Brent Jennings Photography

Harnessing the spirits of fire

2010-11-24T14:14:00.000+02:00

The old and the young

2010-10-27T12:18:00.000+02:00

These old, bleached trees once held the dunes beneath their green branches. Since destroyed by fire, the sands are free to shift where the wind would take them, and the dunes now move about, changing from day to day.

Balancing light

2010-06-22T12:43:00.000+01:00

On the edge of the sky.

The crossing

2010-06-22T11:17:00.002+01:00

Winter clouds work their drama. County Kerry, Ireland.

By a thread

2010-04-12T12:12:00.002+01:00

A rescuer moves across a horizontal high-line during a training exercise somewhere on Table Mountain.

The Mountain Club of SA (MCSA) search and rescue team is a highly motivated, highly trained group of climbers. They offer their services - time, energy and expertise - free of charge to the community, and are regularly called out, sometimes to risk their lives, day and night.

Skin and gold

2010-01-20T13:48:00.002+02:00

A less boring way of presenting jewellery is to focus on the whole point of such adornment. The enhancement of form, a display of the aesthetic with the view to elevating the beauty of the human form. Style; mystery, and wonder.

Fly into liquid

2010-01-14T14:24:00.007+02:00

Jewellery model

2010-01-08T09:05:00.007+02:00

Catherine.

Jewellery

2009-11-26T14:38:00.006+02:00

This photograph of a jewellery piece is part of a project imaging the unique creations of the artist jeweller AnGela.

An enormous amount of time, effort and emotional energy goes into the design and manufacturing of each item.

This brooch was hand crafted by AnGela in her Stellenbosch studio in sterling silver and 18ct gold. View her blog and other amazing forms of wearable art here

Space age

2009-10-22T13:21:00.004+02:00

This is part of an ongoing commercial shoot for Silverback with which I've been involved. Mostly this has involved imaging whole bikes, but in this case I had to photograph a state-of-the art carbon fibre racing frame.

It was shot in my studio, and credit for the processing, background and logo must go to Stephen Symons, who was also responsible for the bike decal design.

Live

2009-10-09T11:03:00.006+02:00

Mel Stewart, guitarist and lead vocalist of the band RipCord.

Sunrise in the canyon

2009-08-05T13:17:00.005+01:00

This image really is best viewed large - just click on it.

Three sisters

2009-07-22T11:23:00.003+01:00

Three sensational siblings in studio.

The hour before midnight

2009-07-10T12:16:00.002+01:00

K in studio.

Flat Stanley live

2009-05-27T15:22:00.003+01:00

Clinton, guitarist with Flat Stanley, live at the Assembly in Cape Town. May 2009.

(Flat Stanley are in the process of a name change to macStanley, due to some issue with using their name in Europe).

Go figure.

Holly and the Woods

2009-05-12T07:49:00.002+01:00

Melissa Conradie, lead vocals with Holly and the Woods, live in Cape Town.
May 2009.

The Problematiques

2009-04-20T12:57:00.003+01:00

Rock chick with Fender.
Sulene van der Walt of the Problematiques, live at Roots.

Louise Day Band

2009-04-20T12:54:00.001+01:00

The vibrant and talented Louise Day, live at Ku De Ta.

Forest of change

2009-04-08T11:41:00.002+01:00

This photograph was taken when work was begun on the new 2010 soccer stadium in Cape Town.

I wanted to show something of the frustration I felt at the whole thing, this ghastly abomination that would soon appear to blight yet further this city's skyline.

The final edited image makes me sad.

Josie Field

2009-03-26T12:02:00.002+02:00

Josie Field and her band during their gig at Mojo's.

Josie picked up three SAMA nominations for her new album "Leyland".

Gettin' air

2009-03-18T12:10:00.003+02:00

Local BMX hotshot having a burn.

Make a splash

2009-02-10T11:08:00.001+02:00

Take a wine glass, a grape and a studio strobe. Play.

Piet Botha

2008-11-17T13:39:00.001+02:00

Piet Botha, live at the Dorp Straat Theater, 2008.

Helping hands

2008-10-02T13:36:00.003+02:00

Youth and Beauty

2008-09-11T13:32:00.006+02:00

G in studio. Winter, 2008.

Sax on the rocks

2008-08-21T11:42:00.004+01:00

The musician Shannon Mowday, shot on location in Cape Town.

Winter 2008.

Taxi Violence

2008-08-07T11:00:00.004+01:00

Rock and roll is here to stay.

SA band Taxi Violence, shot during a set at the Mercury in Cape Town. July 2008.

Passion

2008-08-07T10:18:00.008+01:00

Good technique will make a good musician; passion will make a great one.

Jason Ling, of the band Taxi Violence. Lost in the moment.
July 2008.

Bed on Bricks

2008-08-06T12:09:00.003+01:00

Schalk van der Merwe, of the band Bed on Bricks.

Live at the Mercury in Cape Town, July 2008.

Shannon

2008-07-31T12:18:00.006+01:00

Shannon Mowday is not only one of SA's most gifted saxophonists, she is also a talented composer and teacher.

Accomplished in a variety of musical styles and instruments, she has performed alongside a number of talented musicians both in SA and abroad.

Particularly well known for her love of jazz she has a style which, according to her website "blends jazz with an eclectic mix of African rhythms and folklore".

Her sharp wit and easygoing attitude made working with her both a joy as well as a privilege.

Skate

2008-07-25T10:42:00.003+01:00

"If I die before I wake
At least in Heaven I can skate
`Cause right now on earth
I can’t do jack
Without the man up on my back"

lyrics by OPM - Heaven is a half-pipe

Antoinette Marié

2008-06-24T11:54:00.005+01:00

Another example of product imagery, this extremely fine wine from the Stellenbosch region of the Cape is charmingly named after the estate owners' two daughters.

A structured blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot it is a real taste experience. How it has survived until now in my small private cellar is actually quite beyond me!

No doubt a special occasion will call it forth from its slumbers, not merely a photoshoot.

Promo card

2008-06-24T10:37:00.004+01:00

Nixx, drummer with the band Autopilot, showing intense concentration during their set at the Mercury in Cape Town.

This image was produced as part of a promo package for myself, and is printed on postcard sized photographic paper.

Chasing Friday

2008-06-23T09:07:00.003+01:00

Phill Black, lead vocalist of the band Chasing Friday, during a quiet moment in what was a characteristically frenetic performance at the Mercury, in Cape Town.

Sound and lighting at this venue make for varied, interesting photography. I usually shoot without flash, believing that natural stage light is much more vibrant, capturing far more accurately the atmosphere of a live gig.

Autopilot, live at the Mercury

2008-06-20T09:25:00.000+01:00

A relatively new band to the SA music scene is Autopilot. They describe their music as 'progressive fluid groove alternative rock', but that's just so much blah for live-loud-funky-rock music.

They're tight. Very.

The wild and charismatic stage presence of their lead vocalist Brigette and the neat and novel original compositions make for a crazy live experience.

Check them out on facebook, myspace or www.autopilot.co.za

If memory serves...

2008-06-19T11:36:00.003+01:00

An old Apacer memory chip in a RAM board, imaged as part of an electronics product display.

My nifty studio facility takes care of the strict lighting requirements for such components and works for a variety of objects.

Cat String Theory

2008-06-18T16:44:00.003+01:00

Drummer with Cat String Theory, an up-and-coming young band from Cape Town, who did the opening set in a three-band lineup. Live, loud and very funky.

I caught them at a gig in the Mercury lounge on Friday the 13th. My lucky night for some awesome live music.

Iconic Pinotage

2008-06-18T10:36:00.004+01:00

Fast becoming one of South Africa's most distinctive examples of wine from this varietal, the Diemersfontein Pinotage is a favourite of wine connoisseurs and casual quaffers alike.

Instantly recognisable in any blind tasting, the distinct coffee/mocha chocolate notes and approachable character make this a delectable vinous experience.

This image was produced in my product studio (the bottle was fished out of my small but eclectic cellar collection). If you would like quality images of your products for maximum visual impact, give me a call and I will happily provide you with a highly competitive quotation.

Wine cellar

2008-06-18T10:29:00.003+01:00

Enormous stainless steel tanks at the new and ultra modern cellar at Arabella wine estate, in the Breede River valley near Robertson.

Looking rather more like the interior of a ship from the movie Alien, or a scene from the Matrix, I think.

Interior with Retriever

2008-06-05T09:49:00.004+01:00

I was commissioned to do a shoot for a physiotherapy practice. I wanted to show the neat and clinical nature of the treatment room in conjunction with the lovely sunlight streaming in the window.

The dog just happened to be there at the time (she's normally not allowed in the patient area), but I thought she added a nice homely touch to the businesslike interior.

Mushroom

2008-05-16T13:11:00.006+01:00

This little guy punched up through the grass overnight, seemingly in a hurry to beat the next lawnmover visit. He is only a few centimeters in height.

Fragile carpet of upturned faces

2008-05-15T14:27:00.001+01:00

Dormant life beneath the desert sand erupts when kissed by the warmth of Spring.
Cederberg, 2006.

Father and daughter

2008-05-15T11:07:00.004+01:00

There exists a magical bond between a father and his daughter.
Stephen and Emma, Summer 2008.

Night on the bay

2008-05-15T10:31:00.004+01:00

Starlight mingles with the lights of Muizenberg to reflect off the unusually still waters of False Bay, one warm Autumn evening.

Brooding sky

2008-05-15T10:28:00.003+01:00

Storm clouds gather over False Bay.

Spring 2007.

Desert water

2008-05-15T10:23:00.003+01:00

The last rays of the setting sun lie like glistening silver on a dam in the Cederberg.

The Hex

2008-05-15T10:13:00.002+01:00

Frozen in time, she stands; twisted sentinel. Arms outstretched in the act of casting her spell; weathered and gaunt, a lonely reminder of eons past: a time when the world was young.

Long ago, vast forests covered these mountain slopes. Now, amongst a handful of scattered living trees, gnarled and ancient, many of them hundreds of years old, stand skeletons. Decaying, a slow reminder of change and of life's brevity, life's fragility.

Cederberg. Winter 2007.

Aloe

2008-05-15T09:07:00.007+01:00

A summer shower sprinkles liquid jewels on the aloe which blooms in my garden at this time of year.

Thomas

2008-05-14T16:02:00.000+01:00

Summer 2008.

Nikki

2008-05-14T15:49:00.000+01:00

Photographed in studio, Autumn 2008.

Laurie Levine

2008-05-14T15:39:00.002+01:00

The super talented singer-songwriter Laurie Levine, photographed in studio in Cape Town.

Summer 2008.

Laurie

2008-05-14T15:37:00.003+01:00

Super talented singer-songwriter Laurie Levine, photographed in studio.

Summer, 2008.

Sarine

2008-05-14T15:35:00.000+01:00

A quiet intensity.

Bond

2008-05-14T15:34:00.000+01:00

Bryony

2008-05-14T15:32:00.000+01:00

Journalist; musician; artist.

Red Baron

2008-05-14T12:47:00.000+01:00

Waboom

2008-05-14T12:40:00.000+01:00

The starkly silhouetted form of a Waboom tree.

Dark water

2008-05-14T12:35:00.000+01:00

The peaceful murmuring of a mountain stream.

Engrossing read

2008-05-14T12:24:00.003+01:00

"Uh, perhaps if you just turn the guidebook the other way round it would be easier to see where you went wrong?"

A little time-out fooling around on a climbing shoot. Spring 2007.

Hidden

2008-05-13T13:36:00.001+01:00

Life in a drop of water

2008-05-13T13:30:00.001+01:00

Fat raindrops hanging from a leaf refract the inverted image of a Strelitzia bloom in the still calm after an Autumn shower.

You lookin' at me?

2008-05-13T13:28:00.001+01:00

A snail makes its way along a Strelitzia flower in the cool, even light of a Winter's morning.

Laser-cleaved

2008-05-13T13:21:00.003+01:00

A boulder the size of a small house sits, cleaved by the harsh elements high in the mountains, under the cold blue sky of an African winter.

Gripen

2008-05-13T13:10:00.002+01:00

Composite image of the SAAB-manufactured JAS-39 Gripen, the 4th generation fighter aircraft type recently purchased by the SAAF.

Photographed at the African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show in 2006.

Fine wine

2008-05-13T13:07:00.000+01:00

Silverback

2008-05-13T13:01:00.002+01:00

An 'in-action' product shoot for Silverback designs, produced during the uphill time trial at the Giro del Capo. Summer 2008.

Textured couch

2008-05-13T12:55:00.001+01:00

Another furniture image, showing skin-upholstery textures.

Chair texture 1

2008-05-13T12:45:00.002+01:00

Detail of a piece of furniture, showing fabric texture with metallic studs.

The client requested images for a showroom catalogue, to reveal details of the products, and feel of the material.

Chopsticks

2008-05-13T12:44:00.000+01:00

Lightscape

2008-05-13T12:40:00.001+01:00

Sushi rolls

2008-05-13T12:33:00.001+01:00

Connectivity

2008-05-13T12:25:00.003+01:00

The nature of the connection forged between humans and animals is difficult to define. Although both mammal, our minds are wired differently. Still, there are many fundamentals of the heart that are similar. Sometimes, one can establish a rapport that has its own, undefinable language, its own emotional fluidity.

It is more than mere co-existence.

Self portrait with Picasso, my seal-point Siamese. 2007.

Skin and stone

2008-05-13T11:41:00.002+01:00

Water is life

2008-05-09T13:49:00.003+01:00

A splash of green denotes water in the barren aridity of the Karoo.

Autumn 2007.

Turquoise

2008-05-09T13:15:00.002+01:00

Alternative style shoot for exotic jewellery.

Frisbee

2008-05-09T12:02:00.001+01:00

Collision during a game of ultimate frisbee.

Three hands

2008-05-09T11:32:00.001+01:00

Light's grace

2008-05-09T10:54:00.002+01:00

Nurture

2008-05-09T10:43:00.003+01:00

"Mothers' arms are made of tenderness,
and sweet sleep blesses the child who lies therein."

-- Victor Hugo

Alabaster

2008-05-09T10:38:00.002+01:00

Reach

2008-05-09T10:30:00.002+01:00

Camouflage

2008-05-09T09:59:00.002+01:00

Making the clip

2008-05-09T09:44:00.002+01:00

Focus

2008-05-09T09:31:00.004+01:00

Climbing is a strange combination of things. It involves the choreography of dance, the dexterity of gymnastics, the power of weights and the cardiovascular demands of aerobic fitness.

In addition, there is the mental component; one must be utterly focused, utterly committed and in mastery of any fear or self-doubt.

Many wrongly assume that motivation is provided by the so-called 'adrenalin rush'. This is entirely erroneous. If epinephrine coursing through your veins is what you are after, go bungee-jumping, or some other mindless, 'low-skill/high scare' activity.

No, climbing (at least sport climbing, anyway) is quintessentially about the movement. About the harmonious and powerful synchronisation of mind and body in order to unlock complex sequences of physical flow.

It can be both beautiful to perform, and to observe.

Pugilist

2008-05-09T09:24:00.002+01:00

Bleached bones

2008-05-08T16:57:00.000+01:00

A great, lonely skeleton, white-bleached by the sun stands sentinel on the high rocky slopes of an exposed mountainside. Once, these slopes were covered with forests of Ceder trees. Climate change, indiscriminate logging and man-caused fire have rendered the population a tiny fraction of what it once was.
The landscape is strewn with these stark reminders of our own mortality, and our impact as humans even in this wild place.

Beauty there is in death even, and textured white timber reaches up to touch a vast, cold sky.

Liquid Reflections

2008-05-08T16:26:00.000+01:00

Motes of liquid light
reflect the setting sun and
float your mind to wander with
a thousand journeys past and
a thousand still to come.

Josie Field

2008-05-08T16:01:00.001+01:00

The mesmerizing Josie Field, live in Cape Town during her 2007 Mercury tour.

Natalia

2008-05-08T15:58:00.000+01:00

Cape Town singer-songwriter Natalia, live at the Independent Armchair Theatre, Observatory.
December 2007.

Laurie Levine

2008-05-08T15:53:00.000+01:00

Laurie Levine live on stage at the Obz Cafe Theatre.
October 2007.

Simon Van Gend

2008-05-08T15:51:00.000+01:00

Simon Van Gend, live at the Obz Cafe Theatre.
October 2007.

Harris Tweed

2008-05-08T15:47:00.000+01:00

Cherilyn MacNeil of Harris Tweed in full cry.

One of SA's most promising up-and-coming new bands, they have a remarkable stage presence which is focused through the shining talent of lead singer Cherilyn McNeil and guitarist/electrical musician Darryl Torr.

They render a sparkling mix of Indi folk-rock and acoustic experimentation, which is perfectly suited to the delightfully quirky stage presence and lyricism of the lovely lead vocalist.

Check them out on www.harristweedmusic.com

Fly Paper Jet

2008-05-08T15:39:00.001+01:00

Lance Herman of Fly Paper Jet, on stage at the Independant Armchair Theatre in Observatory. August, 2007.

'Fly Paper Jet' is a South African duo consisting of Lance Herman and Josh Ginsberg.

An innovative and funky blend of narrative overlays carried through with their style of acoustic folk/jazz they're fascinating to watch, Josh's deadpan an entertaining foil to Lance's quirky and characterful stage vibe.

Normally performing as a quartet, they've created a delivery around the concept of Travelling Salesmen with a visual, vocal and lyrical theme.

Fly Paper Jet

2008-05-08T15:35:00.000+01:00

Lance Herman of Fly Paper Jet, live at the Independent Armchair Theatre, Observatory.
August, 2007.

The Problematiques

2008-05-08T15:29:00.000+01:00

The Problematiques, live at the Obz Cafe Theatre. January 2008.

The Problematiques

2008-05-08T15:25:00.001+01:00

Sulene van der Walt, of the Problematiques, live at the Obz Cafe Theatre. January 2008.

Piet Botha

2008-05-08T15:17:00.001+01:00

Piet Botha live and unplugged, at the Dorp Straat Teater. February, 2008.

Piet Botha is one of the living legends of local music. With his band Jack Hammer, he has remained true to his own brand of South African rock, with cutting lyrics and powerful melodies, digging deep into the South African psyche.

I've been a fan of his music for some time, but only managed to see him live in a rare, rapid Cape tour in February, where he performed a sell-out set in Stellenbosch with longtime colleague Jonathan Martin. They did a mix of new material, which Piet says is being 'played into shape' for a new album, some covers, and old favourites.

Imposing, at times haunting, always very, very real, it was a mesmerising set from an icon of SA music.

Giro del Capo

2008-05-08T15:10:00.001+01:00

Rider at the gruelling uphill time trial of the Giro del Capo held in Cape Town. March 2008.

Karma

2008-05-08T14:43:00.001+01:00

Karma-Ann Swanepoel, of Henry Ate, performing live in Cape Town during
a once-off tour of South Africa with Julian Sun.
May 2008.