Words: Carla Louise Gailey

Carla chats to local creator, videographer and photographer whose purpose in life is to bring people together.

C: Kierran, thanks for chatting with us. For those who don’t know you yet-tell us a bit about what you do for work?

K: This is an interesting one, the days of classing yourself as a photographer or videographer and even a content creator are almost over. I would say I’m just a creator and someone who brings people together to experience life through photography or videography but also face-to-face where I pride myself in really engaging with people, listening to them and going on a journey to discover new things together. Whether that be through going on a hike or helping set up a new camera. I’m in the business of connecting people.

C: What does a typical day in your life look like for you?

K: A day in the life of Kierran, well this starts at 4 am most days as I make a coffee, sit outside and watch the sunrise, this is when I come up with most of my ideas. I stay in a semi-rural area called Assagay so I think the sounds of the birds and horses really allow for the creative juices to flow. Being a creative is amazing because everything you look at could turn into an epic shot or an amazing story. This might sound weird but I voicenote myself all these crazy ideas so that I don’t forget them. With the information overload, we have these days it’s an important life hack of mine. I then plough myself into an editor sit putting together a proposal, I’m constantly pitching ideas to people and brands. Putting ideas on paper is harder than you think so it’s important to really think through everything from all angles. Most days I take a break from reality and jump on my motorbike and head to a viewpoint, my favourite being Shongweni watch tower! This is where it’s just me and my bike, a single track and of course making sure I don’t come off as I navigate the steep, rocky hills. My life is a movie as most describe it to me, oneday is never the same as the next, isn’t that a beautiful place to be in? So many twists and turns, and not all go to plan but every story has a destination and I’m still creating mine. I’m about to turn 33 this June and when I look back on life thus far it’s been one hell of a ride! I grew up on a farm down the South Coast in a town called Port Edward. Man, life back then was so simple; I’d wake up to go to farm school, ride horses, and bikes, go fishing, build forts in the forest, collect snakes and well life in the outdoors is special. I moved to Durban at the age of 12 and was completely lost, disconnected and well nothing really changed over the years, I never fitted in, was never into the conventional things like phones, computer games and all that. So to be honest I’ve never really fitted in anywhere, you could say I have been a loner most of my life, well that’s how everyone else viewed it! At the age of 15, I met Jess, the love of my life and the woman I am married to today. From day one we have had an inseparable bond andwell, she is the best thing that ever happened to me. My second love became photography, consuming me completely, the idea of being able to capture a moment and look back on it forever, took me down a road that would ultimately lead me here, to a place that allows me to travel the world, meet new people and share that passion in person and online.

C: What is your favourite part about living in KZN?

K: The weather by far, we have the best in SA, hands down.

C: I can see that you love to explore KZN a lot, please tell us about a hidden gem that you’ve stumbled across.

K: Definitely without a doubt MacKintosh waterfall at Giba Gorge, there is a 5km walk to get there in the most surreal environment, surrounded by trees and rivers, its definitely my favourite.

C: What’s your favourite secret sundowner spot?

K: The Shongweni Watch Tower, has 360-degree views and is only accessible via 4×4 or motorbike. It’s the best.

C: What, in your opinion, is an absolute must-see in KZN?

K: Inanda Mountain overlooking the Inanda Dam, it’s by far one of the best views in SA!

C: Do you have any favourite local brands or businesses native to KZN?

K: HOWYA-it’s an app that was started by my good friends Michael Tones and Jason Van Dyk, I mean it’s like Tinder but for doing epic stuff! Check it out!

C: If you had to choose a weekend getaway spot, where would it be?

K: Tandweni Villa, hands down! It’s a private villa situated on the banks of Jozini Dam,it’s one of our favourites, from the epic villa to the tiger fishing, it’s a weekend away leaving you with the feeling of wanting more.

C: I believe you love to get involved in all kinds of projects. Do you want to share a bit about the event you’re planning in May?

K: There is always something I’m working on and well this one is going to be special! I’m putting together an event at Giba Gorge on the 13th of May for 3000 people where they can come and enjoy a day at the park, listen to some good music and the best part is it is absolutely free, there is no ticket cost and to top it all off you can even bring your own cooler box! An epic day out with family and friends with some of the best artists around like Joss Austin, Musicman, Freddy L, Dan Shaw and many more. You are not going to want to miss this one!

C: Can you recall a key moment in your life…?

K: The only thing I’ve ever known is to be creative, from day one I decided that I would do nothing and literally dedicate myself to this craft, so I would say this moment. I haven’t studied or anything, I’ve just been true to who I am and who I want to be.

C: What do you think is a misconception people have about KZN?

K: Well first off we always seem to be on the back foot with everything and I think it has a lot to do with people’s drive and attitude towards it. If you look carefully you will see how much we really have, the ocean, mountains, hiking, community, culture, wildlife, I could spend all day on this list, did I mention the weather? I mean why is there not more happening here, the only way to change this is, together.

C: Describe KZN in one word?

K: Bliss.