Testimonials

Letters from readers

Letter from Cape Times Reader Fiona Chisholm

Dear Sir

This letter of thanks to Cape Times Chief photographer Michael Walker is long overdue. For months I have noticed that whenever a news picture displayed a quirky touch or an off-beat angle, Michael Walker’s by-line was there. A case in point was that engaging back-to-school shot earlier this year of little kids trying on large school ties. There have been dozens of other eye-catching examples since then, often on bread-and-butter subjects which he has brought to life through avoiding the predictable and producing something fresh. Recently he has been covering the fire scene. Sharing the same hot, smoky and often dangerous conditions of the firemen, he has repeatedly produced unusual shots showing how week in and week out these brave teams have struggled to bring under control the spate of raging, wind-driven fires this summer.But the brilliant photograph that finally forced me to get off my butt and write this letter, was Walker’s page one picture on Friday March 6. Against a background of red flames it showed Marius van Tonder’s desperate expression as he rushed into the night with his printer as he evacuated his Paarl home. Walker exactly captured that awful moment when a homeowner fears he is about to see his house and possessions go up in smoke. Anyone who has been down that road will know just how anxious Van Tonder felt. Those who have never experienced that fear will have gained an insight from Walker’s great photo.

Letters from Cape Times reader Jake de Villiers

The photograph on the front page of Tuesday April 3 2012 is world class. It depicts the stress of the passengers in a most dramatic way. It also uses the tools of photography superbly: perspective, carefully chosen areas of focus and out-of-focus and composition. Full marks to photographer Michael Walker.

Letter from Cape Times reader

I just wanted to congratulate Michael Walker on a truly wonderful photo on the front page of today’s Cape Times (31st January 2012) – of the Blikkiesdorp residents’ protests. It is an almost like a surreal oil painting reminiscent of The French Revolution / Les Miserables. He’s a credit to the paper. Kind regards Linda Mansell

Letter from Jonathan Ackerman (Marketing Director), Pick n Pay

Dear Michael,

Having finally settled back to work and the normal routine of things, I would just like to thank you, as part of the team that assisted with the recent Lewis Pugh expedition to Mount Everest, for the part that you played in ensuring an incredibly successful outcome. I know that logistically it could not have been an easy expedition to put together but it was a wonderful experience which I would not have missed for the world and was really privileged to have been there for a small part of the excitement. Thank you and well done again on all that you did in order to make this a reality for everyone who was fortunate enough to be part of this great adventure.

Kind Regards

Jonathan Ackerman

Letter from Alide Dasnois (Cape Times Editor)

Dear Micheal,Thank you very much for the trouble you took last night to deliver a great Boesak picture so quickly. Compliments on the quality of the picture also from the manager, Ishmet Davidson. Regards Alide Dasnois