TAKE TEN: Retang Sebeka
Joburg-based photographer Retang Sebeka is doing some incredible work with the GFX system. We tracked him down for a Take Ten to talk about synergy, late 90s Soweto and the benefits of shooting GFX.
Retang Sebeka
How did you get involved in photography and what would you like to achieve?
I took a liking to photographing things when I got my first phone in matric 2013. That opened my eyes to visual storytelling and ever since then I have been in the pursuit of telling stories through my work.
Which skill has had the biggest impact on your photography or career?
It’s funny enough that the technical skills we strive to perfect don’t really get us into the industry; I have seen that it has been my presentation and people skills that have got me the furthest in my work.
How do you know you’ve taken a good photo? Can you feel it in the moment or do you only realise it in post?
I believe every photographer has that sixth sense when they have taken a great image – it’s always a moment where everything on set is working in harmony and it just feels right. But I won’t lie and say I haven’t dug up gems in post too!
What photography lesson did you learn the hard way?
One thing I learned the hard way is that you need to keep your head down and keep doing what you do. Relying on other people’s validation is a great way to stay mediocre.
What is the one thing that needs to be in place for the shoot to be a success?
Synergy. A set needs to have synergy in order for everything to succeed. Make sure everyone is on the same page and is equally enthusiastic about the project.
Any subject, at any time, in any place, who would that be and why?
Right now I am obsessed with portraits of the past, so for me it would be late 90s Soweto, documenting the people’s expressions of fashion and style.
You own a large format Fujifilm GFX. What do you find is the biggest benefit to shooting on this system?
Right, so I am a HUGE fan of the GFX system because of the colour range, bit depth and dynamic range of the sensor. The way it renders colour and information is in a class of its own. It gives me confidence that I haven’t felt with other manufacturers. Like I know that I can go to set sure of the fact that the only limitation I have is myself.
What is your favourite Fujifilm lens and why?
I LOVE the GF32-64mmF4 as it’s a great all-rounder that is super sharp and renders images well. But I always keep my GF80mmF1.7 R with me for portraits.
Thank you for your answers Retang, where can people find more of your work?
I have all my work on my Instagram (@retang_sebeka) and that’s about it. I do want to start a site soon but I keep pushing that back… But soon, maybe?
