Behind The Lens: Capturing The Earthshot Prize Awards 2024 In Cape Town
As a Cape Town event photographer, few assignments compare to covering the prestigious Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony. On 6 November 2024, I had the privilege of being among the selected photographers capturing this momentous occasion from the green carpet at this custom-built venue in Cape Town, working alongside Your Luxury Africa, one of Cape Town's premier luxury lifestyle and events companies. The city itself played a stunning supporting role, with our iconic Table Mountain illuminated in vibrant green as a beacon of environmental hope and celebration.
A Star-Studded Evening
The evening brought together an extraordinary collection of global celebrities and local South African talent, all united in support of Prince William's environmental initiative. As the African sun set over Cape Town, the green carpet came alive with an impressive array of stars including international supermodel Heidi Klum, award-winning actor Billy Porter, and our own beloved South African television presenter Bonang Matheba.
From my designated position on the photographer's platform, I witnessed the seamless blend of international glamour and proudly South African excellence. The Ndlovu Youth Choir brought their characteristic energy and vibrance, while media personality Nomzamo Mbatha demonstrated why she's become one of our country's most celebrated exports.
Billy Porter, HRH Prince William and Nomzamo Mbatha
The Green Carpet Experience
The atmosphere on the green carpet was electric, with each arrival bringing new energy to the evening. As a corporate event photographer, I've covered numerous high-profile events in Cape Town, but the Earthshot Prize Awards presented a unique combination of glamour and purpose. The traditional "red carpet" was replaced with an environmental-friendly green carpet, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to environmental innovation and sustainability.
Working alongside fellow photographers from around the world, I relied on my trusted Fujifilm X-H2 with the versatile combination of a 50-140mm lens for those crucial green carpet shots and a 16-55mm lens for wider perspectives. The setup may have been simple, but it proved perfect for capturing both intimate moments and wider shots of the arriving guests.
A Parade of Global and Local Stars
The evening showcased an incredible lineup of talent that reflected the global reach of the Earthshot mission:
- International stars like Heidi Klum, Winnie Harlow, and Robert Irwin brought Hollywood glamour to the Cape
- African music sensations Diamond Platnumz and Davido represented the continent's vibrant entertainment scene
- South African personalities including Lebo M, Uncle Waffles, and Nomuzi Mabena showcased our country's dynamic talent
- The presence of Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and other African media personalities emphasized the continent-wide significance of the event
Capturing History Through the Lens
As an event photographer, timing is everything. Each celebrity arrival presented a unique opportunity to capture not just their presence, but the spirit of the occasion. The green carpet wasn't merely about photographing celebrities; it was about documenting a historic moment for Cape Town and the environmental movement.
The custom-built venue provided an impressive backdrop, while the gathering dusk created perfect lighting conditions for photography. The challenge lay in balancing the technical aspects of event photography with the need to capture authentic moments of interaction and enthusiasm.
A Global Event with African Heart
While the glamour of the green carpet captured immediate attention, the true significance of the evening lay in its purpose. The Earthshot Prize represents a crucial initiative in the fight against climate change, and having this global event hosted in Cape Town marked a significant moment for our city and continent.
Working with Your Luxury Africa on this prestigious event demonstrated once again why they are leaders in producing world-class events in Cape Town. Their expertise in managing high-profile occasions ensured smooth coordination between photographers, media, and event staff throughout the evening.
Cape Town's Moment to Shine
The presence of both international celebrities and local talents created a unique atmosphere that epitomized the event's global yet distinctly African character. This blend of worldwide star power with homegrown South African talent perfectly embodied the Earthshot Prize's mission of bringing together diverse voices in the fight against climate change.
The evening served as a powerful reminder of Cape Town's capacity to host world-class events while maintaining its unique character and charm. As Table Mountain glowed green in the background, it was clear that this wasn't just another awards ceremony – it was a statement about Africa's role in shaping a sustainable future for our planet.
