My Journey into Photography

My Journey into Photography

Kyle Goetsch

I never set out to be a photographer. In fact, my path started in an entirely different world—one of science, research, and academia. But life has a funny way of leading us where we’re meant to be, and for me, that journey has been shaped by my love for nature, adventure, and the simple, breathtaking beauty of the world around us.

From Science to the Lens

When I moved to Cape Town in 2015 to pursue post-doctoral studies in biochemistry at the University of Cape Town, I had no idea how much my surroundings would change me. The rugged landscapes, the powerful ocean, the vast mountains—it was impossible not to feel inspired. At first, photography was just a way to capture the beauty I saw daily. But the more I shot, the more I realized that photography wasn’t just about documentation; it was about storytelling, emotion, and connection.

Finding My Passion for Landscape and Astrophotography

What drew me deeper into photography was my fascination with light—how it transforms landscapes, creates mood, and tells a story all on its own. I became obsessed with chasing the perfect light, from golden sunrises over the Cape Peninsula to the eerie glow of the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. One of my most memorable early experiences was capturing the Milky Way over Lion’s Head in 2018. It was a moment of patience, planning, and pure magic—a reminder that photography is as much about preparation as it is about being in the right place at the right time.

Photography as a Gateway to Adventure

What started as a hobby soon became a calling. Photography wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was my way of experiencing the world. It took me beyond Cape Town to the raw, untouched beauty of Namibia, where I witnessed the once-in-a-lifetime bloom of the Sandhof lilies. Standing in the middle of a vast field, surrounded by millions of delicate pink and white flowers that had emerged overnight after the rains, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe. These moments are fleeting, but through photography, I get to freeze them in time—to share them with others and relive them again and again.

Sharing the Journey

Photography has never just been about me. It’s about sharing these places, these experiences, and these emotions with others. That’s why I started leading workshops and online courses—because I want to help others see the world in a way they never have before. Whether it’s guiding photographers to the best light, teaching the technical aspects of capturing a perfect landscape, or simply inspiring someone to pick up a camera and explore, this journey is one I don’t want to take alone.

Where to Next?

Photography has opened doors I never imagined. It has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, taken me to some of the most breathtaking places on earth, and connected me with an incredible community of fellow photographers and nature lovers. As I continue this journey, I’m always looking forward to the next adventure—the next untouched landscape, the next perfect sky, the next story waiting to be told.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life’s greatest moments are the ones you chase. And for me, that means chasing adventure, and capturing the world one frame at a time.

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