Breaking bread with Nasiphi
March 31, 2017
Changing the status quo
March 31, 2017
Joshua in wonderful Woodstock
When Cape Town photographer Joshua Rubin received his first camera as a childhood gift, it was love at first click. Today, the young photographer is just as fascinated about capturing the world around him.
“My family and I moved from Zimbabwe to Cape Town when I was seven. When I was 10 years old, my dad gave me my first camera. He also loved photography when he was younger and he taught me the basics. I learnt a lot just by playing around and spending loads of time practising and taking photos. Before I started taking photos, I didn’t explore nearly as much as I do now. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I love photography. Many of my best memories wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have my camera to motivate me to get up and go out.
Some of my best years since I started taking photos were spent studying at the Orms Cape Town School of Photography. I didn’t realise how much I still had to learn. One of the best skills I’ve gained through photography is the ability to communicate with a huge variety of people, from all walks of life. I’ve met so many interesting people and hope to meet many more.
About two years ago, I started taking photos of people living in Woodstock. I met them when a fire broke out in their settlement. At that time, I didn’t even think about taking photos of them but the more time I spent with them, the more I became interested in their lives.
Even though we come from completely different backgrounds and lead different lifestyles, I feel we have so much in common and face many similar struggles. That’s probably why I’ve grown so close to them and have such a passion to document their lives.
When people see my work, I want them to feel like they’ve stepped inside another person’s world. Often, people forget that there is more to life than what is happening around them.
My dream has always been to work for National Geographic and make a living from doing what I love to do. Over the next few years I hope to travel more and work as a full-time documentary photographer.”
