LIMPOPO – An unusual perspective of an aerial photo of Haenertsburg with Ebenezer Dam taken by microlight pilot Steven Shulman was shared multiple times on social media. The Herald asked him how he took the photo.

Flying thousands of feet above Haenertsburg in the late afternoon light, a microlight pilot captured a scene that few ever witness, Ebenezer Dam glowing golden beneath the setting sun, framed by the surrounding mountains of Magoebaskloof.

For Steven Shulman, founder of Air Born and a passionate microlight pilot, the moment was unforgettable.

“It is one of those moments where everything lines up, the light, the calm air, the view, and you just know you’re seeing something special,” says Shulman. “From the air, it felt like I was flying over a painting.”

While many locals and travellers enjoy Ebenezer Dam from the ground, Shulman’s aerial perspective reveals a side of Limpopo few ever get to see. The graceful curves of the dam reflect the contours of the landscape, while the village of Haenertsburg seems to melt into the greenery below.

“That golden hour light gives everything a magical glow,” Shulman explains. “The deeper shadows, the clarity in the hills, the way the sun hits the water, it all came together perfectly.”

Despite the professional look of the photo, Shulman used nothing more than his cellphone, strapped to a lanyard around his neck for safety.

“I’m still hoping to invest in a proper camera,” he laughs. “But for now, it’s all about good light, a steady hand, and the right timing.”

Capturing photos while flying takes patience and experience. “Sometimes I have to circle a few times to get the perfect angle,” he says. “And if it’s windy, shots can easily come out blurry.”

Shulman has flown across the country, from Tzaneen to Cape Town, Hazyview, Mozambique, and Durban, but he remains especially drawn to the beauty of his home skies.

“Tzaneen and Magoebaskloof are still my favourite places to fly. The landscape here is alive with colour and texture. Every season brings something new to photograph, from the blossoms in spring to the lush greens of summer.”

Through his Air Born platform, Shulman shares aerial images to promote general aviation and showcase Limpopo’s natural beauty.

“I want people to see what I see, to understand how unique and beautiful this area is,” he says. “A lot of people have never seen their home from above, and I think there’s something very powerful in that.”

Though not a professional photographer, Shulman approaches each flight with creative intention. “It’s not about taking perfect pictures,” he adds. “It’s about capturing the freedom and peace that comes with being in the air.”

H I S   D R E A M?

To photograph more of South Africa from above, including the Blyde River Canyon, the Drakensberg, and the Soutpansberg mountains. But always with a strong emphasis on flight safety.

“Flying near unfamiliar mountains can be dangerous,” he notes. “You have to know the air currents and terrain. I take no chances.”

As for Ebenezer Dam, it’s more than just a stunning subject; it’s a place Shulman returns to again and again, both from the sky and the water.

“We ski, fish, and relax there often,” he says. “But seeing it from above, that’s when you grasp how special this place is.”

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“You won’t see it from the road,” Shulman says. “You need to be in the air. But if you ever get the chance to take a scenic flight here, do it. You’ll never forget it.”