André Badenhorst: Conceptual and Cinematic

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, André Badenhorst kicked off his photography career at age 15 with a school project, using his sister’s Pentax Asahi 35mm camera to capture skateboarding scenes. This sparked a passion that led him to a one-year photography course in Stellenbosch, followed by a career in advertising, fashion, and fine art. He’s worked with big names like Vodacom and Fokofpolisekar, building a reputation for his cinematic, dramatic style. His images burst with rich hues—think deep reds and cool blues—and stark lighting that feels like a scene paused from a film.

  • Primary Genres: Conceptual Photography, Portrait Photography, Commercial Photography
  • Primary Photography Style: Maximalism (cinematic, dramatic visuals with bold impact), Narrative Photography (story-driven, layered with texture)
  • Key Message: Badenhorst blends artistry and precision to craft emotive visual tales that provoke thought and feeling.

Badenhorst often photographs musicians, models, and conceptual setups, turning each shot into a story. His aesthetic stands out with vivid colours—deep reds, cool blues—and stark, directional lighting that cuts through dark backgrounds. Textures like leather or smoke add a raw, tactile edge.

He uses studio setups with softboxes and reflectors, paired with digital cameras like the Fujifilm GFX 50r for flexibility in action shots and editing. In post-processing, he boosts contrast and colour for a polished yet gritty look, presenting his work in midsized prints or online portfolios that draw viewers into his world.

For intermediate learners, Badenhorst’s cinematic style is about building a narrative in every frame, much like a film still. He opts for digital cameras to capture fast action and tweak mood in editing—think of it as a modern take on the zone system, controlling contrast and tone digitally. His approach encourages playing with light and texture to set a scene that speaks.

Storytelling drives his work, whether it’s a portrait or a conceptual piece. He carefully arranges subjects, lighting, and props to hint at a bigger tale, pushing photographers to think beyond the moment and craft images with depth and meaning.

  • Accolades:
    • Collaborated with Vodacom, Blue Bulls, and Fokofpolisekar
    • Won 28 career awards (details not widely specified)
    • Fujifilm X-Photographer

 

  • Trivia:
    • Draws inspiration from David Lynch’s shadowy style
    • Builds miniature sets for conceptual shoots
    • Shoots music videos alongside photography
    • Began with skateboarding photography at 15

Photography Lessons from this Photographer:

Badenhorst’s knack for turning photos into stories comes from his precise use of lighting and composition. His stark, directional light and textured props teach photographers to experiment with mood and depth—try bold shadows or vivid colours to shift the vibe. His narrative focus encourages you to ask what story your shot tells, blending creativity with technical skill for images that stick with viewers.

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