For years, much of Ocean View’s story has been told by other people. Now, a group of local photographers are telling it themselves.
Through their cameras, Earl Mentor, Raymond Adams, Colby Magiel, Lorenzo Yon, Vincent Johnson, Ralph Adams, Bayden Wyngaard, Enrique Wyngaard and Senior Tshuma have captured the people, places and everyday moments that define Ocean View, revealing stories of resilience, pride and hope that are often overlooked.
Their work will go on public display for the first time when the iBali Photography Collective launches the Ocean View Photography Club Exhibition at the Ocean View Library on Thursday, July 30, from 9am to 11am.
The exhibition invites residents to see familiar streets, neighbours and shared spaces through fresh eyes, while celebrating the achievements of the photographers behind the images.
“The programme has always been about amplifying voices and reframing the narratives,” said iBali Photography Collective founder Dave Fisher.
The exhibition marks the culmination of a year-long mentorship programme that Fisher led from May to December last year.
The participants met every week to develop their photography skills and learn how visual storytelling can be a powerful tool for personal growth and community change.
One of the moments that showed the programme’s impact came during practical photography sessions in Ocean View.
“Seeing them in the community during our practical sessions really showed how they were using their cameras to engage with their community, as well as a lens to view themselves and their world in new ways,” Fisher said.
He said hearing participants share their stories during an exhibition at the Simon’s Town Museum at the end of last year was equally rewarding.
“It was very inspiring and encouraging.”
For participant Lorenzo Yon, joining the programme fulfilled a long-held dream.
“I’ve always loved taking photographs of my surroundings like nature, animals and many other different things,” he said.
Although he had previously taken photographs on his cellphone, working with a camera allowed him to explore photography in ways he never had before.
“When I was approached and asked if I would like to be part of this initiative, I immediately said yes as it was something I’ve always wanted to do but never really got the opportunity to do it with a camera.”
The programme also changed the way he looks at his community.
“Photography has taught me that there is a story in anything and everything around me,” Yon said.
“It also taught me that there is beauty in every little thing.”
One of the photographs he is most proud of shows a group of young men who came together to make music as a way to stay off the streets.
“Even though they have got many struggles in their lives, they decided to look to the future and make use of their talent in a good way by means of music and rap,” he said.
For Earl Mentor, an avid photographer and self-published author of three books documenting the lives and legacy of people living in marginalised communities, the programme strengthened his commitment to using photography to give a voice to those whose stories are often unheard.
“I believe photography has shaped how I see myself and my community by telling the stories of silent witnesses who have endured deep psychological trauma,” he said.
Mentor stated that exhibiting his work provided an opportunity for people outside Ocean View to better understand the realities many residents face.
“I depict the socio-economic issues in our communities so that outsiders can gain insight into our world, especially in high-conflict areas, and work with us to find solutions for peacebuilding and community building initiatives.”
Participant Colby Magiel said the programme became much more than a photography course.
He said it helped him discover his calling and inspired the mentorship work he now leads with young men, fathers and families in Ocean View.
“I do have a vision that I can see things come to life through the lens,” he said.
Magiel said photography has become a way of helping others understand the challenges facing many young people in the community.
“I’m extremely proud that I can show people what the actual challenges and obstacles that our youth are facing out here are, and how real these stories are instead of just hearing about them.”
Fisher said the impact of the mentorship has continued long after the weekly sessions ended.
One participant has completed an internship where he is using the photography skills developed through the programme, while several others continue to document stories in Ocean View and encourage conversations about issues affecting the community.
The next chapter has already begun.
Fisher said another Ocean View cohort is planned, with some of the original participants returning to help mentor the next group. Plans are also underway to launch a programme in Masiphumelele in August, with the possibility of expanding to Khayelitsha thereafter.
The initiative operates under LENS, a registered non-profit organisation, and Fisher said funding is needed to expand the programme and bring it to more communities.
Anyone interested in supporting the initiative or finding out more can contact Fisher at davefishersa@gmail.com.
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