POLOKWANE – Now, this professional photographer owns a photography company, TLK Photography, based in Flora Park. Growing up in Polokwane, Tebogo studied art at the Tshwane University of Technology after matric. Due to unforeseen events, he was unable to complete the course.
“I discovered my passion for photography in my early teens, taking photos of almost everything I saw and everyone I met,” he said.
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Among artists Tebogo has taken photos of are: local mucisian Mopedy, actor Oratile Maitisa and Thobela FM presenter, Lethabo Mathato, with the photo of Lethabo being used on TV on the 1Magic channel. “I have several favourite photos and I enjoy it most when I can work with props in the studio to make the photos even more interesting. These props help to ensure that we end up with some great and unique shots.”
Photography as a career, Tebogo added, gives him the opportunity to give his creativity free rein as he is constantly looking for new ways to make his photos more interesting and unique, using everyday items in a way not many people may think of.
“As a photographer, I capture split-second moments that only come once in a lifetime. I then turn these captured split seconds into works of art to display or express a moment which could’ve gone unnoticed.”
Aside from being a photographer, Tebogo is also a graphic designer who loves to exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle.
“Some of the challenges I have encountered as a photographer is that people sometimes want to devalue your work by always asking for lower prices, or even if I can work with them for free. They don’t really understand the hard work, effort and dedication put into producing work they would love. That’s not even to mention the expensive equipment I use in studio to make everything look professional. I overcome such challenges by never settling for less as I know the worth of my work,” he said.
He advised aspiring photographers to remember why they chose the field in the first place. “It’s a jungle out there, put God first as He will help you through when the going gets tough and you feel like giving up. Concentrate on your goal and you will dominate it when you have fully mastered it.”
Follow Tebogo on social media at Facebook: Tebogo Tlaka and TLK Photography or Instagram: tlakatebogo. To find out more about his work, contact him at tebogo.tlk@gmail.com.
