Undoubtedly, the highlight of my photographic career so far was the opportunity to photograph, meet and spend time with Nelson Mandela while on assignment in South Africa; arguably the most inspirational, charismatic and compassionate icon of our times. In fact, meeting Madiba is arguably one of the greatest moments of my life to date.
Hearing of his passing is such sad news as I was so touched, inspired and moved after our meeting. Following the opportunity to photograph him whilst working with the US delegation at the World Cup in 2010, I have read and endeavored to learn as much as I can about his incredible story. As President Barack Obama so elegantly surmised Madiba “took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice”. Below are just a few of some of my favourite photographs from my shoot with Nelson Mandela and President Bill Clinton at one of his homes on the outskirts of Johannesburg…photographs that I will cherish forever . May his legacy live on and his message of freedom and equality for all continue in his memory.
In his own words: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
