A snapshot of stock photography in South Africa
SANDTON – Local photographer Cyril Zuma wants to add more people of colour to the stock image world.
Self-taught photographer Cyril Zuma is changing the face of stock images in South Africa one photo at a time.
Passionate about his craft, Zuma saw a gap in the market while working at an advertising agency in Rosebank.
“We were working on a campaign when I noticed the images we were pulling did not actually represent the people of the land accurately. “That’s when I decided to go into photography full time,” he said.
On a mission to represent Africa appropriately, Zuma left his day job and started his photography journey by creating a stock image platform, Color Space.
“The main reason I started the platform was to portray Africa the way I truly see it and stock photography was the motivation for that. Our message and vision with Color Space is having a platform that helps black creators and when I say black creators it includes all people of colour.”
He added that representation of the diverse people in the country left much to be desired.
“We need to ensure that the media we consume resonates with a person living in South Africa. If you go to Alexandra right now and I show you images from Google, it will show you something completely different, that is because the media we have been consuming is a bit too far-fetched.”
He said his vision from the start was to tell the story of the people from a local perspective.
“The last thing we want is another company from abroad to come into Africa or South Africa, telling us how our lives look from their perspective and that is why Color Space exists.”
Going live on 15 February, Zuma said the platform was open to anyone who would like to submit stock photos.
Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma later took up residence in Sandton as a teenager where his love for photography started at age 14.
A Lonehill resident now, he said this year he would like to put the camera down for a bit and focus on some creative directing.
“Seven years in the game, I think that’s a side of photography that isn’t being given the title it deserves. I would really like to work more behind the scenes and guide other creatives in the space.”
Zuma added that Color Space would launch a beginner photography course later this month.
Focusing on the stock image space, Zuma said it was a driving force for 2021.
If you would like to contribute images, book a photographer or for more information visit: www.colorspace.co.za or email info@colorspace.co.za.
