Micaela Pretorius

Sinqobile Sibiya
Dec 20, 2017
4 min read

Photographer/Artist/Videographer

Micaela Pretorius, 22, Plattenburg Bay, South Africa

Current Location

Cape Town, South Africa.

Where did you learn what you know about photography and film?

I studied Professional Photography at City Varsity. I have a diploma in photography and have recently done a short course in Videography at the Cape Town School of Photography.

What camera do you use?

Canon 7D Mark.

Do you feel that having a degree/diploma makes "everything better"?

For me personally, studying was a safety blanket. It was my first time away from home, when I moved to Cape Town on my own. SO, studying was my break into the real world. And I did not know much about photography in terms of the technical side of photography or what kind of photography I loved the most to be honest. It was a space for me to grow in myself and not just photography. But in terms of is anyone asking to see my diploma in photography, they're not. Today is all about who you know and your work to show for it. This is in my field of work though, I can't speak for others.

What kind of photography do you do, and what do you do to make a profit from your work?

My true love with photography is fashion editorial photography. For money, I do events. I love taking photos of artists perfoming on stage. My main dream now would be to make music videos.

What is it about Cape Town that enables you to do what you do?

I grew up in a small town so moving to Cape Town was the best thing I could have done, career wise. There are a lot of people here that are in my line of work. Cape Town just has so much culture and fashion, it's amazing. I'm thinking of trying out Jo'burg for a few years though. ;)

Why call yourself an artist instead of just photographer?

I call myself an artist and not just a photographer because I paint, take photos and videos and do a bit of design. So, I feel like I am more an artist and not just a photographer.

All that you're doing now, are those things you saw yourself doing in Primary or High School?

I always knew I was more on the creative side, school wasn't really for me in terms of the academic side. I always had a love for photography, my dad would always have a camera around. I also paint, I sell my work at my parents shop in Plett.

How were your parents in terms of support and stuff?

My parents were super supportive and still are. I mean, they don't get the social media side to it, But I wouldn't be able to do what I love without them. I am super blessed to have parents that were able to send me to school, etc.

Do you feel you're doing what you want to be doing at 22?

I do feel like I should be doing what I'm doing, I just wish I was a bit further ahead in my career .

Do you see yourself working in film?

I definetely see myself working in film, like I said earlier, making music videos is what I, in the end run, want to be doing.

How long was it before you realized you were good at what you were doing and that it make a good business?

To be honest, it's not that I knew that I was good at what I was doing. If you love something, and it is your passion, go for it, work super hard at it, and you will make a success of your life, and being successful doesn't mean having all the money in the world. Being successful in what you do is when you have fulifilled your dreams, if what you're doing is your passion and makes you happy.

In 6 months, what do you see yourself having achieved?

I would love to have done at least one music video with a well known artist and also have done more photoshoots, that'll make me super proud.

What influences your work?

Fashion and Music infulence a lot of my work. I love music. I play piano and guitar which is why I want to go into music videos. But yeah, new people, my friends, my emotions.

Favorite and best collaborations this far?

My favorite collaborations this year would be working with Hloni Sepanya (@hlonibooboo). As artists we need to stick together. If we are not going to help each other, who will? I have been around so many artists who are not keen to help other artists. Hloni uplifts other artists and gives credits where needs be. She has inspired me, because in this day in age, it is rare to find artists who doesn't put other artists down. I am in the process of making a music video with Dada Shiva ( @da_don_dada). Which is very exciting. Watch this space.

Do you feel weird at all when someone is on the side of the camera?

I don't feel weird being on the other side of camera. Once I get into shape I feel like I might start being on the other side more.

A cliche, What drives or inspires you?

What inspires me the most is seeing South African artists doing the most. Our musicians are making music with well known American artists, and it is just amazing to see. South Africa is doing the most. Don't sleep on us.

What do you do on your down time?

In my down time, I watch series, go visit my friends, go for a young Yours Truly outing for a glass of wine.

The city or beach?

I grew up fishing with my dad, so I'm going to say the beach.

Big Mac or Greek Salad?

My head wants to say a Greek Salad, but my heart wants to say a Big Mac.

Favorite shoot locations?

My favorite places to shoot are outdoor. I like to find locations that nobody has seen before, and I prefer moody lighting.

Favorite sceneries?

My favorite sceneries would be the sea, the waves, it reminds of home.

Handbag or Backpack?

Handbag, I don't have a backpack so maybe that's why.