Random Portraits..
..some requested by me, some requested by them, some unsolicited..
Christopher is instrumental in trying to form a fishermen’s union. In the off-season, after working their butts off, they’re left high-and-dry, with no work, or source of income.
Rubberizing his bakkie..
These guys saw me from a distance, and started ‘cutting some shapes’. Shelley Point lighthouse in the distance..
..then came running over, performing for more photos.
Fuelling his large truck, packed with flattened cardboard boxes destined for recycling.
Hey, don’t you want to take a photo of us, too? I asked how their day went, fishing-wise.. “styve lyne”..? (Afrikaans for taut lines..). They only caught about 15 snoek, which will barely cover their petrol costs back to Bothasig.
Another day done, for these fishermen.
I was taking a photo of the boere-barok outside this house, and these people came into view. Is it wrong of me to post this photo.. maybe? I’m certainly not wanting to make light of what is a serious situation.
Hard living, but was happy to pose. Heidelberg.
As I was walking by, this lady Shannon asked me to take her photo..
..and then, on the way back, called me again, “Nog een asseblief, saam met my man”.
Happy to pose amongst all her wonderful baskets. I’ve still got the basket I bought as a token.
A fish vlekker, looking quite menacing! I prefer this shot to the one I took of him smiling.. :)
Lemonade man & happy customer, St Helena Bay harbour. When the fish are running, vendors make use of the opportunity.
She proudly walked me to the front of her window, one of dozens in a long row of the barracks for fisherfolk in St Helena Bay harbour.
Rasta.. Gentle guy.
A snoek buyer from Cape Town.
Weary after a busy day at sea. These fishermen work hard.
Paid, and heading home.
I had to explain the sun’s not ideal now, but they insisted..
These slightly dodgy dudes also wanted their photo taken.
Rasta vlekker after a long day, would be more interested if I was buying, not taking. He liked that I appreciated his colours.
Photographing photographers again, on a windy day in Langebaan. More photos of photogs here..
His matching red hat, then his friendly face, drew my attention. St Helena Bay.
I can’t remember his name, but I know it’s not Nadia, he told me with a laugh.. Porterville.
John makes a living selling dried snoek, aka fish biltong. Steenberg Cove.
This family asked me to photograph them with their adopted and foster children. The girl was set alight by her mother’s boyfriend, WTAF! This couple are applying to have her adopted. I take my hat off for them.
St Helena Bay.
What’s in his hand is what you’re might be thinking is in his hand! Rastas with their impressive turbans, St Helena Bay harbour.
Twin brothers with their respective daughters. Kommetjie.
A painter and part-time vlekker heading home. I had to get a pic of those pants!
Angelique, the local historian, outside her 200 year old home, Wittewater.
Fishermen, St Helena Bay harbour.
Salty sea dog! The skipper of Ocean Enterprise, about to depart. I only noticed his reflection later, at home.
Retired fisherman Davey Clark, making himself at home on his son’s boat, while on a visit..
Friendly truckers asking for a photo. Agterbaai.
One of the hard-working ladies, vlekking a snoek.
Meet The Vlekkers. They had come to the harbour, hearing the fish were running, hoping for work, but today was not to be. A Cape Town buyer bought all the catch, so no vlekking was needed. They still managed to raise a smile, even though they were out of pocket.
Today was a better day for The Vlekkers! Fish blood and scales washed off, now waiting for a taxi ride home. Such characters!
Meet more of them here..
Cheery face. Mom said smile, and she did.
While waiting for the full moon to rise on Ou Kaapse Weg, I hijacked this group photo..
This chap from the group then approached me, asking for a shot…
This lovely family asked for a group photo. We forgot to exchange details, so if anyone recognizes them, please let them and/or me know. I’m sure they’d love a copy.
