Through the lense of Mbulelo Hlela
Photography and learning to trust the process
Q. Let’s kick things off with your journey into photography — what first drew you to this creative path ?
A. “I think intuition has led me here. I chose this creative path because of the platform it provides for self-expression. It’s a beautiful outlet to house the things I cannot articulate in so many other ways.”
Q. Who or what is your biggest creative inspiration right now ?
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A. “I would say currently, the source of my creative inspiration comes from film photography. It has turned up my curiosity and kept me inspired in a moment of uncertainty. Music, movies, and photo books have also recently been a source of inspiration. I’ve been listening to a lot of original scores,
which sometimes spark a feeling I’d like to explore in my own work.The books and movies inspire the technical approach in terms of storytelling and composition. My peers and the people around me also inspire me the most. A shared vision keeps the fire burning, whether we’re working together or they’re killing it on a separate project. It’s just beautiful witnessing some of these ideas come to life.”
“Keep on creating
as much as possible”
Q. How would you describe your photography style right now ?
A. “My taste, technique, and the work is constantly evolving. My journey with photography is also at its infancy, and the way in which I’ve engaged with it has been that of practice. While challenging myself in different styles and formats, I’m finding my style and the stories I would like to tell.
The more you make, the more you learn. There are images I used to be so proud of, but looking back now, I don’t feel the same about them. It’s like my taste, techniques, and ability are changing over time. So those moments of creation, trial and error, sharpen your skill and proficiency in the work that you engage in—good and bad all working simultaneously to the benefit of your growth.”
Q. What does your creative process look like ?
A. “My process has become a practice in patience, being intentional with what I make, and trusting the process. Now, predominantly shooting on film, the medium forces me to hold these sentiments. With only 36 exposures on 35mm, time and moments here are savoured, not consumed
Here, I also have to measure light before I make a photo. According to what the light meter reads, I can then decide what type of image I would like to make. There’s a constant learning, a constant conversation between me and the work. I believe this process and outlook is helping me create better, even when I’m shooting digital.”
Photography/Creative
Direction:
Mbulelo
Model:
Milana
Makeup Artist:
Tendai
Stylist:
Zipho
Q. What challenges have you faced as an emerging photographer in South Africa, and how are you navigating them ?
A. “My biggest challenge here has been me. I’m in conflict with life/work, how it currently feels, what it stands for, and what I’d like for it to look like. This time in turmoil has exhausted some relationships and potential opportunities.
Because I’m so fixated on what it should be, I’ve fallen into the habit of debunking or disowning the work.”
