The Edit/Fashion & Beauty

Tamika Burt on what inspires her, tips for aspiring female photographers

Go behind the scenes with the woman behind the lens

25 September 2022 - 00:00 By Nombuso Kumalo
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Tamika tells us about her life and art.
Tamika tells us about her life and art.
Image: Supplied

I would love to be a photographer’s assistant to Australian-born photographer Bonnie Hansen.

Her work is incredibly versatile and she has a way of capturing great mood and energy from every model she shoots like there is a story being portrayed. 

The images I photograph are fashion and food. 

I am inspired by interesting locations as I find myself conceptualising a whole shoot based around it. I love shooting models who have something quirky and alternative about them, whether it is in their features or personality.

My dream model to shoot is Korean DJ Peggy Gou. Her fashion sense is insane and she is incredibly beautiful yet edgy due to her many tattoos. 

Three tips for young aspiring female photographers would be to use every opportunity as a networking opportunity.

Secondly, to ask more experienced photographers for advice, direction and help.

Lastly, to shoot something every day, push your boundaries and experiment as it is the only way to develop your skills

Headband R20 (pack of 2) MRP; Karl Lagerfeld earrings R1,999 Preview Accessories; blazer R7,990 Karl Lagerfeld; hand chains R70 (pack of 3) MRP; Karl Lagerfeld gloves R1,990 Preview Accessories; shorts R180 MRP
Headband R20 (pack of 2) MRP; Karl Lagerfeld earrings R1,999 Preview Accessories; blazer R7,990 Karl Lagerfeld; hand chains R70 (pack of 3) MRP; Karl Lagerfeld gloves R1,990 Preview Accessories; shorts R180 MRP
Image: Tamika Burt
Lagerfeld earrings R1,999 Preview Accessories; Ortyx necklace R3,550, Constella necklace R5,700 Stella, pendant R3,550, all Swarovski; Luella dress R699 Foschini
Lagerfeld earrings R1,999 Preview Accessories; Ortyx necklace R3,550, Constella necklace R5,700 Stella, pendant R3,550, all Swarovski; Luella dress R699 Foschini
Image: Tamika Burt

The song I have on repeat is Jimmy Cooks by Drake. 

The ultimate photographer’s uniform is black or white leather pants with a bougie T-shirt, blazer and boots, at least for me that is.

You can tell someone is a photographer by how they find beauty in every setting.

Millenia ear cuff R2,050 Swarovski; cut-out jersey R379 H belt R130 Foschini; trousers R200 MRP
Millenia ear cuff R2,050 Swarovski; cut-out jersey R379 H&M; belt R130 Foschini; trousers R200 MRP
Image: Tamika Burt
Sunglasses R249 Aldo; bra R299 Cotton On; gloves R750 Adam Chancellor-Madison Luella; skirt R699 Foschini
Sunglasses R249 Aldo; bra R299 Cotton On; gloves R750 Adam Chancellor-Madison Luella; skirt R699 Foschini  
Image: Tamika Burt

Being a female photographer means I get to be in a position where I can put young girls [models] at ease, especially if that may be their first shoot. Knowing my being there and being able to offer them a positive experience brings me great joy.

Also granting them that reassurance t they can walk away knowing they were in a space where they were relaxed and able to give their best performance. 

A photoshoot set is not complete without great music, great weather and great clothing. 

If I could work on any campaign it would have to be a Versace campaign. It’s bright, bold and over the top like me.

Ortyx necklace R3,550; Swarovski Vamp Swimwear bodysuit R1,200 Bras ’n Things; blazer R699 Foschini; boy-leg briefs R119 (pack of 5) Cotton On; stockings R140 Falke
Ortyx necklace R3,550; Swarovski Vamp Swimwear bodysuit R1,200 Bras ’n Things; blazer R699 Foschini; boy-leg briefs R119 (pack of 5) Cotton On; stockings R140 Falke 
Image: Tamika Burt
Earrings R1,490 Preview Accessories; suit jacket R599, suit trousers R450, both Foschini.
Earrings R1,490 Preview Accessories; suit jacket R599, suit trousers R450, both Foschini.
Image: Tamika Burta

STOCKISTS

Adam Chancellor-Madison 

Aldo 

Bras ’n Things 011 883 1968

Cotton On 

Europa Art Shoes 

Falke

Foschini 

H&M 086 069 0707

Kanella Leather  

Karl Lagerfeld 010 226 9026

MRP

Preview Accessories 011 883 0565

Swarovski 

Photoshoot credits: Photography assistant Gerald Ntsimane; Makeup Faith Seuoe; Hair Saadique Ryklief/Lampost Lighting Glow Hire; Model Mew Paphawarin Bustri/Boss Fashion; Director Sharon Armstrong; Production assistant Nombuso Kumalo 

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