TAKE TEN: Hoek Swaratlhe

It’s been a full ten years since Fujifilm produced the first X Mount camera. To celebrate, we’re featuring Fujifilm photographers from across the country. Soweto-based Hoek Swaratlhe is an alumni of the Market Photo Workshop. He tells us more about how he sees photography as a form of communication and the first time he picked up a Fujifilm. (Image by Ngoma Ka Mphahlele)

Why do you love Photography?

Photography is a form of communication – I love having conversations with people, so I feel like with photography one can engage with people more. For me, photography is also a place where I find peace, it’s so therapeutic. Also, one can take photographs anywhere, anytime and that’s why I love it.

What made you switch to Fujifilm and when did this happen?

In 2018 I got the opportunity to use a friend, Francois Booyens’ Fujifilm X-Pro1; this was my first time using a mirrorless camera and I loved it. I couldn’t afford one at that time, but every chance I got I would use it and the more I did, the more I fell in love with it. Finally, I managed to buy one myself.

Which Fujifilm camera do I use?

I am currently using my Fujifilm X-T1 and I’m loving it.

What do you love most about the camera?

Firstly, I love how light the camera is and its vintage look. I like the fact that it handles lowlight well, not to forget about the Wi-Fi functionality. But the best part must be the quality of the photos, and the fact that what you see through the viewfinder is what you get as the image.

Tell us a bit more about your photography and what you would like to achieve through this.

My photographic interest currently revolves around my community and social issues: people and urban culture which I successfully execute through my unique street and studio photographs.

I hope to impact people’s perceptions, contribute to life changing projects that can bring change in different communities, and to tell untold stories.

Find more of Hoek’s work online.