ABOUT: I'm one of only two accredited master portrait photographers in Africa, as recognised by The Portrait System. I specialise in portraits and am based in Johannesburg. MY STORY: I lost my mom when I was 30. That doesn't make me unique, but it did change my outlook. Not a 10th of October passes without remembering my mother's final words: "Life is short. Look at me. I am 62 and about to die. Bid, you are not the corporate type. Follow your creative passion. Do something with yours before it's over!" At that time, I was working in the corporate jungle of Johannesburg. Eight years later, dad died, on mom's birthday, with his children at his side. The moment he took his final breath, One of the experiences that shaped my life was my mom's death in 1997. She was 62; I'm 55. Her last words to me were, "Life is short. Do something with it before it is too late. Bid, you are not the corporate type. Follow your creative passion. Do something with yours before it's over". At that time, I was working in the corporate jungle of Johannesburg. My dad died eight years later on mom's birthday, with all his children at his side. The moment he took his final breath, I drew, with all its sadness, a deep strength. I picked up my camera and got to work. Some said I wouldn't last three months; today, I'm celebrating 18 years as a portrait photographer. While I would give anything to have the chance to be photographed with my mom, a moment in time that I could hold onto forever, my inner joy is that I get to give others that opportunity every day of my Life.