Nkateko Mondhlana: South African photographer redefining beauty through editorial imagery | 54Ruum Spotlight

Nkateko Mondhlana is a photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa. He developed a love for photography at the age of 16 on a school trip, and from then on, he continuously refined his unique eye for visual storytelling, inspired by the textures of the streets of Soweto, where he grew up.

He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television from the University of the Witwatersrand. Nkateko has worked on multiple campaigns in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

He is also one of the founders of a photo collective titled "everythingin;out," which presents and archives fine art photography in South Africa. The collective "everythingin;out," was established in 2023 in Johannesburg and has since curated four exhibitions supported by the National Arts Council.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I am a fun person to be around. I love a good time with friends and family, listening to good music, and having a glass of wine or champagne if we are celebrating.

I believe in community because, reflecting on my journey, I have been supported by amazing people whom I keep close to my heart—and that is my intention as well: to continue supporting and lending a hand where I can.

I have recently developed an interest in hiking and tennis. I am scared of dogs, and I worry that I will never get over this fear because dogs are all over Cape Town—you even find them on set sometimes.

How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment, person, or inspiration that sparked your passion for capturing images?

My photography journey began during a school trip in Grade 11. I remember packing my phone and how that felt radical because cellphones were not allowed at my school. We went on the trip, and I took pictures of my friends having the best time. Out of interest, I graded the images in black and white and sent them to everyone. I remember the photos getting so much attention and the whole grade telling me how good they were.

I think I fell in love with photography at that moment because I appreciated how special it made my peers feel. I didn't know anything about the business of photography at the time, but I knew that this was a potential path for me.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

My first interest in photography was fashion, because I always enjoyed how, through fashion campaigns, different storytelling techniques are used to express and reinforce the initial idea behind the shoot. Oftentimes, creative directors consider the type of location, styling, and make-up, while the photographer then employs their technical abilities to meet the brief.

Over time, I gained an interest in editorial, beauty, and lifestyle photography.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

I think my work has an underlying theme of exploring a visual representation of Black beauty — how it can appear across different locations, how the garments sit on the model, and how I can further employ my technical skills to extend this beauty in front of my lens.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

When I was 22, just before graduating from Wits, a publication in Los Angeles reached out to me to photograph its first international cover story. This was a big moment for me because I was allowed to shoot in medium format for a print publication. The person on the cover is a prominent figure in the creative industry, which was an absolute honour for me.

To sum it up, I got to work with my friends who, like me, had skills they had gained from Wits, and this project felt like it came at the right time for us.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

It has to be rejection. I've learnt that you won't get every campaign, and that's okay. I have overcome it by seeing it as a redirection and an opportunity to explore other avenues where my work can be welcomed and aligned with those teams.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

It's a great platform that celebrates and spotlights photographers in Africa. It's amazing, and I am thankful to be featured.

How's the photography and art space in your country? How has it evolved in recent years?

Many opportunities are developing from photographers posting their work on social media. This is great because it shows that brands are always watching, and photographers are then invited to be themselves and unapologetic about the work they do and who they collaborate with.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

Be an everyday student. Have integrity and give credit where it's due.