TAKE TEN: Lazola Nomnyangwana

October 7, 2025October 20, 2025

Starting out doing sketches, East London-based Lazola Nomnyangwana, is now creating with light. We chatted to him about the importance of banter, Pinterest, lighting in his photography, and the things that never leave his camera bag.

Lazola Nomnyangwana

Yes Lazola, welcome! Tell us how you got started in photography?

I actually started out as a self-taught sketch artist, which later grew into painting and even customising jackets and shoes. Throughout that process, I always imagined creating my own visuals to advertise my custom work. That curiosity pushed me onto Pinterest, and the more I explored, the deeper I fell in love with photography. That’s when I made the decision to pursue it seriously it became the perfect evolution of my creativity.

How do you connect with your subjects to bring out authenticity in a portrait?

I like to start every shoot with some light banter and laughter since it instantly relaxes the mood. At the same time, I make sure to clearly brief my subjects about the vision we’re aiming for and how we’ll achieve it together. Once they feel comfortable and understand the direction, they open up more naturally, which allows me to capture portraits that feel genuine and effortless.

How big of a role is videography playing in your career these days

Videography has become an exciting new chapter in my creative journey. I recently started working as a DOP, building on my previous experience in directing. While photography allows me to freeze a powerful moment, videography gives me the opportunity to tell an entire story. It has definitely expanded my creative perspective and added a new dimension to my craft.

What role does light play in your creative process?

Lighting is everything. Whether natural or artificial, it dictates the entire mood of an image. For me, light isn’t just a technical element, it’s the foundation that shapes the final outcome and brings my creative vision to life.

What’s the most memorable shoot you’ve ever done?

A wedding I shot in Pretoria last year stands out as one of the most memorable. The day was filled with beautiful energy, the venue was stunning, the weather was perfect, and the clients were so warm and welcoming. All those elements came together seamlessly, with the images reflecting just how special that day truly was.

Are you working with Film Simulations or recipes at all, or do you manage your colour in post?

I like to toggle between RAF files and Film Simulations. I usually shoot both Fine JPEG and RAW, using the Film Simulation as a creative base to guide the mood of the image. From there, I take it into post-production and refine the colours further. This workflow gives me the best of both worlds: the distinct Fujifilm look with the flexibility of deeper editing when needed.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing in your career?

The biggest challenge right now is definitely the cost of equipment. Staying up to date with industry standards often feels driven by trends and brand expectations, which makes it difficult and expensive to constantly upgrade gear. Striking that balance between creativity and affordability is a real challenge.

Which Fujifilm do you shoot with, and tell us about your favourite lens?

I’m currently shooting with the Fujifilm X-T30 II, and surprisingly, my favourite lens is still the kit lens – the Fujinon XF18-55mmF2.8-4. It strikes a really nice balance, delivering sharp detail while also giving skin tones a softer, flattering look. It may be underrated but it’s incredibly versatile and has served me well in different settings.

What item never leaves your camera bag?

My variable ND filter and, of course, my Fujifilm X-T30 II. Those two are non-negotiable for me since they give me flexibility in almost any shooting condition.

Any person in any place for a photoshoot. Who would it be and why?

I’d love to shoot with Scoop Makhathini. To me, he’s one of the flyest personalities and a true creative genius. His style, energy and vision would make for an incredible collaboration, and I believe working with him would spark content that’s both bold and timeless.