Interview with photographer, Eazy Mohapi #BrandsYallShouldKnowAbout

Holomo Isaiah Mohapi was born in 1984 Jan 25^th in a small mining town in the Free State (goldfields), called Virginia. He is the only son out of the 3 daughters, "The odd black sheep" because every family needs one, he says. He is a lover of life, good music and art, and says he enjoys spending time alone in quiet places which he finds is an inspiration to his craft. Mohapi is passionate about Africa and Africans.

"I’m not really a photographer, I think that’s a title for heavy weights. I’m just a guy who’s got memory cards, batteries and a camera. Capturing, the sweet moments of life."

RVL: When did your career in photography start?

As I was a child, there were photographs on the walls, be it at home, church or even newspapers that still lingered in my head and they forever changed the way I looked at life. There are cameras at home but as a child (Filimi le mashala di ne di tura) and I wasn’t allowed to touch much, when I had a chance to travel I always borrowed a camera until I decided to buy a Nikon DSLR, I have never put it down since.

RVL: What inspires your photography?

I was inspired by an artist called Simphiwe Jevu; who’d take photos the whole day (of everything and anything) and load them into his computer and we’d watch them religiously. But then again again you know there are monster photographers (I refer to them as Teargas photographers) like bo the late ntate Alf, bo ntate Sam Nzima, ntate peter Magubane, bo ntate Fannie Jason le ntate Ernest Cole… and many more.

RVL: Do you prefer using monochrome images better than colour?

I love monochrome, monochrome’s got that classic feel. But yet again the colour is also lookable most times.

RVL: What equipment or processes do you use?

I use Nikon DSLR’s. Lightroom for my images. Nikkor lenses and sigma. I still want to buy more lenses if I could afford, need to learn more softwares to make my images even better.

RVL: Which other photographers inspire you?

There’s an outstanding photographer by the name of TC Maila. If you don’t him. Ask around. Ok…. Bo Prince Phefo Le Bo Krustallos,Chris Acheson,the young man called Mlungisi Mlungwana, and many more. I’m inspired by everyone who’d go on their knees to capture a moment.

RVL: What does art mean to you?

Art is art is art. It comes in a million forms and shapes, mara once it hits youan it makes a permanent scar of fulfilled joy in your heart & soul. Definition of Life – Art.

RVL: Describe your work on one word.

One word….. Dinepenyana

RVL: What makes a good photographer?

A unique artistic eye.

RVL: What do you love about photography?

Ha ne ke buleha mahlo (When I started seeing)

1   There was a photo of a baby lion (Cub) at home which I’d stare everyday when I was a laitie.

2   There was a photo of boat on calm waters with a sunset and the bottom of the photo it was written… “Today is the day”.

My point is , there’s Something magical about photography, I just can’t put a finger on it.

RVL: How far do you see your art going?

I wish everyday I hit the shutter, my art gets better and grows nyana because I’d like to be remembered by my images.

RVL: Will you ever get into film making and why?

No I don’t see myself going into filming anytime soon because I have maningi love for photography there isn’t much space for film. But maybe as we grow older.. re tla bona.

RVL: Where can people get your work?

Facebook         -           Eazy Mohapi

Twitter            -           @eazymohapi

I Hope to grow into galleries one day when it gets better.