Lensman’s chance to shine in front of camera
OVER the years, his focus has been on the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Sachin Tendulkar, Jonah Lomu, Percy Tau and Keshav Maharaj.
But all eyes were on professional lensman Anesh Debiky recently when he was named Photographer of the Year at the 2018 KZN Sports Awards.
Debiky, 45, landed the honour from the KZN Department of Sport with a slew of entries from sporting events he covered over the past year.
“It was surreal walking up to the stage with all the lights and cameras on me. I would say that proud moment ranks high up with the other photography accolades I’ve won over the years,” said Debiky.
Over the past two decades, Debiky, of Chatsworth, who had to give up his job at Mondi after a back injury, has become a familiar face at all major local sporting events.
“Being an official Fifa photographer at the 2010 World Cup was a privilege. It is one of the most difficult organisations to get a foot in.
“I also worked closely with the Indian cricket team during their tour to South Africa, and I toured India with the Proteas in 2004.”
Debiky said some of the other major events he has covered included trips to Belgium, Switzerland and France to shoot wheelchair basketball, 19 Comrades Marathons, Fina Swimming World Cups and the 2007 Afcon in Ghana.
He debunked the theory that photography was about pointing and shooting; instead, he said it was a more nuanced art, with tight deadlines.
“The proliferation of social media demands that the best quality pictures which tell a story are sent to the agencies I work for, in quick time”.
Debiky said it was difficult for him to single out his best picture, but rated highly shots of disabled Brazilian swimmer Daniel Dias, and his two pictures that were included in a book containing South Africa’s most famous rugby photographs.
“Photographing legends Tendulkar and Lomu has always been memorable,” he added.
“Being within touching distance of other legends, like Messi and Ronaldo, has made me the envy of many, but I always remember to keep it professional when I’m at work.”