A Journey from Biochemistry to Landscape Photography
A Journey from Biochemistry to Landscape Photography
Introduction
In episode 54 of our podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kyle Goetsch, a remarkable landscape photographer from Cape Town, South Africa. Kyle's journey from a career in biochemistry to becoming a noted landscape photographer is as captivating as his photographs. Here, we delve into Kyle's experiences, his passion for the wilderness, and what it takes to capture the stunning landscapes of Africa.
A Journey Begun in Biochemistry
Kyle Goetsch's story is anything but typical. With a PhD in biochemistry, Kyle initially embarked on a career in cardiovascular research.
“I used to work in the lab, wearing button shirts and chinos,” Kyle recalls.
However, his passion for photography was ignited when a friend invited him to shoot at an abandoned water park in Cape Town. This experience led him to purchase his first camera and start a journey that would take him from the lab to the wild landscapes of Africa.
The Shift to Full-Time Photography
Making the leap from a secure job in science to a somewhat unpredictable career in photography wasn't easy. Kyle detailed how he began juggling both roles, taking small photography jobs and workshops while still working in biochemistry. When his lab contract was not renewed, he decided to take the plunge into full-time photography. Despite the challenges, Kyle’s love for the craft kept him motivated.
“I used to struggle to get up for my 9 to 5 job, but now I have no problem getting up at 3am to hike up a mountain,” he reflects.
Capturing Iconic Landscapes in Unique Ways
Kyle’s work stands out for its unique perspectives on iconic African landscapes. One photograph that gained significant attention is his shot of the Milky Way over Lion’s Head in Cape Town. Kyle explains, “For me, the challenge is to combine my passion for landscape photography with other natural elements and show commonly visited places in ways people have never seen before.”
Beyond Wildlife: Embracing the Landscape
While most people associate African photography with wildlife, Kyle finds his true calling in landscapes.
“In the Western Cape, we don't have a lot of wildlife close by. But we have the beach, mountains, wine lands, and farmlands all within a short drive,”
Kyle says.
These diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for breathtaking shots, aligning perfectly with his passion and proximity.
Workshops and Teaching: Sharing the Passion
A significant part of Kyle’s professional life now involves running workshops and tours across Southern Africa. These sessions are not just about taking pictures but also about teaching techniques and fine-tuning skills. “I run about 12 or 13 workshops a year. They cover various topics from astrophotography to seascapes,” Kyle explains. The workshops are designed to accommodate everyone from beginners to professional photographers, focusing on both learning and capturing beautiful moments.
The Personal Touch: Building a Photography Community
One of the key aspects that distinguish Kyle’s workshops is the sense of community. With an impressive 80% repeat booking rate, these sessions do more than just educate—they build lasting relationships. Participants enjoy meeting like-minded individuals and sharing their love for photography.
“Many people have been coming on trips with me for five or six years and absolutely love it,” Kyle notes.
The Future: Evolving and Pushing Boundaries
Looking ahead, Kyle plans to keep his focus on Southern Africa, dedicating more time to explore new locations and retiring some older workshops. He also aims to integrate more wildlife photography into hissessions, maintaining his unique style of combining landscapes with wildlife.
"I'm constantly pushing my photography to the next level, always aiming to depict these iconic places in new and intriguing ways," he says.
Advice for Aspiring Landscape Photographers
For those looking to start their journey in landscape photography, especially in the wilds of Africa, Kyle's advice is simple but profound: invest in workshops.
“Going on a workshop, you just learn so much that you can't on YouTube. It shows you where you stand and what you're lacking. Your learning curve goes up exponentially,” he advises.
Conclusion
Kyle Goetsch’s journey from a biochemist to a landscape photographer is a testament to following your passion and taking risks. His dedication to capturing Africa’s beauty and sharing his knowledge through workshops has made him a respected figure in the photography community. Whether you're a budding photographer or a seasoned pro, Kyle’s story is sure to inspire you to see the world through a different lens.
Thank you so much for tuning into this enriching episode of photo country. And as always, don't forget to subscribe, rate and leave a review for our podcast. Your support helps us bring you more incredible stories from photographers around the world. Until next time, keep capturing those beautiful moments.
Kyle’s Instagram: kylegoetschphotography
Note on Magic Mind: the sponsor for this episode. Right now you have a limited time offer where you can get up to 48 percent off your first subscription or 20 percent off your one time purchase if you use the code RAJEEV20 and they ship internationally to 65 countries all across the world. Go to magicmind.co/photocountry to claim your discount.
Ep. 54: Capturing Africa's Beauty with Kyle Goetsch