Through My Eyes

I was born and raised in one of the most beautiful countries in the world that was shadowed by a dark cloud named Apartheid. I had a wonderful childhood growing up in South Africa but I always felt that there was something not quite right and it bothered me knowing that the quality of ones life was governed by the color of one’s skin. I had the freedom to travel in my own country but the African’s did not. I found this extremely strange since I considered myself African too.

I am the youngest of 3 children. My two older brothers were born with a genetic disorder named Fragile X which resulted in them being mentally disabled. This did not effect me in a negative manner, in fact it taught me patience and tolerance and compassion which all play an important part of how I live my life.

My parents instilled the importance of living ones life to the fullest and gave me the courage to explore the world.

In 1985 during a tumultuous period in South Africa, my family and I immigrated to the United States where we embarked on a completely new life. It took me quite some time to adapt to the American culture and to find my passion - photography. In fact, I was destined to become a photographer as my name “Ziva” means light!

At the beginning of the new millennium I decided that I would combine my love for travel and for photography and started my life as a “traveler”. It was important for me to select third world countries as I wanted to explore the diverse cultures. My first adventure was to Uganda where I trekked in the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. This trip changed my life and is one I shall never forget.

 In 2003, India was on my radar and I made the decision to offer my photography services to a charitable organization while I was there. I felt the need to start giving back to those less fortunate than I and India was the beginning. It was in India that I found this relentless need to write about my travels and so began my writing path!

I have traveled to over 30 countries with the majority of them being third world ones. It is in these countries that I feel most at ease. A common thread that I noticed while visiting the villages is the kindness of the people to a stranger such as myself. No matter how poor they were, I was always invited into their homes for a cup of tea.

As a photographer, I felt the need to travel alone in order to capture the essence of my surroundings. My experience especially in India and Niger as a solo traveler enabled me to find peace within myself and gave me time for reflection.

I do not have a college degree however I look at traveling the world as my own personal university and my experiences have taught me the importance of respect toward our mother earth and ethics toward our fellow man and has given me a wisdom that one does not learn at school.

I am at my most happiness with my camera in hand, photographing the various cultures, peoples and beauty of our amazing planet!

 

            “Photography not only nourishes my eye but it feeds my soul”