Life through Dart's lens
- Kgotsofalang Oludara
- Apr 27, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29, 2019
Self-taught photographer, photography extraordinaire, Thokozani Arthur Dlamini, recently took us on a tour in the museum of his life in photography, all through his lens.
It’s mid-morning of a Tuesday in Autumn when Arthur agrees to meet with me.
Ever attentive to detail, I find him directing a model during a fashion shoot, one of his recent collaborations with a fashion and lifestyle store in Maboneng.
The model, is a well-known model, who needs minimal direction, but because Arthur’s character is one that exudes a photosynthesising energy that allows everyone around him to bloom, his body, curves and sways as desired by Arthur’s eye.
I later find out that character is one of three lethal weapon he carries with him to his shoots, alongside his camera and his favourite lens, a 50mm.
Moving with a squad of dances and rappers, and quickly figuring out that he wasn’t as good as they were, he took on a different role.
The role of a documenter.
“I didn't even know that photography could be a viable career for me,” said Arthur.
“A friend convinced me to give it a shot in 2014, seeing as though I always took photos of my friends, who are musicians, whenever we were out at performances, I was the ‘camera guy’ , without a camera at he time, I used their phones.”
He later got involved with the production team at a local church and there he was able to hone his videography and photograph skills.
As his love for photography grew, so did his skill.
“I've always loved art, I've always love the space of creativity and photography seemed to be the thing I chose. I can write, I can dance, there's a poet and a philosopher inside me, I wish I could paint too,” he joked.
“But ultimately, I love moments, I love seeing people happy, there's nothing more beautiful than that.
“As my drive forced me to expand on my photography skills, I just fell in love with the experience of capturing moments.
“From those very moments, which unstitch me at every gaze and at every snap, I've met quite a lot of people who contributed so much to the man and photographer I am today.”
He further attributed his drive and success so far to people who helped him along the way, friends such as Devour, B-Kay, Mochene, Bma, Kwandile, Sims.
“There would be no Dart Photogrphy without everyone who championed behind me when I did not have a camera, who encourage me to see further than shooting at local parties in the hood.
“There definitely would have been no Dart Photography without my homey Bones,” he said.
From the pain of being paid with exposure instead of cash, Arthur now, owner of Dart Photography, is confident enough to send invoices and turn down unpaying gigs.
“Invoicing had me nervous at first, especially when I’d have to set a price for my services,” he said
“One day Lethabo Mokeona (owner of Walk Fresh) pulled me aside and taught me the importance of invoicing, since then, I do it without flinching.
“I guess after our talk I realised the value of my work.
“However now I am confident in my craft and if I am set on specific amount, that’s that.
“You get to a point where you value it so much that when you think about the time you invest in your craft and yourself, it makes no sense to be working for free.
“All I have at the moment is time, and I refuse to mismanage it.”
Arthur is heavily brand conscious. He believes it is important to align yourself with brands that can elevate your skill and and role in your specific career.
Back in Maboneng, the model is clad in the last look for the shoot; an ensemble by Unknown Union part of their Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection, Novesta Sneakers and Arthur behind the lens, working acute angled shots.
Soon sounds of the camera shuttering about are long gone, we’ve crossed the road into an auspiciously hidden coffee shop, where we Arthur gives me a glimpse into his life behind the lens.
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