The Story of Orange Rocks

Hello everyone, I appreciate you taking the time to read this brief biography about how and why I believe I began my journey in Ocean/Wave Photography.

Selfie at the office

My name is Terence Pieters, and I'm from the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It all began when I was about 5 or 6 years old. I seized every opportunity to be at the beach, where I surfed, bodyboarded, and participated in junior lifeguarding. Bodyboarding was my initial passion, as riding the waves brought me immense joy. Growing up by the beach was wonderful and contributed to a very healthy lifestyle.

Surfing St Mikes Circa 2006. Garth Lappeman Photo

During that period, I gained extensive knowledge about the ocean and waves. I began competing nationally in the bodyboarding scene and continued doing so for many years. I secured excellent sponsorships and envisioned a clear future for myself as a professional athlete.

Photo Above: Terence Pieters Bodyboarding Air - Photo by - Rozanne Fleet

 

Walking down to the beach Photo by - Simon Heale

 

Unfortunately, my injuries began to impact my body, bringing things to a stop. After undergoing shoulder surgery, I never felt quite the same, and bodyboarding gradually became just a weekend activity. I still enjoy it a lot, but now I do it mainly for fun.

Post Surgery

At that time, I had been a photographer for several years, but I hadn't yet discovered my niche. I spent a couple of years working on cruise ships, which turned out to be an amazing experience. I gained a lot of knowledge, traveled the globe, and visited many stunning locations.

Docked in Iceland

Everything changed when the Covid Pandemic hit, bringing the world to a standstill. It was a frightening time for many, myself included. What was I going to do? I knew I enjoyed photography, but what could I capture when we weren't allowed to go anywhere? That's when I decided to invest in a camera and water housing, and began swimming into the ocean at dawn, before anyone could report me to the police during the lockdown.

I had a feeling it would come naturally to me, as when I was surfing, I often noticed beautiful moments that others overlooked. Brief flashes of magic as the wave rose. I wanted to capture those moments to admire them. I would form a small opening with my hands and peek through to focus on the parts of the wave I found intriguing. At the time, I didn't think much of it, but it developed into a significant passion of mine.

Image Captured in the Ocean by Terence. Titled: Drama

 

WHY THE NAME ORANGE ROCKS?

Orange Rocks on the coast is a renowned fishing location, and those familiar with it appreciate the stunning proximity to the ocean. This is where my journey of photographing waves began. At that time, I couldn't take my camera into the ocean, so I stood on the rocks to safely capture the immense power of the waves crashing. The orange hue of the rocks is also a common feature along our part of the coastline, which is why I found the name Orange Rocks Ocean Photography quite fitting.

Standing on Orange Rocks taking photos of huge waves

Capturing the waves within the sea is an entirely different challenge. You must thoroughly understand the ocean, including the currents, tides, swells, and the surfers, as well as how to maneuver among them. Not only are you swimming in deep waters without a flotation device, but you're also doing so while carrying a heavy and costly camera. Additionally, I need to consider the appropriate exposure settings and the right composition to employ.

Photo above: Terence Pieters inside a breaking wave with camera in-hand. Photo by Esmer Tenner

Some days are easier than others; when the waves are smaller and the sea is calmer, I can focus more on the technical aspects, as I have more time to consider my shot. Conversely, on those big, intimidating days, my attention shifts to my surroundings and the ocean's movement. I might only capture one good photo, but I leave with a compelling story and experience to share with everyone.

The beauty and uniqueness of each wave are endless. Observing it from land is one thing, but being up close and personal is absolutely breathtaking, and I am thrilled to share my vision with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope that my work can bring you the same happiness and awe-inspiring wonder that it brings to me. Join me on this extraordinary adventure by exploring my photography on this website.

Warm regards, Terence Pieters

If you would like to support me and my Ocean Photography career, you can do so by purchasing a print here Browse Gallery

Here's a video showcasing some of my favorite moments with a dramatic flair -