Here's how Rian helped a listener keep her passion for photography alive

Fochsville resident Shirley Watts has been cultivating her photography skills for quite some time. She enjoys capturing images that tell stories, and views photography as an integral part of herself. 

Unfortunately, Shirley has been going through a tough time and it has taken its toll on her photography work. 

In hopes of finding her way back to the joy of taking photos, Shirley sent the following message to The Scenic Drive:

Hey guys,

Maybe you can help me get my beloved camera back, I had to pawn it last month to pay for petrol thinking I would be OK to get it back this month. But as things would have it it has turned out a bust. It is one of the few possessions that are mine. I love photography and worked hard for the camera. I have a week and a half to come up with the money or it is gone for good. Maybe check my Facebook page and you will see my photos. 

I just need a break for once in my life. It is at Bargain Connection in Fochville where I live. 

It is a 650 D camera.  It is a full digital camera not bridging and I worked really really hard to get it I m not sure what else I can tell you but that it is one of the very few items that I actually have left and my passion and what gets me to my quiet place is photography. It may seem weird but without that camera, I don't feel grounded as I have no creative outlet. 

If you can help me I would really really appreciate it

Please, Rian and team, help me.

Shirley

After reading Shirley's message, Rian reached out to ask her to share some of her most recent images with us. Shirley's pictures capture quiet moments in the city and in nature. 

The two pictures which Shirley holds dear are of the leaf with droplets of rain on it, and of the woman outside the store. When asked what made these two pictures special, Shirley had the following to say: 

The one with the leaf is just beautiful. The colours of autumn going into winter are amazing - it's the start of a new season. Everybody thinks it's the end of life, but it's not. It's just an indicator of change that's going to happen. It reminds us that when winter is gone spring will be back again with New Life.
The picture of the lady [happened in a moment when] she spoke to me sitting there selling her mealies with her jacket over her knee and bundled up warmly and she had a nice smile on her face Just Before I took the photo and it just goes to show that no matter how cold life is there's always something to smiling about.

With the help of Michelle Janse van Vuuren, Marketing Director of Canon SA, Rian was able to help Shirley get a new camera and keep her dream alive. 

Michelle gifted Shirley with a Canon EOS 750D and two extra lenses, as well as a camera bag and a memory card. Shirley was overwhelmed by the show of generosity.