TESTIMONIAL FROM PAUL'S FIRST STUDENT, PROF ALVARO VILJOEN

In 2008 I picked up the book "In Celebrating of Fynbos” at a local bookstore in Johannesburg. The photos were fascinating and I purchased the book without hesitation. I read up about the photographer and sent Paul an email that very same day congratulating him (and his wife) on producing such a beautiful book on Fynbos plants.

Although there is a flood of botanical books, few contain creative images which inspire. Paul’s photography does! We continued to stay in contact through email but I realised that I needed to get to Cape Town and meet this self-taught master photographer. I met Paul for the first time in Kirstenbosch and we "connected” immediately, the fact that we both share a background in botany was probably one of the cohesive factors.

I have always been amazed at the way Paul explores his subject and the thought and patience that goes into composing an image. Although I am trained in plant taxonomy, a discipline that teaches one to explore the details of the plant to find informative characters, Paul taught me to explore plants with an artistic eye. I insisted that Paul take me on as his first student, and teach me more about macro-photography. I returned the same year to his home-office, which doubles as a guest house, equipped with my camera and tripod. The three days I spent with Paul (enjoying excellent hospitality) changed my life in many ways and I have become passionate about macro-photography. Paul has opened my eyes in such a way that I enjoy nature from another perspective. Although I will always remain grateful to Paul for being instrumental in developing my hobby, he has also been a very helpful and inspiring individual. He has subsequently helped me to come to grips with photo editing software and to create my own website and gallery.

Paul is an uniquely multi-talented and highly gifted person who has the ability to inspire people. He is an excellent teacher and mentor who has transformed my photography from "taking pictures” to "creating art”. This inspiring experience comes highly recommended to people who want to develop, explore and empower themselves.

Prof Alvaro Vijoen