VIDEOGRAPHY + PHOTOGRAPHY IAN BODDY - WORDS MAISIE JANE DANIELS
Photographer Ian Boddy is back to the place he adores on the shores of Cape Town, depicting a sandy story that showcases the carefree nature to teenagers (Alex, Annabel, Anouk, Arabella, Hannah, Josh, Junior, Max, Natasha, Thomas and triplets Kate, Gia and India) and their freedom of spirit.
Boddy explains: "I guess the inspo was just to capture the spirit of youth and freedom which, to me, is synonymous with that age group in Cape Town. They all have such different aspirations, I go there and am always captivated by the life force and optimism that is apparent with the South African teenagers, even though many of them want to spread their wings and live, study or work in Europe for economic and social reasons. But as a place to work and get energised & inspired I adore it. "
Post shoot, F Word's Editor-in-Chief Maisie Daniels wanted to get to know a bit more about the characters behind the lens and hand-picked some of her favourite answers.
Maisie Daniels: What empowers you the most?
Kate Wannenburgh (she/her, age 18): Knowing that I have the power to create positive change in the world. It might sound cheesy, but it's true! Even the smallest actions can make a big difference.
MD: One thing the world could do without? Arabella Addison (she/her 15): Racism
Thomas Gideon Hill (he/him 19): Greed Kate Van Schalkwyk (she/her 17): Plastic Josh Hardman (he/him 20): Negativity
MD:If your life was a film, what would it be called?
Alex Jeanneau (he/ him 18yrs): I am not meant to be here but I'm thriving: Tales of an albino in the African Sun.
MD:One thing you can't live without?
Alex Jeanneau (he/ him 18yrs): Sunblock, its like my life force, take it away from me and I must lurk in the shadows.
MD: What is a topic you’re passionate about and why?
Thomas Gideon Hill (he/him, 19): Regenerative agriculture and landscaping, as it has the potential to drastically change the world and its main problems.
Arabella Addison (she/her, 15): Music, I think everyone needs music in their lives and music helps people express themselves and how they feel.
MD: What are your hopes for the future?
Alex Jeanneau (he/ him, 18): For the world, that we start to view humanity as one organism instead of billions of individuals. Kate Wannenburgh (she/her, 18): That we learn to prioritise compassion, empathy, and sustainability over profit and power. I hope for a future where we can all live in harmony with each other, animals and the planet.
MD: Complete the sentence; youth is…
Kate Van Schalkwyk (she/her, 17): Unpredictable India Van Schalkwyk (she/her, 17): Complicated
Gia Van Schalkwyk (she/her, 17): Weird
MD: Complete the sentence; my friends are...
Kate Wannenburgh (she/her, 18): My ride or dies! They're the people who are always there for you no matter what, who support you and lift you up, and who you can be your truest self around. Alex Jeanneau (he/ him, 18): Blessings that push me to grow.
MD: What’s your favourite F-word?
Josh Hardman (he/him, 20): Funky
Alex Jeanneau (he/ him, 18): Fuck, but I don't know if thats really an option here so... flow.
Kate Wannenburgh (she/her, 18): Fun! Life is too short to take everything so seriously, so let's make sure we're having fun along the way.
