Adam Zimmerman When Adam Zimmerman picked up his mother’s camera for the first time in the Kruger National Park at the age of seven, he instinctively knew he wanted to do wildlife photography and promote wildlife conservation through his art. For Zimmerman, “photography is about so much more than just taking photos. It’s an expression of the feelings we get in particular moments.” For this reason, he started his business, AZ Photography, to show the beauty of nature and why it should be protected. Zimmerman spends his free time travelling around the Kruger National Park looking for beautiful snapshots of nature. “I self-drive and track/spot all wildlife myself using my extensive knowledge of the bush and animal behaviour,” he said. “I seem to have that natural eye for photography and composition. And, since I picked up a camera 16 years ago, it has grown and thrived as I’ve gained experience and knowledge.” Zimmerman is self-taught, and learns different techniques through YouTube. “Photography is a complex discipline, but I managed to crack the code and grow my skills independently,” he said. He’s studying chemical engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, but ensures he has time to stay on the photographic path. He now has more than 58 000 followers on Instagram, and teaches photography in Johannesburg and online to students ranging in age from 10 to 80. “When I’m out taking images in the wild, I’m often stopped by strangers who know my online presence, which allows me to broaden my network and grow my brand. I create and promote wildlife awareness and conservation through my photographic art, which is seen by millions of people worldwide,” he said. Through his photography, Zimmerman believes he’s promoting South African wildlife, the landscape, and the need for conservation. He has won a few influential wildlife photography competitions and secured a photographic sponsorship. However, he sees his biggest achievement as being able to invest the money that his photography generates in buying new equipment. He’s also passionate about teaching others the art of photography. “Giving my first photographic lesson is a moment I’ll never forget. I was so proud that I could help others get the assistance that I never received when I was starting my journey,” he said. Zimmerman hopes to combine his two passions – photography and engineering – to make a positive impact. “I would like to engineer solutions within the realm of sustainable development and environmental chemical engineering,” he said. “I have given my all to what I do. It’s exhausting, but I would have it no other way. Passion is my biggest strength. When I want something, I do everything in my power to earn it.” Zach Tobias At the age of 25, Zach Tobias has been able to blend his passion for music with a love for engineering, working as a successful DJ for more than 13 years. Tobias discovered his passion for music when he joined the King David jazz band at the age of nine under the tutelage of Dave Holland. “His influence sparked my curiosity about the music industry and the possibility of turning my passion into a career,” said Tobias. He got his first mixer, and started performing at small events 13 years ago. Since then, he has established a reputation within the community for performances at big and small corporate, community, and private events. Tobias adds a unique touch to every event by playing his saxophone during each of his sets. “This combination has set me apart from others in the industry, giving people a whole new experience,” he said. Tobias possesses the unique ability to blend two seemingly different worlds – music and engineering – seamlessly into a unique and impactful career path. While working as a DJ, he was studying mechanical engineering at the University of Pretoria, which he completed last year. “It taught me the importance of precision, creativity, and time management, all of which have been essential in balancing my dual passions. My approach to DJing is influenced by my engineering background. I have a strong understanding of the technical aspects of sound and event production, which allows me to create a sophisticated and tailored experience for my clients. And my background in engineering and entrepreneurship equips me with a strategic mindset and creative approach to problem solving.” While in Israel on an internship programme earlier this year, Tobias worked as a DJ for Israel Defense Forces soldiers, which enabled him to bring some joy to those fighting on the front lines. “It’s not just about entertaining, it’s about bringing a sense of normalcy and joy to those who need it most. Being able to do this during such challenging times was incredibly fulfilling,” he said. Tobias always tries to stay one step ahead of the curve. “The [DJ-ng] industry is always evolving, so I make a point of never getting too comfortable or stuck in one style. I’m always exploring new sounds, experimenting with different techniques, and finding ways to incorporate fresh ideas into my sets,” he said. Tobias has taught, mentored, and guided many aspiring DJs, helping them develop their own technique while mastering the basics. Many have gone on to build successful client bases. “By fostering a network of skilled and passionate professionals, I aim to create a ‘dream team’ that can elevate the event industry,” he said. Eitan Steinberg 50 Those who cannot be present at the simcha of a family member or friend know the sadness and frustration of not being able to attend. However, at 24, Eitan Steinberg offers the next best option to being there in Johannesburg, enjoying the simcha virtually through his streaming services. Steinberg learnt about filming as a child from his late uncle, Gary Block, who set up the video and editing facilities at King David Linksfield before he died in 2012. Since then, Steinberg’s passion for video has grown. After school, he did a media and broadcasting internship at TV MallSA in 2018 and in 2021, he worked at the iownit expo at Wanderers Stadium, producing, directing, videoing, and editing, which offered great career experience. The idea for his business, Simcha Live Streaming, came to him after seeing Jon Moss live streaming his cousin, Saul Block’s, wedding in 2022 and Steinberg considered how easily he could do it for other people. Steinberg said he loved the idea that everyone could be involved in their family and friends’ simchas, no matter where they are around the world. He specialises in live streaming Jewish functions like weddings, Barmitzvahs, Batmitzvahs, and brit milot. His business is unique, he said, in that through specialised techniques, he is able to give people a “guest-eye-view” in which it feels like the viewer is a part of the simcha due to the camera having a focal length similar to the human eye. “Rather than reverse engineering live streaming abilities for a bulky video production camera, we use purpose built, specialist cameras, designed to get in among the action, with built in live streaming capability,” he said. “The GoPro cameras we use deliver high quality video – up to 5K – and being action cameras, have clear advantages over traditional video cameras.” Steinberg does all the live streaming himself because he wants to be sure that the end result is the best it can be for his clients. “I care about all the people I work with, and the outcome of my events are important to me, so I’m very careful before bringing other people into the business.” Steinberg believes that offering consistent great work is the most important thing that he can do in his business. He takes the job of sharing someone’s special day very seriously. “I can unite families from anywhere in the world so they can participate in the simcha, and the recorded live stream is given to the client on a private part of our website.” Steinberg has a completely mobile setup, so he’s able to travel all around Johannesburg to help people capture their special event for those who are far away. He is thrilled at how popular his service has become since he started in 2022. Tel/WhatsApp: +972 50 446 9515 | www.israel-properties.com NEVE SHAMIR Large Selection of Options One Stop For All Your Real Estate Products & Services Buy-Sell-Invest-Manage-Rent & Much More! NETANYA TEL AVIV RAMAT BEIT SHEMESH ALEPH JERUSALEM Ichikowitz Family Foundation Rising Star Award nominees
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