In the Shadow of death...

BIOGRAPHY
Neo Ntsoma is the first woman recipient of the CNN African Journalist Award for photography. She is the co-editor of a photographic book, “Women by Women”, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Woman’s March, published by Wits University Press. Her work has appeared in publications such as, The London Telegraph, TIME Magazine and The Washington Post. She has also exhibited in Holland, Norway, Italy, France, India, Bangladesh and the United States. Neo worked for The Star before starting her own photographic productions company.

PERSONAL STATEMENT
I used to take pictures to make people believe in me. Now, I take pictures to make people believe in the subject of my photographs. My aim is to share my point of view about something, and also what I am feeling about it. But what’s important for me is to capture the spirit and soul of the subject I am photographing. I am photojournalist because I don’t really see myself as a commercial photographer except that my work is for sale. I photograph for people who appreciate something a little different, from reportage, portraiture, theater, music and celebrity culture. Photography is an art, and it doesn’t matter to me where it comes from. I photograph what I love best and I earn my living from it.

HONOURS & AWARDS

2004 CNN Mohamed Amin Photographic Award (first woman recipient)

2005 National Geographic All Roads Photo Program Award

2005 Mondi Shanduka Newspaper Awards (Premier Award Winner)

2005 Fujifilm Southern Africa Press Awards – (Picture Story Runner-Up)

2005 Fujifilm South Africa Professional Awards – (5 Awards)

2004 Fujifilm Southern Africa Press Awards – (Portfolio Runner-Up)

2004 Fujifilm Southern Africa Press Awards – (Picture Story – Winner)

2004 Fuji African Press Photo Awards- VISA POUR L’IMAGE (2 Awards)

2003 Fujifilm South Africa Press Awards (Highly Commended – Picture Story)

2002 Fujifilm South Africa Press Awards (2 Awards)

2002 Mondi Paper Newspaper Awards – (Finalist)

OTHER RECOGNITIONS

2006 MTN Women in the Media Finalist: South African Media award which honour remarkable women who have made tremendous strides in the media industry.

2006 True Love magazine – Top 100 women who have made an impact local and globally.

2004 and 2006 Voted by SA Cosmopolitan magazine as one of 30 Awesome Women