Jürgen Schadeberg was a South African Portrait photographer made famous for following Nelson Mandela from 1952 to his last days in 2013.
Born in Berlin 1931 and moved to South Africa in 1950 when he worked for Drum Magazine as the official photographer.
“Jurgen was always a freelance photographer – on Drum Magazine he was the Art Director, Designer, Head of Photographic Department and mentor to the young photographers…as well as being chief (freelance) photographer. Jurgen photographed Nelson Mandela from 1951 to close to present day….” — correction by Claudia Schaedeberg.
Jürgen Schadeberg Greatest Moments
In south Africa, Jürgen Schadeberg would capture pivotal moments of history such as the Defiance Campaign and the Treason trial in 1956.
In 1959, Schadeberg became a freelancer and freed himself to capturing images as he saw fit. Jurgen has published over 30 photographic books and in collaboration of his wife about 15 documentaries and dramas about South African social, cultural and political history.
Jurgen Schadeberg, is also known as “The Father of South African Photography”. Jurgen, in partnership with his wife Claudia Schadeberg, continues to work actively on major photographic projects, books and exhibitions. He now works in Berlin, Paris, South Africa and Spain.
Being a headshot photographer, one lesson I learned and witness through Jürgen Schadeberg’s work is that the camera is but a lifeless machine that is ignited by the photographers true passion, experiences and life force.
Dear Carlos Taylhardat,
Thank you for your email and your kind words about Jurgen’s work…its always good to have positive feedback for one’s work.
We enjoyed your article –
a couple of things are not quite accurate:
Jurgen was always a freelance photographer – on Drum Magazine he was the Art Director, Designer, Head of Photographic Department and mentor to the young photographers…as well as being chief (freelance) photographer. Jurgen photographed Nelson Mandela from 1951 to close to present day….the picture on the left of a young soldier is not by Jurgen.
We wish you much luck with your photography.
Best wishes
