The Story of Orange Rocks

Hey there Ocean Lovers,

I wanted to take a moment to share my story with you. My name is Terence Pieters, and I'm an Ocean Photographer based on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Growing up, I was passionate about surfing/bodyboarding and spent countless hours riding waves.

But amidst those exhilarating moments, I started noticing something extraordinary. I would catch glimpses of pure magic when a wave would flare up, creating exquisite moments that seemed to go unnoticed by everyone else. I yearned to capture those fleeting instances, to pause and immerse myself in their beauty. Little did I know that this passion would lead me to discover the incredible art of photography.

Photography became my natural extension, a way to find peace, meaning, and endless excitement. It brought me immense joy, and I knew I had to share that feeling with the world. However, I faced a constant dilemma between my love for surfing and my newfound passion for photography.

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

Injuries eventually forced me to take a step back from surfing, and surprisingly, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I began prioritizing capturing the waves instead, seamlessly blending both of my passions. Now, I find myself inside the ocean, capturing its awe-inspiring beauty with a heavy camera in hand.

Photographing waves from within the sea is an entirely different adventure. It requires an in-depth knowledge of the ocean—its currents, tides, and swells—as well as the ability to navigate amidst fellow surfers. Swimming deep into the ocean without any floating device while holding an expensive camera is both challenging and exhilarating.

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

Some days are easier, with smaller waves and calmer seas, allowing me to focus on the technical aspects of photography. But on those big, intimidating days, my attention shifts to the movements of the ocean and my surroundings. I may walk away with just one incredible photo, but I carry with me a priceless story and experience to share.

Each wave is a testament to the boundless beauty and uniqueness of nature. Seeing it from the safety of land is remarkable, but being up close and personal is nothing short of breathtaking. I am thrilled to be able to share my vision with you, to convey the indescribable magic that unfolds in those fleeting moments.

And why ORANGE ROCKS? It all began at a well-known fishing spot called Orange Rocks along the coast. Standing on those rocks, unable to take my camera into the ocean, I captured the immense power of crashing waves from the safety of the land. It became the starting point of my journey, igniting my passion for wave photography.

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 or by making use of the virtual tip jar - Support Terence