Sibusiso Twala: South African film photographer telling stories of home, triumph, and self-realisation

Sibussio Twala is a creative entrepreneur with a keen eye for quality and a proven track record across photography, styling, and creative direction for both brands and personal projects.

He holds a Commerce degree in Finance from the Pearson Institute of Higher Education (now Eduvos). Bringing together strategy, artistry, and intuition, Twala describes himself simply as "a magician."

How did you get started in photography?

Early in my creative journey, I was usually behind the camera as a stylist and creative director, working with photographers to bring my ideas to life. I also modelled in my own concepts from time to time.

The moment that led me into photography, however, felt deeply spiritual. I had a dream about the founder of Wanda Lephoto. He was sitting on the pavement outside my house with a professional camera beside him.

I picked up the camera, took a photograph of the sky, and then eventually photographed him. When I handed the camera back, he looked at me and said, "Rep, you need to start seeing things from your own lens." About two months later, I bought my first camera, and the rest is history.

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a thinker, a seer, and a healer.

Through thought, I strategise and execute. My days are structured, and being clinical is important to me. Through seeing, I can go beyond what the eye meets, beyond flesh and bone. That naturally extends into the healing aspect of who I am.

There is a long line of prophets and traditional healers within my lineage. Something many people don't know about me is that I prophesy and provide readings, sometimes subconsciously and other times intentionally.

Another fun fact is that I make soft rock music, or what I call "hyper-pop". It's simply another outlet for expression and for whoever connects with it.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

The main themes in my photography are home, triumph, self-realisation, and the experience of being an underdog navigating trial and tribulation. My work also explores mythical and metaphorical ideas.

I bring these narratives to life by pairing them with songs that reflect the emotions behind each body of work. The stories accompanying my work are always real and raw, never AI-generated. That allows people to connect with the work on a human level and genuinely resonate with what I'm trying to express.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

One of my proudest moments was having my work published in Gemi(eye) Mag and exhibited at Mamakashaka in Johannesburg. That might be recency bias speaking, but every bit of recognition and value given to my work feels like a milestone.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

As a film photographer, I've had two occasions where I photographed paying clients only for the film to come back blank. Either I hadn't loaded the film correctly or the roll had been damaged.

It was a difficult setback, but it taught me to be more patient and intentional throughout my process.

Now, I even pray before loading a roll of film. Unlike shooting digitally, I don't have the privilege of seeing the images as I make them, so every frame requires trust, care, and attention.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I specialise in 35mm film photography. I chose this medium because I love the element of surprise that comes with shooting on film. It demands a different level of intention because I only have 36 frames, no more, no less.

Every exposure matters. The lighting has to be right, the pose has to be held, and the focus has to be precise. Working this way has shaped not only my style, but also my discipline as a photographer.

What is your primary commercial niche?

My primary commercial niche is working with local South African brands, particularly those looking for editorial photography. I also work with aspiring fashion models who want to build strong portfolios.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

My visual approach centres on using run-down, overlooked spaces. They're often borderline abandoned locations that don't appear remarkable at first.

That changes once I bring a model into the frame. Through colour coordination, styling, and composition, I transform those spaces into environments that carry emotion and tell a story.

Technically, I rely on a 50mm lens, while natural light and shade are my greatest tools.

Which global brands, photographers, or industries do you feel your work aligns with most?

I feel my work aligns with brands such as Aimé Leon Dore, Puma, Casablanca, FTY, and Wanda Lephoto. The photographers whose work resonates with me most are Dan Carter, Unavailable P, and Gabriel Moses.

How's the photography and art space in South Africa?

Photography and art in South Africa are highly competitive, but in the healthiest way possible. I often compare it to sport. There are different leagues, different teams, and different specialities, yet everyone pushes one another to grow.

I'm also encouraged by the growing appetite for editorial and conceptual work alongside commercial photography. More South African photographers and artists are finding recognition on the global stage, and we're being seen far more than we were in previous years.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

I believe 54Ruum is bringing much-needed recognition to talented creatives who might otherwise be overlooked.

The creative talent across Africa is immense. There is so much to see, feel, and experience, yet we don't always come across these artists through our feeds or the people we already follow.

54Ruum helps bridge that gap. It connects curious people with creators whose work deserves to be discovered, making it easier for meaningful work to reach the audiences it's meant for.