Jonathan Diederichs

Izimvo would like to introduce 18 year old home learner and talented photographer: Jonathan Diederichs.

We were first introduced to Jonathan when he won our Izimvo – Springleap promotion. Jonathan later submitted this amazing photo of himself wearing his Springleap t-shirt.

Jonathan, at the young age of 18, has already built up a profound body of work as a photographer. His achievements to date include:

• Three published photos in Country Life magazine’s reader gallery competition.
• Semi-finalist placement in the PIX magazine competition (2009).
• Wall art on display in Hibiscus Private Hospital,  Port Shepstone (*) (2008-2009).
• A photo published in Fault Magazine’s book, Imperfection (2009).

Jonathan is currently home schooled and in Matric this year. He would like to study photography at VEGA’s Greenpoint campus next year.

(*) in collaboration with his neighbour.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SirJ0n0
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/jonathan-diederichs
Location: Kwazulu Natal Midlands

Jonathan was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? I.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Jonathan Diederichs, 18 Years old, Student and photographer, and interested in all myths and supernatural things (such as the Bermuda Triangle, no vampires!).

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favourite movie.

A: My Great-grandfather’s brother is a past President of RSA.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Going for long, (and more often than not, muddy!), motor bike rides, that or bass fishing.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: It’d be modern open –plan style, with lots of glass, natural stone and light, spacious areas. Water would also play a predominant part. It’d be either by Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, or in the Milkwoods near Hermanus.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property - Looking for your dream home in Hermanus? How about this superb R7.5m home backing onto the mountains with superb protected views over Walker Bay and the Kleinriver Lagoon.

Homeschooling in South Africa

An example from Jonathan's amazing portfolio - Cloudy Day.

Q: You are currently completing your matric year as a home learner using Delta Education. Can you tell us why your family decided on homeschooling and Delta Education in particular?

A: When I was three years old, we moved from the city to a rural area. The closest school wasn’t that good, and boarding wasn’t an option my parents wanted to consider, so the only viable alternative was homeschooling.

First we started using Theocentric material (American & South African), then Abeka (American) and it’s only in the final years we’ve switched to Delta (To meet the Educational Department’s requirements for writing Matric).

Q: Do you feel that the Department of Education is doing enough to support those who have selected homeschooling for their children?

A: Not really, a few years back it was much easier for home schoolers to register and get a matric. Most of the Education Dept. Planning is focused on learners working in groups. Home schoolers need provisions made in text books etc to be able to work as individuals.

What are the regulations regarding homeschooling? Are home learners required to follow a set curriculum and complete certain milestones?

You’re meant to register, and there are minimum standards set by NCS that have to be met. There have been at least four changes since 2005 so it’s not always easy to keep up with the changes. As far as registering with the Education Dept. Goes, many Home Schoolers choose not to register, as the forms that have to be completed infringe on their constitutional rights. Current legal advice from lawyers experienced with these matters, concede that unless changes are made to the forms, they would support this argument.

Q: By being home-schooled, do you feel that you have missed out on the social aspects of school?

A: My father owns and manages a campsite, so there are youth and school groups that come through quite regularly that I make friends from. For example, last year I went to a friend’s Matric Dance. Also with Delta you can go on camps with other Delta learners from around the country.

Q: What advice would you offer parents who are considering homeschooling?

A: When the children are younger, they need lots of support, as they grow older they do learn to work independently, but the parents still need to be there.

Q: What been the biggest benefits of homeschooling for you personally and given the choice again, would you still select homeschooling?

A: It’s given me a lot of freedom and flexibility. If I decided to go somewhere, I could either do a whole week’s work in advance, or catch up when I got back. There is also always the option of taking your books with you. Yes, I’d definitely choose homeschooling again.

Life in South Africa

Jonathan's photo in Fault Teen Imperfection Book

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: We’ve been victims of crime a number of times, but luckily nothing violent as yet. I think crime is synonymous with South Africa at the moment, and while we as a family take precautions, we don’t allow them or fear to rule our lives.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: I’d advise him, with all due respect, that as a person holding public office he should set a better example for the people of this country, and to bring the death penalty back.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: I think our music. We’ve got some totally awesome bands, The Parlotones, Prime Circle, and Just Jinjer to name a few.

Life in the Natal Midlands

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in the Midlands?

A: Definitely the scenery!

Q: Favourite restaurant for lunch with the family and what would you recommend on their menu?

A: Piggly Wiggly near Nottingham Road, on the Midlands Meander. They have a few shops, as well as fun stuff for kids to do. They were the winner of the best Cappuccino award, so I’d definitely choose that!

Q: If you were tasked with commissioning a postal stamp depicting the beauty of the area, which image would you select?

A: Probably horses prancing in the mist.

Q: What are your thoughts on the increasing number of commercial developments in the Natal Midlands?

A: The more developments, the more the Midlands are going to lose their charm. People come to see the beautiful scenery and escape the hustle and bustle. Now there is less and less chance of doing those.

General

A butterfly landed on my nose

Q: You are planning to study Photography at VEGA’s Greenpoint campus next year. What are you most looking forward to and why did you select their Greenpoint campus?

A: Everything! I can’t wait for the adventure to begin, but I think I’ll enjoy doing the experimental portfolio. I love the Cape, its people and scenery make it my favourite place in S.A., and their campus in Cape Town is at Greenpoint so it was an easy choice.

Q: Once you’ve completed your studies, what would your dream job be?

A: I’d love to first assist a couple International Fashion Photographers, and once I’ve got more practical experience, open my own studio either in Cape Town or the U.S.

Q: Your love for photography started at a very early age. What recommendations in terms of equipment would you offer someone just starting out in photography?

A: They say equipment isn’t everything, but I think it helps a lot! You get a simple point and shoot these days with a massive zoom which are adequate for starting off. I’d recommend a well established brand such as Nikon, Fujifilm or Canon; also a tripod is a very useful (and underrated) tool.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Rich Kid Smart Kid, by Robert T. Kiyosaki. It’s by the same author as Rich Dad Poor Dad, aimed at teaching the younger generation about finance.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Somewhere in the U.S., road tripping in an old Mustang!

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: David Prior, a professional photographer in JHB. I’d ask him whether he doesn’t like photoshopping his personal images as much as his professional ones.

We’d like to thank Jonathan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success with the future and especially his Matric year. We look forward to following the career of this extremely talented photographer.

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(updated: sweetlilmre, formatting, 10:44am 2010/02/19)