There is heaps of creative talent around South Africa, maybe its our amazing landscapes, our bussling grafitti filled cities or our mix of different cultures that breeds these individuals. Whatever it is our country has got a lot going for it regardless of Malema wanting to steal gold and people trashing the streets, so instead of reading the news and depressing yourself, be inspired by people that create! I stumpled upon Chanels photos and she was happy to answer some questions.

Who or what inspires you to take photos
Anything and everything that sits still long enough for me to take into my mental database. I love just looking out of a window and seeing something that catches my eye, running towards it camera in-hand and getting the shot I had in-mind. So I guess you can say I’m inspired by anything that catches my eye; be it a strange looking bug, shoes, flooring, patterns. It all fits in somewhere, and if it doesn’t, I’ll make it fit. People are also a constant source of inspiration as well as fellow photographers and their work.

What equipment do you use?
I use a Nikon D60 with a standard 18-55mm lens as well as a Yashica FXD 35mm SLR with various flash and filter attachments. And of course some other snap shot cameras, but they’ve become more like collectors items now. I collect these lovely boxes of light. Processing is done on ye olde faitful Dell laptop with a wacom tablet and the usual Adobe suite.

Do you still use film camera’s? if so which camera and why do you like them compared to digital?
I do, and I’m absolutely in love with the surprise factor; taking a photograph and not knowing what it will look like until you get that roll of film developed. It’s great and most definitely teaches you a thing or two about the basic principles of photography and patience. I use a Yashica FXD 35mm SLR and I’ve worked with both colour and black and white film. Of course everyone will have their opinion on film photography and mine is that it’s a very addictive and somewhat expensive ‘hobby’, but my goodness is it fun and oh-so-beautiful. You think you know everything about photography, until you work in film, especially SLR where you’re in-charge of the outcome, and not the digital processor and sensor of a digital camera.

What are your goals with photography?
I’d like to show my viewers exactly what I see and how I see it. Impossible challenge, but worth it. I think like a graphic designer so what I see in my minds eye is what I want as the outcome at the end of the day. I want you to feel something, whether it’s the warmth of the sun behind that tree or just an un-named emotion from the colours. Each photograph should be like a work of art, every moment should be seen as a work of art and every person on this planet is an undiscovered work of art. I’d like to make you see things in a different light.

Do you have a favourite subject to photograph and what makes it your favourite?
I’ve always loved plants and insects, especially after a good old Johannesburg rainstorm. There’s just something about the way rain makes everything brighter and fresh, especially if you look a bit closer at all the water droplets everywhere. I also have a thing for feet, not in a fetish kind of way, just because they’re everywhere we go and they can say so much about a person. I started a series about my feet and the feet I encounter and it’s been very eye-opening and fun. Any other objects that I can get my hands on, such as rubber ducks, Lego people, interesting vintage cameras, they’re all a lot of fun to photograph.

Follow Chanels work at these sites:
My mini portfolio: http://chanel-rossouw.daportfolio.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/crossouwphotography

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