Skip to content

Glamour catches up with photographer Antonia Steyn

An eclectic photographer with an eye for depth and detail, Antonia Steyn shares her greatest inspirations and career highlights.

ABSA L’Atelier Merit, Award,Vuleka Art Award and Media 24 Photographer of the Year are a few of the accolades veteran photographer Antonia Steyn has garnered since deciding in 2005 to work as a full-time professional photographer. After graduating from the University of Cape Town with a Dean’s Merit List (DML) award in 2000, she began her photography journey. When looking for female photographers to shoot one of our covers for this issue,

I was pleasantly surprised to come across Antonia. Her body of work is varied and shows a depth and sensitivity with a keen eye for detail that’s sadly lacking in photography since the dawn of social media. Her ability to shoot her subjects and capture their essence is a natural gift few can emulate. Through collaborating with her on this cover, I got to experience her expertise and passion for photography. Having worked with a host of brands such as Nike, G-Star Raw and Samsung (to name a few) on leading campaigns, and shot for GQ, she was a natural fit for Glamour.

We chatted to her about her illustrious career.

Photography by: Antonia Steyn

Glamour: What sparked your interest in photography?

My passion for visual storytelling and the opportunity to meet interesting people and travel the world.

G: How has the industry changed since you started?

Radically! I began my career shooting film. It’s intriguing to see a return to analogue trending.

G: What or who inspires you?

Much of my work is heavily in uenced by personalities, nature and history.

G: How have the challenges you’ve faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry shaped you, and have they impacted your work?

I’ve been privileged to be in the industry since 2005. As a woman, it’s incredible to witness breakthrough female photographers.

G: What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

Keep shooting!

G: Share your career-defining moments?

Working with Caster Semenya, Eliud Kipchoge and Karabo Poppy, for sure!

Photography by: Antonia Steyn

Share this article: