Sport fuels the soul no matter what career paths we are on. Cecilia van Bers is one such person, from having a career as an Accountant to becoming a celebrated sports photojournalist is proof that one’s passion for sport always has its rewards.
“I left my home at the age of 18 to study B. Comm (Accounting) at the University of Pretoria. After completing my articles at an Auditor’s firm, I met my husband to-be, and we have two beautiful daughters. I was an average athlete, but I loved my sport,” she commented.
“Athletics was my favourite even though I played hockey, korfball and a little bit of tennis. Sports was my passion, I preferred it to reading. I also played cricket and rugby with the boys in the neighbourhood,” she laughed
As a female working in a male dominated career, one always has to grow thick skin, van Bers just carried on her business and made the most of every opportunity that came her way. Meeting Anne Laing, a world class photographer who has photographed the Olympic Games, Rugby and Soccer World Cups gave Van Bers that much needed boost in her career change.
“Anne’s stories about shooting the Games and World Cups inspired me immensely. Having worked in the Accounting field, it gave me an edge of how to handle anything that was thrown my way.”
Starting out in sports photography was a just hobby at first and being self-taught was always going to be hard road ahead. With encouragement from family and fellow photographers who provided invaluable advice, Van Bers has made a rewarding career out of it.
“Caster Semenya is one the women athletes that stands out for me in my career highlights. I have witnessed and captured many records that she has broken. I took the last photo of her before she was banned from competing,” she said.
“It is always so special for me to watch athletes develop in front of me, especially the female athletes as they always have it so much harder. Being acknowledged by Athletics South Africa in 2023 for my contribution towards sport was a truly special moment for me. It was rewarding to be recognized for the work I put in over the years,” commented Cecilia.
Not many pro photographers spend time at high school events, but Van Bers is proud that her dedication to her craft gifted her with experiences that will miss others by. She explains:
“Viwe Jingqi broke a 38-year old SA U18 100m record, of Mari-Lise Furstenberg, in 2022,” related Van Bers. “From there, she bettered her own SA Record to 11.22. Although she was only 17 years old at that time, she became the seventh fastest women in SA history in the 100m!”
“Last year she was out of competition because of injuries and an operation. This year she is back with a bang. This photo shows her excitement after she saw the time on the clock, finishing the 100m.”
Photography is a love affair with life, and to get to the best photo on the day is no easy feat. Van Bers studies her subject’s behaviour patterns before, during and after any event.
“I rely on my own gut feeling for predictions. It is stressful, even though you know you have done all you can. My motto is to always be alert and always expect the unexpected.”
Athletics has always been Van Bers’ favourite sport to capture, especially the 100m sprint and high jump. She believes that if photography is your passion, pursue it, you can make a career out of it. It is not easy but it is rewarding in a way that will leave you breathless.
Photo: Reg Caldecott
Having captured Caster Semenya over the years and now watching her coach Glenrose Xaba and Karabo Mailula is special for van Bers.
“She is a world class athlete and to see how her love for sport has transcended into her coaching of these two athletes inspires me to be better and work harder in my craft. Gerda Steyn is also another athlete that I have photographed and she is such wonderful athlete to capture.”
It is one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, but it is another thing when you make a portrait of who they are.
Main Photo Caption: Sport fuels the soul no matter what career paths we are on. Cecilia van Bers is one such person, from having a career as an Accountant to becoming a celebrated sports photo journalist is proof that one’s passion for sport always has its rewards. Photo: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: “Being acknowledged by Athletics South Africa in 2023 for my contribution towards sport was a truly special moment for me,” says Van Bers. Photo: Reg Caldecott
Photo 3 Caption: “I rely on my own gut feeling for predictions. It is stressful. My motto is to always be alert, and always expect the unexpected.” Photo: Supplied
Photo 4 Caption: “Caster Semenya is one the women athletes that stands out for me in my career highlights,” releates Van Bers. Photo: Cecilia van Bers
Photo 5 Caption: Viwe Jingqi won the 100m Women U20 at the ASA U16, U18 U20 and U23 Championships in March this year at Pilditch. Photo: Cecilia van Bers
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