DUNDEE: Young Coenie focuses on his photography career

Whether it is being behind the camera lens or mapping out his future, Coenie Torlage is very focused.

The 21-year-old has just completed a project of photographing 12 ‘local leaders’ in the Dundee district as part of his studies at the much-vaunted Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography where he is a third year student.

For Coenie, the exciting part is that the series of images on leaders (that incorporate those who are making a difference in the community), will, hopefully, be submitted by the Academy as one of five to enter the Sony Global Awards.

“If my submission is accepted by the Academy to go forward to the international awards in London, it will be incredibly thrilling. The winner of that award will receive world-wide recognition and will be such a career lift off.” The Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography has already had finalists in the global awards and hopes are high that a South African will again be nominated.  

Chatting about what went into compiling the series of photos, Coenie says before even going out to a location; he plays out all the scenarios and sees the photo in his head.

“By doing this I ensure I am prepared. The photo must tell the story – photography is really painting with light, much like the renaissance artists. The viewer must feel an emotion, a spark when looking at the photo – that’s what I set out to create.”

Born in Dundee, to parents Cornad and Cherice, Coenie got into photography through his dad who was a keen photographer himself – especially during family holidays.

He started taking photos and even entered some into the National Geographic Kids magazine when was 11. He initially used his phone but his parents later bought him a Canon 700 D with three lenses which kept the young Coenie busy.

“I took photos of functions while at Dundee High. Matric farewells, sokkies etc. I also enjoy landscapes, nature, and people.”

Like his parents, he also has business flair and even sold chickens for extra pocket money! At first it appeared he would study for a B Com. “I just knew that I wanted to study at Stellenbosch. I applied and was accepted into the Academy and studied for a Higher Certificate in Commercial Photography for a year and now I am busy with a BA Degree in Visual Communications, specialising in photography.”

For Coenie, one of the most exciting experiences he has had in Stellenbosch was when South Africa’s first Michelin-star chef, published author, artist and passionate photographer, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s , came to address students.

“I desperately wanted to work with him and just learn. He’s chef and owner of JAN, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in the old part of Nice, France.”

After much persuasion and fortitude, Coenie did get a chance to do some work with Jan’s team and it’s an opportunity he would like to explore further.

For the future, Coenie hopes to complete his honours at the Academy, and from there ‘maybe eventually do my own thing – perhaps interior design too and incorporate photography and business.’ “I took an aptitude test at school and was surprised that it came out that I have an artistic flair. I thought I was more business minded – but I have tapped into that side now and I am really loving it.”

Coenie uses a Canon 5d Mark lll and also has a fondness for a Fuji. “Too anyone keen on photography, I would say it’s all about the lens with less focus on the body.”

Asked if he every ‘cheats’ by using the P (programme mode) on his camera, Coenie laughs saying ‘’’99.9 per cent of all my images are created by using manual control settings’. And just like his shots, Coenie wants to be clear control of his future.

And with his confidence and ability, this young Dundonian will soon develop into making the town proud of him.

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