Photography is not about freezing a moment – it is about preserving the emotion, stories and fleeting beauty that time refuses to hold still. In a world that never seems to slow down, Theesan Francis has made a career out of doing exactly that. He stops.
He watches. And then, in the fraction of a second when emotion, light and human connection converge, he presses the shutter.
In anticipation of World Photography Day on Wednesday, 19 August, the occasion offers a moment to honour the art of photography and the remarkable power of a single image to preserve memories, tell stories and capture the beauty of life in a fleeting second.
For Francis, a Durban North photographer and creative entrepreneur, photography has become far more than the act of taking a picture. It is an exercise in observation, a way of finding meaning in the moments most people are too busy to notice.
“My journey started with a simple curiosity about capturing moments that people would want to remember forever. What began as photographing friends and local events soon became a passion for telling stories through images,” Francis said.
That passion deepened when people began trusting him to photograph some of the most significant moments of their lives.
“Seeing their emotional reactions to the final images showed me that photography has the power to preserve memories for generations. That is what made me realise there is something much deeper to what I do.”
For Francis, the magic is often found beyond the perfectly posed photograph. His eye is drawn towards the fleeting details that others may overlook – a spontaneous smile, a quiet interaction or the way natural light falls across a face.
“I often notice the small, genuine moments. Those authentic moments often become the most meaningful photographs because they show people as they really are.”
Emotion is what ultimately makes him press the shutter. Francis said: “Whether it’s joy, determination, love or even silence, if a moment tells a story without words, I know it’s worth capturing. I think the strongest photographs are often the ones where you can feel something before you even know the full story behind the image.”
One of his most memorable photographs captured a family reunited after a long time apart.
“There was no posing or planning – just genuine emotion. Looking at that image reminds me that photography isn’t just about pictures; it’s about preserving moments that can never be recreated.”
That philosophy has changed the way he sees the world.
“Photography has taught me that everyone has a story. It has made me realise that beauty can be found almost anywhere if we’re willing to slow down and really look.”
Closer to home, Francis finds inspiration in Durban North and uMhlanga, particularly in the changing light across the coastline.
“People naturally admire the beaches and skyline, but I think the changing light during sunrise and sunset is often overlooked. The colours, reflections and atmosphere create scenes that are different every single day.”
He also enjoys documenting community events and local celebrations, where families and friends gather to create memories. Yet, with that privilege comes responsibility.
“A photographer has a responsibility to treat every person with dignity and respect. Trust is incredibly important, and every image should tell the truth while honouring the people in it.”
Francis believes expensive equipment is secondary to having a good eye.
“Understanding light, composition and timing will always matter more than owning the most expensive camera.”
For cellphone photographers, his advice is equally simple: pay attention to natural light, compose carefully and think before pressing the shutter.
Ultimately, Francis hopes his photographs make people feel.
“Whether it’s happiness, nostalgia, excitement or inspiration, I want every photograph to remind people of a moment worth remembering and encourage them to appreciate the beauty in everyday life.”
Because while anyone can take a photograph, the true art lies in recognising the moment that deserves to be remembered.
Because a camera can capture an instant.
But it takes a photographer to recognise why that instant matters.
And perhaps that is the real art of photography: not simply learning how to take a picture, but learning how to see what lies beyond the photo.
