Blogg

March 2009

I have been photographing Steenbras Dam and surrounding area for almost three months now.
I do not think that either me, nor Pieter Kruger of Steenbras Dam Water Catchment Area, had any idea that I would take this long to photograph a small area. I for one, thought I would be busy for two, maybe three weeks. But it soon became evident that the diverse landscape had many surprises. Every few weeks I would check in with Pieter and make sure that I’m not overstaying my welcome. Each time he gracefully assured me that I can keep on photographing.
This past month have been difficult work, with smoke hanging like a blanket over the region from various fires in and around Steenbras Dam. For days I would keep an eye on the sky, hoping for the smoke to clear. On many of the few occasions that I ventured into Steenbras, I would return home with no photos taken.
It was later reported that these fires were purposefully set, destroying farms, houses and many hectares of fauna and flora, supposedly by the same volunteer firemen who put them out, in an effort to create work for themselves. These fires burnt for over three weeks in the Hottentots Holland mountains before it could be reached by the fire crew and put out. Although some fynbos regions benefitted by the fire, some regions have burnt not many years ago and the new growth has been destroyed.
Having worked my way all around Steenbras Dam, I have returned my keys last week to Pieter. Many, many thanks to Pieter for gracefully allowing me the opportunity to photograph Steenbras Dam.