography
Personal:
Name? Sylvia Shekinah Steed
Born: 7 October 1989
Hometown? Johannesburg
Do you have a webpage? www.shekinahphotography.co.za
Facebook page: Shekinah Photography
Background? Where you grew up, what you did as a kid – any interesting things.
Wow, now I feel like a celebrity. Do you really want to know about my childhood? I am born, bred and ‘grown’ in Johannesburg, I have 1 sister and 2 brothers, I have the most amazing, extremely close family who all love each other a lot!
Growing up, I guess I did normal kid things , I remember that we were always busy doing something, whether it was dressing up or playing in the mud. Boredom was not a word we used often. I know I flew a lot all over the country with my mom. I have photos in planes and places, but I can’t remember the places, hotels or functions. I think I was being child-minded most of the time by hotel babysitters with crazy stories.
Some things stick out; like the time I convinced the little boy next door to hold hot ice in both his hands for 10 minutes. His father was chilly-hot with anger and I was horrified when I saw his hands. The outcome wasn’t very pleasant so I’ll leave that story right here. Oh Yes, one morning ,in Spring time, my cousin and I wanted to make money and the only available stock on hand was my sister Kerry’s wardrobe, filled with her girly stuff. We pulled, priced, folded, separated, emptied, made a ‘for sale’ sign and had a PAVEMENT SPECIAL. Everything was R2. We thought the rain had come to ruin our selling skills but it came to protect us from eternal chores and the wrath of my mom, because her wardrobe was to be our next target.
My parents were involved in foster care, so we often had many children from all walks of life and unpleasant situations in and out of the house. In 2005 they registered as a children’s home, so there’s always been and still is noise and excitement and also something constantly happening.
It often feels as if I came into this world knowing God, I have never known or experienced not having God in my life, it’s almost as if Jesus has always been a part of my DNA. I grew up being very involved in church life; my mom has been involved with ministry ever since I can remember. For me, whether it was youth, children’s ministry, dancing, or the worship team, helping with productions, outreaches etc. It’s always been a part of who I am. On the other hand, I was never sheltered from the world like so many ‘Pastor’s kids’ are. I was allowed to know how the world lived, how a Godless world thought, what a Godless world expected. That made me never want to let go of my relationship with my creator and that decision, was one I constantly make on my own without ever feeling forced or scared into the Kingdom.
What do you do for a career?
I do Photography for weddings, events, functions, as well as help run a children’s home. (A section 21) called Footprints-P.L.A.Y. children’s home. P.l.a.y. is an acronym for Participating in the lives of Africa’s Youth. I am involved with corporate fundraising and assist in organizing events for not only the home, but for various parts of the community. I teach in the mornings and o all the international communications for P.L.A.Y.
Did anything that happen to you while you were young influence you into your career choice?
I guess growing up with people, children and outreaches ever since I can remember, was an automatic decision I flowed into. My photography was something that I began to feel passionate about quite a few years ago. I loved the captured memories that were forever caught on print and that would always be reminders of moments and events. I believe that Life is a journey, and being able to capture that journey, whether for myself or others is a privilege and a desire that continues to grow and expand daily.
Where and what did you study?
I Studied Photography through Intec College. Practical lessons with established Photographers. Job shadowing people who share the same heart for printed memories and I continue to study the school of life, which is an ongoing daily learning experience. I am currently studying Studio work as well as editing skills.
At the moment are you working in a company or are you freelancing?
I have my own company, SHEKINAH PHOTOGRAPHY. A couple of months ago, I established and set up my own studio, so I work for myself. I have also recently freelanced for a few companies.
What are the benefits of working like this?
I manage my own time, so when I’m not working (which means I’m editing or doing stuff for P.L.A.Y.) I have flexible time frames to do what I need to get done even after hours. I can also work anywhere as long as I have my Mac (my baby) and my camera.
What do you do for fun?
The normal, go to movies, go for coffee with friends, I have friends who are musicians, singers and management with the Barnyard theater so I go to a lot of their shows and try to make a difference in their lives by loving them for who they are and I trust that they see Jesus in me by my actions, attitude and lifestyle. I have many friends who are part of various churches and we hang out together just having the odd movie night, or girls supper night or Saturday fun days with the Footprints kids on the farm. I am fortunate that I have friends in so many different walks of life which I love because of the different flavor they bring into mine.
What is the most relevant topic on your heart at the moment?
Sho, I don’t think there is ever only one topic, I always have so much going on in my head and heart! God, my friends, family, work, future vision, growth in every area of my life. I think enjoying life and finding contentment in all I do and in who I am as a person is always relevant to me. So, it’s never just one topic.
Creativity:
How old were you when you found your creative streak?
Sheesh, it’s hard to pin point an age. I always enjoyed photos, no matter who took them. I also enjoyed music and still do. My parents were both musicians so I grew up hearing guitars, keyboards, singing and watching my mom play base, which I thought was so cool. They were in a rock band when I was really little.
I was always around people with camera’s and at corporate events, family or church functions, my mom would often hand me the camera and say “ take photo’s please” She was involved with photography, in front and behind the lens and because a camera was a part of her wardrobe, I began to enjoy it more and more. When the school part of my life was over, I thought, why do something I don’t have a passion for? Why study just for the sake of studying, work simply to earn an income? Surely there had to be something that would excite me, I needed to find excitement and satisfaction, something that I would love. Photography brings the creative streak out in me, it’s something that I LOVE doing, not because I have to but because of the pleasure it brings to me. In the studio, from behind the camera, I love watching the creativity that photography brings out of people. It’s the best feeling. I also sing, play guitar, a little bit of base and absolutely love music.
Do you think that people are born with creativity or that it’s inside us all?
Um, I think people are born with certain talents and creativity, but I also think some things can be taught, there are however, certain things you just need the natural creativity for! Like dancing for example, you can be taught to do moves, but if the natural rhythm isn’t there, then it could be a slight problem. Or singing if someone is tone deaf? Not too pleasant. With photography, I have been told that there has to be some creativity, or ‘an eye for a good shot.’ I guess if the passion and drive is there for something, many things can be learned and developed. We teach the kids at Footprints how to take photos amongst other things and I’m sure one great photographer will surface from our efforts.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I’d have to say from people, but also from moods and atmospheres. When I see the work of other people that I admire, I truly get inspired. I emailed a guy the other day whose work I saw and loved. I told him how inspired I was and how brilliant I thought his work is.
What has photography/your creativity taught you about yourself?
To always try something new, and expand on my creativity etc. That I can capture magical moments, that being stagnant with my work is a choice that I alone can make. That I am responsible for keeping my passion alive and exciting and that boredom is a choice and an attitude.
What has photography/your creativity taught you about God?
AAAH, that’s an easy question. It’s taught me EVERYTHING. ALL THINGS. I see God in every photo I take. I would need a whole book for this one. In Creation, in a smile, in a moment, in the colors, In EVERYTHING.
Photography
Why is photography important to you?
Its expression, of self, of others, it tells stories, its memories. It’s magical. I think I’ve answered this question many times somewhere in the other answers.
What are some of the best things you have had the opportunity to work on?
I have done so much, from events to weddings. I did the Masters of Dirt show a few years back, which was awesome! I’ve done quite a few fashion shoots, C.D. Covers for artists, a leather handbags brochure, a concert for the Barnyard theatre magazine, portfolios and I’m loving studio work. It’s all good.
What influence does God have in your work?
God has influence in everything! My work would be plain and boring if He wasn’t a part of it, so many times when I’m at a shoot I’m trying to find the perfect angle, or setting, or composition, and I just quietly say “God please help me, this is yours” and He does! He’s my partner, my assistant, my inspiration. Whether it’s something small, or huge, He is always faithful! I always pray before a shoot and ask God for guidance in everything I do.
Do you prefer being in front or behind the camera more? Tell the truth.
Ha-ha…That’s funny. Actually, both really, although I only like being in front of the camera when it’s with other people, or doing something random and funny. Being crazy and spontaneous, capturing my favorite pouting expression. I’m not into ‘stand and smile’ I’ve told you why I love being behind the camera, but being in front of the lens is a fun activity too.
Do you agree that a picture is worth 1000 words – why?
Sometimes, a picture can tell a story that no written words can match. No descriptive wording can capture the visual impact that a photo can have. Often I think people listen with their eyes.
Who is your favorite photographer?
I don’t have just one favorite; I have different favorites for different fields of photography. For scenery and nature I love Ansel Adams. Annie Leibovitz is brilliant and world famous – her photo’s are a work of art, Johan Pretorius, Colin Mead, Paul Kline. There are so many brilliant photographers who inspire me.
Does the price of a camera make a difference to the quality of a photo?
As much as camera quality does make a difference, you can have the top of the range camera but not have a good eye for the subject. If people’s heads or feet are cut out of a picture, the price makes no difference. I’ve seen A LOT of that. And have learned how not to do it. You can have a mid-range camera but if you have captured the moment, that’s what matters! I think editing programs can also enhance a photo taken with a normal point and shoot camera. I guess some photographers are like musicians, we always look for what’s new, fresh and full of new features. I recently bought a R450 funky camera that takes really cool pics. It uses film, which is unheard of today, but I love it.
What makes someone a good photographer?
Their patience, attitude and creativity in taking a specific shot, if the subject’s personality and character is captured in the photo, that’s a good photographer. I also think if a photo is taken and doesn’t need hours of editing with Photoshop or other programs, that’s a good photographer. Don’t misunderstand me, I love Photoshop, but too often a photo is edited so much that when you compare the before and after shot, it doesn’t even look like the same photo. So which one is real? Am I making sense? There’s nothing wrong with enhancing a photo. As long as it doesn’t look like Photoshop took the photo and not you.
What is your favorite piece of equipment?
My cameras… ha-ha I love my Tamron 18-250mm Lens. My lighting equipment, too much too single one out.
When you get commissioned on a job – how does your work flow happen – can you walk us through one of your typical jobs?
Well it’s different for each job, obviously if it’s a wedding I’m at the venue before the bride, taking photos that will mean something to the couple, and then capture them getting ready. Leaving for the service, arriving, at the ceremony the traditional photos, the reception, and then the traditional cutting of the cake. A wedding has a lot more ‘directing’ (if you’d like to call it that) because I’m constantly telling people how to pose, what to do, where to go. It’s the same with a studio shoot, I direct the person and encourage them to do different poses, use different props, and show me different expressions. The most tiring job is probably a wedding, because it is very time consuming, a lot of meetings take place and I can be busy for about 11 hours, depending on the reception and time, and then of course the endless hours of editing afterwards. I also think it’s important that I form a relationship with the couple before the wedding so that I know their expressions and preferences.
Generally everything just flows, I’ve never been like “ok, what now?”
I never want to be unprepared or I might come across as if I don’t know what I’m doing. I guess you’ve just got to be confident in your ability and your equipment, go in there with that confidence, have a positive attitude just go for it and enjoy the day!
A major challenge in Photography is taking risks. You have to take risks, as you slowly start getting more confident, taking risks becomes easier. Sometimes those are the best photo’s or jobs.
How many photos do you usually take on an average Job?
Well when I do a wedding I take an anything from 2 000 to 4 000 photo’s
A photo-shoot, anything from 500 to 2 000
Digital or Film?
Considering the amount of photos, I use Digital. Though I must say that I would love to have a dark room one day.
Since you have started working as a photographer have you lost any of the fun it was when you were just playing around with it?
No, not all, I have my days where I don’t feel like taking pics, but then I get more days where all I want to do is go round with a camera.
Someone once told me, if you don’t want to pick up the camera today, then don’t. That’s good advice.
What is the most important thing that you want people to think of when they look at your work?
I just want them to see it’s done from my heart and done with excellence, it may not be a perfect image, but it’s done with excellence.
Shekinah Photography
How long has you company been going?
I have been taking photos for a long time as a hobby, but Shekinah photography has been official for over a year. Shekinah is my second name and it means the Glory of God, which I hope my photos show.
What equipment do you use?
I use a Canon 30D, a 350D, and a variety of lenses. (But I have my eye on the Canon 50D)
What is your favorite photo that you have ever taken?
Wow, that is a difficult one… How do I pick just one? I think I have a different favorite for different stages of my life, various events and in different categories.
But one of my favorites is this one I took of a good friend of mine on a trampoline, it sounds random I know, but it turned out really creative, it’s fresh and I LOVE it…
Any projects you are currently working on?
I have a few photo-shoots lined up and also another Vogue-style handbag shoot, which I’m really excited for, because we’re going to have different ‘sets’ and I have so many ideas in my head for it, it’ll be quite challenging which is making me look forward to it even more.
Footprints
Tell us about Footprints and your involvement?
I’m one of the committee members, (sounds important). I am in charge of the pre-school and teach the kids, I handle most of the communications, so when people want to come and spend time with the children, do team building events, fun days, whether someone is planning a day trip, or a year long stay (missionaries), I’m the contact person. I help organize the admin, and the media, I help update the website, I’m responsible for all the children’s documents, the clinic trips and whatever I can do to help. Oh, I nearly forgot, help organize fundraisers, which are constant happenings, because we self fund everything.
What is the objective of Footprints?
The objective of Footprints is not to bring children into a children’s home, but into a FAMILY. To bring them up as normal children, who are loved and wanted. To help them not to live with an orphan mentality, the day they arrive in our lives is the day they stop being an orphan. We teach them skills and development so that when they grow up and their school life is over, they will have something useful and be confident in themselves as well as in their talent and ability.
We are also very involved with the community in the area, we help support a day -care center with 60 children, we have a feeding scheme, where we give out food, or supplies. We are starting a day-care center on our property in January, which will be separate to the two current classrooms we already have, we are moving the community sewing workshop, which teaches ladies how to sew and helps them to earn a living. We teach swimming lessons to the kids in the community in the summer months and also have a tennis coach who comes in every Saturday to teach them tennis.
I have the best household ever, it is NEVER quiet, there is always something happening and we really are one BIG CRAZY family!
Are you using your photography in you work/home life?
Other than taking photos for the website or for thank-you letters or for fundraising events we have had for Footprints, there is always something to shoot and I have the best practice models ever. And because I have a studio, the kids are always willing and ready to be photographed and to take photos.
God:
Where do you feel God is taking you?
Well if I knew I wouldn’t need faith then… ha-ha. I have no idea at the moment, but I don’t try to figure it our either, because I trust Him. I always try to let Him plan my steps, even when I make my own plans. Wherever God takes me and whatever opportunities and doors He opens for me will only lead to victory and the joys of life, because I know He loves me and wants His best for me. The only requirement is that I know His voice, that I be led by it and have peace of knowing that all things work out for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Which I am. Romans 8:28
Do you think you can make a Kingdom impact through your photography?
Definitely, I think if our hearts are right and we do things with the right motives, we can make a Kingdom impact with anything we do; it’s up to us to do so. But, for me personally it’s been awesome because I’ve used my photography as a ministry tool for quite a few clients, it’s our attitude in the small and honest things that makes a difference to people, I don’t want to be ‘just another photographer’, I want to show and exhibit God, in and through myself, my heart, my actions and my photography.
Any message to the photographers out there?
Just stay true to yourself, be honest with people, explore your expression and creativity, never limit yourself or others, always work on improving your skill, and expanding in areas. When I first started out, I said “I’ll never do weddings, they are too much pressure and I don’t want to be just another wedding photographer.”
Yes, it is a lot of pressure, it takes effort and time but it’s now one of my favorite special events. I also said ‘I don’t think I would enjoy Studio work’ (personal photo-shoots).
Now I have my own studio on our property, and I love it! A very important message. Don’t always do things just for the money or for the highest price. Sometimes the least paid jobs are the most satisfying and enjoyable. Don’t be greedy. Charge what you would pay for the same thing if you knew how much work goes into the event.
How do you fuse your photography with the calling God has for you?
The two are one and the same, joined at the hip, the heart and the action. God is ‘in’ my camera.
What is your favorite scripture?
Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Like photography, it’s really hard to have a favorite scripture in a book full of life truths.
Any closing words?
For photographers, find your own expression of photography; don’t attempt to do exactly what others do. Although we can always learn from others, we can personalize our own flavor if I can put it that way. Like I said earlier, TAKE RISKS, afterwards. You’ll be thrilled you did. As much as theory is important and we need to know many things. The best ways I’ve learnt is through experience on the field, out there working. Actually taking the photos, experimenting, playing around, enjoying the game and trying new things.
For life in general? Love God, enjoy Him, make Him your working partner, love your family, don’t allow negative situations to steal from you. Make right with others, even if they are wrong, stay excited and passionate, and love yourself. Oh yes…… develop a thick skin, sometimes, pretend you’re a duck and let the water flow off, it always helps.
Thank you for taking this interest in me, my opinions and my work.
God bless.
Thanks Sylvie
Cre8ive Stuff // Sep 8th, 2010
