Featured Photographer: Bernard Pieterse

Bernard Pieterse and his friend Herly Greeff did a photography course with me just about a year back. He was barely 15 years old at the time. Over the past year, we got used to amazing images by this talented young photographer. Bernard recently won the Visual School’s award for “Upcoming Photographer of the Year”. Five of his eight images came on top in various categories…

Some of these images were taken during a trip he did with his family to Namibia. I asked him to send me a few of his favourite images in blog-post format.  Not every 16-year-old get their first photographic assignment at 16! Here’s his story and some of his images…

“I’m currently in high school Grade 10 and 16 years old. Born in Krugersdorp 1995 and started with photography from a young age.  I did my basic photography course a year ago with Danie.  So far, only two of my photographs have been published in the Pix Magazine, but hopefully, there will be lots to come.  My biggest dream is to become a Civil Engineer while I live out my passion for photography.

During the October school holiday, my family and I went to Namibia for a 4X4 trip through the desert.  We visited a lot of places like Sossusvlei, the Fish River Canyon and some Ghost Towns in the Namib desert”.

“Old Truck” by Bernard Pieterse. HDR shot (Canon 7d, 10-20mm lens, f/8, 1/400sec, ISO-250) used a polarizer filter. This photo was taken at the Canyon Roadhouse on our way to The Fish River Canyon.

“The Fish River Canyon” by Bernard Pieterse. Panoramic shot merged 5 photos in Photoshop. This is almost an 180-degree view of the Canyon. Unfortunately, that nasty shadow got in my photograph. (Canon 7d, 10-20mm lens, f/22, 1/10sec, ISO-100) used tripod and polarizer filter.

“The Fish River Canyon” (From another viewpoint) by Bernard Pieterse. Another panoramic shot merged 4 photos in Photoshop. (Canon 7d, 10-20mm lens, f/22, 1/25sec, ISO-100) used tripod and polarizer filter.

“Sossusvlei” by Bernard Pieterse. This photograph was taken about 3PM to get that awesome shadow. (Canon 7d, 10-20mm lens, f/22, 1/25sec, ISO-100) used tripod and polarizer filter.

“Kokerboom” by Bernard Pieterse. Shot from a low angle to get some clouds. (Canon 7d, 10-20mm lens, f/6.3, 1/200sec, ISO-100).

“B&W – Sossusvlei” This image was also taken at the Deadvlei. (Canon 7d, 10-20mm lens, f/22, 1/15sec, ISO-100) used tripod and polarizer filter.

“Green Desert” by Bernard Pieterse. Also, some grass growing on the sand dunes because of good rain in the beginning of the year. (Canon 7d, 18-135mm lens, f/8, 1/1250sec, ISO-100).

“Sand Patterns” by Bernard Pieterse. Taken just before sunset with the Kuiseb Canyon in the background. (Canon 7d, 10-20mm lens, f/16, 1/100sec, ISO-200).

“Sand Dunes” by Bernard Pieterse. Another late afternoon shot before the sun went down. This was taken in the middle of the desert on our 4X4 trip.(Canon 7d, 10-20mm lens, f/14, 1/50sec, ISO-250) Polarizer used.

“Toyota Prado” by Bernard Pieterse. I snapped this shot of my Dad in the Prado while he was driving on the dunes. (Canon 7d, 18-135mm lens, f/8, 1/1000sec, ISO-250).

“Old House” by Bernard Pieterse. Took this at a Ghost Town named Holsazia. (Canon 7d, 18-135mm lens, f/10, 1/800sec, ISO-200).

“Ghost Town (Holsazia)” by Bernard Pieterse. HDR shot. (Canon 7d, 18-135mm lens, f/16, 1/500sec, ISO-400).

“Ghost Town (2)” by Bernard Pieterse HDR shot. (Canon 7d, 18-135mm lens, f/16, 1/500sec, ISO-400).

“Holsazia” by Bernard Pieterse. The inside of one of the standing houses. (Canon 7d, 18-135mm lens, f/16, 1/30sec, ISO-400) Photo by Bernard Pieterse.

“Holsazia (2)” by Bernard Pieterse. Inside one if the old houses. (Canon 7d, 18-135mm lens, f/10, 1/20sec, ISO-400).