Gregor Röhrig spent a good part of his 20s capturing street life across the globe – watching people and their daily going-ons.
His fascination with ordinary people has translated into his exhibition, Streets of Our Lives, which you can see at the Alliance Francaise Du Cap Art Gallery in the Mother City.
Röhrig’s rich images tell a story of the universal person on the street.
“I just recently converted all my street photography from colour to black and white. It adds more drama,” says Röhrig, the light and shadow add a more vintage feel and accentuate the pictures.
“I grew up in Johannesburg and completed my matric and A-levels at the German School. I then lived in Germany for a year working as a design intern before returning to commence my studies in journalism and anthropology at Rhodes University where I specialised in new media,” says Röhrig.
“I think my photography benefitted greatly from my studies. Not only did I learn to see the world through different eyes, I made my first career breakthrough while at Rhodes.”
Röhrig says his greatest achievement so far was taking the official photograph at the ceremony at which Miriam Makeba was awarded an honorary doctorate.
It was a time in his life when he was being proactive and making things happen, putting his name out there. “I think that’s the secret to being successful in anything you do,” he says.
“I live in the city, on Kloof Street, which is quite a lively and central location. Anything visual is really stimulating for me, but I enjoy good music as it energises me and allows me to dream up new creative ideas.
“I also like surrounding myself with interesting people to collaborate with.”
Röhrig’s advice to aspiring photographers is to find a good mentor. He had his in Greg Marinovich and Paul du Toit, for whom he still works.
Source: Life & Style, May 15 2012, Diana Kekana
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