‘Winning at the gsport Awards changed my life …’ This is the view of top South African sports photographer Frennie Shivambu. She has been at the top of her game since she joined the profession in 2010 and in fourteen years she has cemented herself as one of the best photographers in her field.
Shivambu who was the Women in Print winner at the 2018 Momentum gsport Awards has spoken about how the #PowerOfRecognition has helped her accomplish some big feats as a photographer.
She says her win six years ago has had an incredibly positive impact on her career.
“Winning at the gsport Awards changed my life in different ways, because people started to recognise my work more than before.”
2018 Woman in Print Award Winner, Sports Photographer Frennie Shivambu
“I did some work for SASCOC and covered the All-Africa Games. I was the official photographer for the Queens Baton Torch Tour in 2022 at the Commonwealth Games. Earlier this year I was the official photographer for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Tour In South Africa. Gallo Images also booked me for the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates derby.”
Shivambu shared she has had a love for photography for many years and this became clear when she met her significant other almost three decades ago. With her newfound passion for photography, she also went on to become the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Justus Media.
“I developed a passion for photography in 1997 when I and my then partner Lefty Shivambu were dating. However I only became professional in 2010 and in that year I also started my company, Justus Media.
“Justus Media aims to assist the youth who are interested in photography. Justus Media has helped more than five photographers who are doing well today.”
Shivambu has a simple way she owns her success she says she does this by: “Believing in my craft, staying consistent and learning how to balance my personal life and work.”
It’s safe to say that Shivambu’s partner has had a significant role in her photography journey and she shares how her early days in photography began.
“My husband, who is an award-winning photographer, introduced me to photography because I used to travel with him at sports events. I became so interested in what he was doing, that he went and bought me a camera, a Nikon D700, and an 80-400mm lens. He taught me everything about camera settings, and how to capture the best action pictures.”
And like they say the rest is history! Despite her husband’s tutelage, Shivambu has carved out her own success and it shows in her work over the years. She feels motivating others will ensure that more females are involved in print and online spaces, as well as sports photography.
“We must open our eyes to what she can do. Inspiring women with real stories they can relate to, can help with their prime participation.”
“Whenever I travel and speak to women I always encourage them to come and cover sports. It will make me happy to see more women covering sport,” she added.
She has some prudent guidance for those young women who want to pursue a photography career.
“My advice to young women is to be passionate, believe in your dreams, and if you love photography … No matter what, you will make it! There is no substitute for dedication and hard work.”
Main Photo Caption: ‘Winning at the gsport Awards changed my life!’ – Top South African sports photographer Frennie Shivambu, who is at the top of her game after spending 14 years cementing herself as one of the best sports photographers in South Africa. All Photos: Supplied
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