Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonja Boshoff.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in the beautiful settings of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. My love of photography came from my dad who was always fiddling with his Pentax film camera and taking hundreds of pictures of us and our surroundings. My siblings and I was used to him taking photos of us while we were playing in the breaking waves of the Durban beaches or struggling up the steep hills of the Lowveld. Many memories were made in my childhood years and these photos documented every step of the way.
Digital photography has its advantages, but I will never forget the smell of chemicals in my Dad’s developing room while he worked on his black and white photos. There is just something special about these small pieces of childhood memories on paper.
I think my memories of our family, treasuring these moments and discussing events while spending time together pouring over freshly developed photos has influenced my decision to study photography.
After school, I lived in London for four years where I saved enough money to pay for my studies at a photography school in South Africa. I enjoyed my time at City Varsity Film and Television school in Cape Town.
After that, I ended up in the USA and became a citizen in 2015. Texas and the USA is my new permanent home and I am thankful for the blessings and opportunities I have received in this amazing country.
Please tell us about your art.
I specialize in new-born- family- and child- photography. I have three children aged three, seven and ten years. It is a pleasure to observe them when they interact with each other. Sometimes that dreamy moment captured on film, is priceless. This provides me with endless satisfaction and joy. And this is exactly what I like to present to my clients.
These are special moments that can be relived and brought back. New-born photography is very close to my heart because it is such an exquisite and intimate time. The vulnerability and total dependability on a mother’s and father’s love is incomparable.
I work very closely with all my clients and from these relationships I have learned patience, gentleness and love. Some mothers and fathers had to go through a lot of hardship to conceive and hold these precious gifts of life in their arms. It is a humbling experience to be part of their lives, even if it is only for such short moments.
To my astonishment I found parents calling me the “baby whisperer”. I am sure nurses who work with babies will tell you the same thing. We instinctively are tuned in to the needs of the little person in our care. We know instinctively when they are too hot or cold or uncomfortable. I can literally feel them relax and know when to take the best photos, sometimes I call the mommy or daddy closer to comfort the little one and at other times, they just dreamily fall asleep and I click away at the highest possible rate. Not all opportunities last long with the little people.
My clients stay with me and I see these babies grow into toddlers and then young children. When I compare these photos, when I look at these families, I am awe inspired. In some I see grace, in others joy or love. Each family have their own story and I am privileged to share in their testimonies of just being alive.
I take great pride in the fact that my work is hanging against the walls of homes, or finds a place of honour on an office desk or in granny’s house. It is a feeling of satisfaction to know that I have given my best and the reward of seeing these families together make it all worth my while.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Life as an artist has definitely become harder. Especially for professional photographers. Like so many other professional photographers, this is my main source of income. We don’t do this as a pass time, but rather as something we believe in. When we say that we do photography, we actually mean that we live by it.
It is a way of life. We seek the opportunity in every moment. This is how we talk, how we communicate and create. We do more than take mere photos, we help others capture memories.
When I lived in Europe, I found that people were more exposed to art and film festivals. The arts are celebrated in Europe, great effort and expense goes into the arranging of art as part of the European culture.
Such festivals and organized events assisted local artists to network with each other and the public. It gave them exposure and it was on these occasions that their work became known to the public. Reputations were built and referred to, time and time again. We have every opportunity to do the same. Many local artist can and will contribute to our city’s culture. I believe that together we can create everlasting memories, be it on canvas or with the click of a button.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website www.
Please follow me on:
Facebook: https://www.
Instagram: https://www.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sonjaboshoffphotography.com
- Phone: 2815366100
- Email: sonja@sonjaboshoffphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjaboshoffphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonjaBoshoffPhotography
Image Credit:
Sonja Boshoff Photography
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