2009 has been the first year of following my dream and dedicating myself full time to my craft as a photographer. When I first left my Ad Agency in Dubai to pursue my own career, I had no idea how I would make it work. I had only one small client, an overdose of optimism, and the encouraging, although sometimes nervous, support of my closest friends. There are countless articles and books encouraging people to follow their passion, and pursue a career without concern for the money. But we live in a practical world, with car-installments and Vida coffee addictions. Making that first step was the most challenging decision of my life, and it happened in a heartbeat.

I like to compare starting your own business with learning how to swim. You can watch all the youTube videos of the Olympic swimmers. You can draw stroke-by-stroke sketches next to the pool as you carefully analyze the squad in training. You can read all the books, ‘Learn how to swim in 30 days’ and ‘Freestyle for Dummies’. But unless you jump into the pool, you’ll never know how to do it. I somehow flung myself into the deep end and managed, at least for this year, to keep my head above water during South Africa’s first recession in 17 years.

To be fair, 2009 was more than just floating. Lets do a quick review. In the past year, over 7,8 million South African’s have seen my images in print in advertising campaigns. Over 300,000 people have seen my images through digital and social media. My photos have been in over 56 billboards around South Africa, including a personal hometown win for me, the largest billboard in Cape Town at the top of Long Street in the CBD. I’ve shot for some International magazines, like Colors Magazine in Italy, which is distributed in 4 languages in 40 different countries. I’ve done 2 shoots in countries outside SA (I’m still not sure when I get to call myself an ‘International Photographer’). My images have been in South Africa’s biggest Print magazine titles, including Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, GQ and the Sunday Times. I’ve also sold my first print, and took some beautiful images of my friends kitten, Bubbles.

The best part of pursuing my dream and knowing I’m on the right path is from receiving amazing feedback from clients and friends along the way. I’ve kept some of the comments I’ve received in the past 12 months, just to glance at when I’ve doubted my decision.

Brilliant work Andrew – brilliant! (Paul) You are truely gifted (Bronwyn) geez Andrew very nice (Athol) You are a creative genius! Well done (carmen) those are VERY VERY cool! (Stu) My Rockstar Photographer (Rich) Love it dude. Dont want to blow even more smoke up your ass but you are flippen good (Jason) Very nice. Who was the Art Director? He must be awesome. (Mark) you are one talented muther trucker!!!! (Russell) You are brilliant!! (Carmen) My little Genius (Cathy) I say flipping bravo sire bra the the flip bro!! (Pamela) Nice work my friend! (Brad) They are stunning. (Meghan) Stellar picture! Wow. (Brenda) awesome awesome awesome!!! (Marit) Wtf. How the hell do you do it. One of the best photographs I have ever seen!! (Conrad) Wowwowwow (Kim) Amazing! (Tammy) very sick bro (Tom) Awesome! (Cara-Dee) Love your work Andrew – you are a true artist! (Kate) hey bro, i really enjoy your pics… seriously. (Claire – my sister) Fantastic shots Andrew (Bronwen – my other sister) capturing the moment. a special talent (Raoul) Great work Bru! (Andrew) Oohhh! (Bina) Hey . . how cool are these Andrew!!! Well Done (Ingrid) v nice (Donald) very cool andrew (Candy) Love these pics… soooo awesome! ;D very cool indeed… (Shani) Yet again more amazing pics Andrew! Keep up the good work x (Gemma) Fab photos .bra (Dale) Dude I love your work man (mitch) What a pic dude. (Dave) you have a way (Padriac) beautiful pics B ! (Erin) You talented person,you (KIM) awesome pics Andrew, really stunning!!! (Toni) awesome shots Andrew! (Kristen) Awesome awesome pics. (Myfanwy) jislaaikit! (Michelle) absolutely fucking marvelous andrew! (Andrew) love it, congrats! (Humza) wow. Very nice. (Nick) Big Fan!!!, these shots are amazing (Janah) Beautiful photos Andrew! Deserves an uppercase WOWEE (Nathalee) your book cover is very cool. nice one (paige) Wow, your pictures are amazing! (Geri) Respect (Andrew) You have a definite talent, mate (Geoffrey) dude you are erekleure! (Ernst) WOW!!!!! (Eric) Your portfolio is the best photography I’ve seen in 10 years of Advertising (Rich)