Zwele Buthelezi, fine art and fashion photographer based in South Africa

Zwele Buthelezi is a photographer based between Johannesburg and Capetown. He is Originally from a small town in the north of KwaZulu, Newcastle. He is not particular to any kind of genre of photography, although he does enjoy fashion and fine art as they can be more expressive.

He learnt all of what he knew about photography from sources he gathered along his journey to being the creative he is now–going beyond just photography, delving into colour theories, classical art and film. Coming up as an assistant to some of the top names across all the genres in photography, he learnt several different means to express the same ideas, which offers a unique edge he can bring into my personal projects.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I consider myself an adventurer. I'm always looking for answers to the curiosities and problems that plague humanity. This has made me adept at connecting with a multitude of people from different backgrounds. It's one of the main things that drove me into photography.

How did you first get into photography?

Curiosity, I've always enjoyed exploring. My love for exploration coupled with my uncle pursuing photography as a hobby led to me discovering I could capture what I find along my excursions. From there on I was inseparable with that camera, to a point he just gifted it to me.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

At the moment, I'm interested in fine art photography. I incorporate the knowledge gained from the commercial and fashion aspects of my career to try and communicate in the fine art space. My work started off as glimpses of where I've been, on foot. It has grown into deeply thought out conceptual visual storytelling, bordering the surreal.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

This is ever changing for me, according to the phases I experience. I use them differently in my work as I learn and experience them. Some themes I've explored revolve around time–as affected by events that occur in our daily lives i.e the butterfly effect. Spirituality, Identity, the ever present human sense of community & belonging and the subsequent feeling of rejection.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

So far it would have to be my work being published by one of the most prestigious fashion magazines in the country–Wanted Magazine. Having my work printed physically and being seen by so many people validated my ambitions.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

Breaking into the industry, after coming up as an assistant for several years, has been the most challenging for me. I had to sacrifice a lot of comforts in order to re-establish myself, once I managed to crack it I learnt about my indomitable spirit.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

Ande Magoso. I admire his work as it seems to touch across many themes I have interest in and intend on exploring. I think a collaboration between the two of us, can yield a greater output–than either of us may have been able to individually.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I think platforms like 54Ruum are important in the recognition of talent across Africa. A lot more work has to be done but platforms like these are laying the groundwork for more ideas and collaboration. This is how paradigms are shifted.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

Currently, it seems uncertain, as the advent of AI overwhelms a lot of creatives. That being said, there's opportunity at every corner as the landscape is changing and full of life.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

I will say just keep shooting, put in your 10000 hours, focus on your work ,and everything else will fall into place. There are no shortcuts.