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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - International photographer Derek Antonio Serra was in Mossel Bay in February, taking photographs. Local talent agency owner Frieda van der Walt organised for him to take photographs of the models on her books.
Serra has both Italian and South African passports and lives in Cape Town. He travels extensively and is in Antarctica on a photography mission now.
PHOTO GALLERY: Derek Antonio Serra in Mossel Bay
He took photographs of about 10 models while in Mossel Bay.
Serra says: "I have been a photographer for 38 years. I started as a schoolboy. I shoot a lot and go to Namibia often. I was in Thailand for a month last year."
He is in Antarctica at the bequest of an expeditions company. He will be contributing to some of its social media content.
"It's a complimentary trip. I must only fly myself there and back."
If he were to pay for accommodation, it would cost him R500 000, he says. The cabin would cost him $28 000.
His wife, who is a model and works for the expeditions company, was asked to go on the trip and the company wanted Serra to accompany her so he could take photographs.
Antarctica
"I've not been to Antarctica before. As a photographer you would love to visit these places." He said he could not afford to pay for it on his own.
Speaking about his visit to Mossel Bay, Serra said: "I like the old area of Mossel Bay."
He always stays in accommodation in a sandstone establishment when he visits and he uses it for his shoots as well.
He is fond of that part of town because "it is quietish, not very busy".
He says: "I went to a mall on Saturday morning and I saw how busy it can get. The Point and waterfront area are very nice. I always used to bypass Mossel Bay, going up the Garden Route. I only saw the modern part, but I was pleasantly surprised to see behind the scenes.
"I have several other photographers who work with me. Last time I came up with two photographers and my wife, who helped with the make-up. This time I came up with one other photographer.
"There are many people to shoot, so it's always good to have a second or third eye, to get a nice range of photographs."
Serra says: "Being a successful photographer is about having the ability to communicate with the people you photograph. I photograph mainly people. You need to get them to trust you, so you can take photos that aren't shallow. I get on well with people, so I manage to take nice pictures. The more you take, the better you become."
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