Warning: Just looking at her pictures may cause waves of jealousy to wash over you! gsport's first Woman in Media in 2010 is Kirstin Scholtz, is one very laid back individual who takes her profession deadly serious, all the same. 28-year old Kirstin is a Rhodes journalism graduate born in Johannesburg, but raised on the coasts of our country, and currently based on Australia’s Gold Coast, where she manages the ASP’s digital photo assets, not to mention being a fulltime photojournalist on the ASP Men’s World Tour events.

Kirstin rates the time she shot in 15ft surf off the back of a jet ski at Honolua Bay, Maui as one of her career highlights, along with covering nine-times ASP World Champion Kelly Slater's ninth world title in Mundaka, Spain, but these place alongside her fond recollections of riding bikes with her sister in the Bushveld on her grandfather’s farm (in the North West Province), and working in her uncle’s beach bar, Billy Bones, on Norman Island in the Caribbean.

She’s learned the art of her trade from one of the first digital surf photography pioneers, the famed Pierre Tostee, and had the honour to take over from him when Tostee retired from the ASP World Tour. Her talent is featured, among others, on the illustrious cover of EXPN Magazine’s Fall 2008 issue, an image of Jordy Smith at Teahupoo Tahiti. She may be super fit, tanned all over and travelling the worlds exotic hot spots for a job, but she’s not too busy for a friendly response to gsport’s request for an interview. We welcome the month’s Woman in Media, Kirstin Scholtz!

Hi Kirstin, thank for talking to gsport! Where were you born, and where do you live now?

I was born in Johannesburg where I lived until I was 12 before moving to Cape Town for high school with my mother and sister. After completing my degree at Rhodes University I lived and worked in Durban for three years, before deciding to move to the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, which is now my base.

Kirstin, what makes you a proud South African?

South Africans! There are so many real, down to earth and inspirational people from South Africa. We’re such a diverse nation and despite all the adversity and struggle we’ve been through, we have remained full of hope and are unafraid to follow our dreams. I am proud to be associated with those that were part of the struggle years, what they fought for and what they achieved for our country.

Do you have a nickname that your friends call you?

Scolly, Special K.

What makes you passionate about sport?

I am inspired by victory. There is something about watching an athlete win, especially when they have come from behind, or when it’s unexpected, that is just so exciting to watch. It’s those moments that can inspire a crowd, change a life, or even just make you feel part of that person’s victory if only for a few fleeting moments. I think sport gives people goals, dreams, hope and a challenge in their lives and I think it’s really important part of a healthy society from all aspects.

Some may cast doubt on whether you have a ‘real’ job, or whether you just get paid for having fun- How would you rate being an ASP-accredited photographer?

It’s undoubtedly the best job in the world! To travel to many of the worlds’ most exotic and unique locations to photograph the world’s finest surfers compete, is a massive privilege and sometimes I do have to pinch myself to check if it is real.

As fun and exciting as it all is, it can be tough at the same time. I work very long hours, in at times, very testing conditions, I am on the road 98% of the year, I live out of a suitcase, I am constantly battling jet-lag and all of my investment goes into my equipment.

Is it a fulltime job, or do you have other projects on the go?

I was a full time contractor for the last two years but this year it’s become a full time job as I am managing the digital imaging service for the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals). When I’m not shooting an event on location, I am in the office managing our extensive digital archive and servicing media requests.

Do you mostly cover men’s or women’s surfing, or both fairly equally?

I shoot the ASP Men’s World Tour full time and when there are double-ups with women’s events, I will shoot the women’s too.

How did you get into photography, and underwater photography?

I’ve always been very creative and visual so whilst studying journalism at Rhodes I had the opportunity to combine my creative streak with journalism by specialising in photojournalism. After completing my degree I was fortunate enough to meet Pierre Tostee (the world’s first digital surf photographer), and worked my way up under him for three years before he stepped down, off the tour, and allowed me to take over his position fulltime.

I’ve only just started shooting from the water, which was inspired by some of the incredible surf photographers in our industry such as Tim McKenna, Pat Stacey and Ted Grambeau, to name but a few. It’s a huge learning curve and requires plenty of time and dedication, so it’s a work in progress!

What has been your biggest career highlight?

I think shooting the various World Champions winning their World Titles - Kelly Slater’s ninth, Layne Beachley’s seventh and all three of Stephanie Gilmore’s. Also, shooting perfect Pipe at the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii, shooting 15ft Honolua Bay, Maui and shooting from boats in Bali, Tahiti and Fiji.

You travel to so many far-flung exotic destinations covering professional surfing, which surf spot stands out, and why?

I think Tahiti because the set-up is so different to any of the other spots we go to. Teahupoo is a small fishing village with no commercial infrastructure so everyone stays with local families and we get to experience true Tahitian life.

Also, Teahupoo the wave, breaks about 1km off shore, and Billabong do an amazing job of setting up boats and getting everyone out there to witness and shoot the contest. It’s hot and tropical and the scenery is breathtaking. All in all a very special place.

This is the first year that there are two SA contenders, fourth-timer Rosy Hodge and debutant Nikita Robb, on the ASP Women’s World Tour - what does this mean for local women’s surfing?

I think it is so exciting for South Africa and for South Africa’s female surfers. Both girls are amazing competitors and Nikita particularly has done the hard yards in getting herself on tour, so I think South African surfer girls really have two amazing role models to look up to and be inspired by. There is no reason we shouldn’t have more joining them soon.

What is your advice to women who would like to break into the world of photographic media?

I think my advice to anyone, not just women, would be to do what you love and what inspires you and keeps you excited everyday. I think you have to be prepared to work hard and know that you’re not going to walk straight into your dream job.

Be prepared to make some sacrifices before the doors start opening. I think for women in particular, focus on your strengths and embrace your feminine side. We are much more emotional and sensitive while men seem to be more technical but I think both can be strengths for photographers.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced being a woman in your job, and how did you handle it?

I think getting respect as a female photographer is an ongoing challenge in this industry. I don’t think I will ever be seen as equal to the men but it doesn’t really bother me all that much. I do my thing and I’m not too bothered about what any of the guys think. Other than that, probably just carrying all the heavy equipment down km’s of beach or up and down cliff faces in 35-degree heat! I never complain though, that’s just part of the job and it keeps me strong!

How do you keep fit?

I run! It’s the easiest thing to do on tour because all you need is a pair of trainers and it’s a great way to explore new cities or towns you’re in. Sometimes I’m able to borrow a surfboard or a stand-up paddle and get a few waves but I never travel with boards because it’s too expensive. I’ve also started travelling with a yoga DVD and a stability ball.

What sports do you, or have you, participated in? Are you still an active sportswoman?

I like to keep fit and healthy and I surf, run and swim as much as I can.

What are your favourite spectator sports?

As my job is so sports orientated I don’t spend a large amount of time watching sport, as I’d rather be outdoors surfing or stand-up paddling or doing my own activities. I find Motocross and MotoGP really exciting to watch if I’m into one of the teams/ riders at the time.

Who are your favourite sports stars?

Right now I’d have to go with recently crowned ASP World Champion Mick Fanning, because he came from behind this year, he was so focused and so driven, and having been through so much adversity in his life, makes his win that much more inspirational. Then in general I’d have to go with Lance Armstrong for obvious reasons.

Who would you like to acknowledge for having had faith in you, and having supported your career choices?

I can’t thank my mom and my dad enough for their support over my career, they have always been 110% behind me, would do anything for me and are always excited to hear about my adventures around the world.

My mentor Pierre Tostee was instrumental in getting me started, inspiring me to be the best and opened more doors than I could ever imagine. I am extremely grateful to him.

2010 is a massive year for South Africa, what are you looking at doing to make it meaningful?

I would LOVE to watch at least one game live at one of the new stadiums around South Africa. I think that would be an important experience for any South African. If I cant make it then I’ll make sure I follow it from wherever I am in the world at the time.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity, and what role does it play in your life?

With my job and lifestyle femininity gets a little sidelined because I work in such a male-dominated industry, but nothing beats throwing on a cute dress and some make-up for a night out after a long hard day shooting in the elements. I think working in this industry, I’ve also learned that there is no point in trying to be one of the boys, so I may as well embrace my emotional and sensitive side.

Who are your role models?

I don’t have any particular role models but I am inspired by the people I meet all the time. Everyone possess certain outstanding qualities that I would like to see in myself and the more I travel, the more I come across these different qualities in people and I try to learn and take something from those encounters with them.

What inspires you?

All sorts of things! I love looking at other photographers’ work and how they’ve captured moments or embraced light in their images. I am constantly in awe of the beautiful places in this world that are there to be explored. I am inspired by people that do what they love for a living, who are brave enough to follow their dreams and live their passions whether it be in their work, their art or simply their lifestyles.

What is your greatest ambition?

I think just to inspire others the way people have inspired me and just to be the very best that I can be at whatever it is I am doing at that particular time in my life.

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