Marelize Joubert (Coetzee)

“I am” can be both the most difficult and empowering thing to write about. “I am a portrait photographer” has been a journey for me, a journey that is sometimes tough but so rewarding and I wouldn’t want to be anything else.

“eventually you’ll end up where you need to be, with who you’re meant to be with, and doing what you should be doing.”

There is something about Portrait photography that speaks to me. There is something real, honest and vulnerable about a portrait. There is a story behind that beautiful face.

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” – Elliott Erwitt

Sometimes a sad story, stories of victory and battles being fought, stories of family and love. And yes, I can see beauty in any face. There is beauty in the innocence of a young face, and there are beautiful stories in the lines around the eighty your old eyes smiling back at me.

…and “If the essence of my being has caused a smile upon your face or a touch of joy within your heart.Then in living – I have made my mark.