VANDERBIJLPARK – Olebile Mocoancoeng, a 35-year-old photographer has earned the title of Vaal’s number one most loved lensman and a three times award-winning nationally and abroad.
With an untiring passion for capturing life’s precious moments, Olebile has become the go-to photographer for all occasions.
From fashion shoots that display elegance to corporate portraits that command attention, from the tender moments of weddings to the anticipation of pregnancy, Olebile’s lens has witnessed and immortalized them all.
His artistry knows no bounds, and his commitment to preserving memories is unwavering.
Olebile, affectionately known as “Ole” to his growing crowd of admirers, sees photography not just as a hobby but as a career with limitless potential.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Olebile shared the journey that led him to become Vaal’s photographic sensation.
His fascination with the complicated workings of a camera ignited his photography journey.
“I was always intrigued by how a camera operates, how it captures moments and transforms them into timeless images. My curiosity is what led to my journey in 2006. This is after I received a camera as a gift during my matric year at General Smuts High School from a friend,” he said.
The gift of that camera was a turning point in Olebile’s life as he wasted no time in dismembering its inner workings and exploring the tones of photography.
However, it was only when he decided to pursue formal education in photography that his burning questions about the art form were finally answered.
“I studied photography after my matric, which helped me channel my way into the photography industry.”
Asked on what motivates him to capture the best moments of his clients, Ole said he spends bonds with clients before each shoot.
“I attach my personality to everything I shoot. My subject matter always has a bit of me in it, that’s how I exonerate the beauty from each and every subject in front of me. I interact with a client to understand their exact needs after their briefs I make sure I extract the beauty of small things that the clients miss,” he said.
Olebile told the paper on his awards that he has won in South African and the United States.
“I have won two SA Nikon Gold Awards and one Sony Gold in the USA. The USA award was for best Black and White Print, and the Sony award was for fashion portfolio. These awards means significance to me. Winning them was ground breaking. These always pump me and remind me I should keep on working hard and maintain being among the best,” he said.
