10 Questions For: Alfred Thorpe

This talented Cape Town-based photographer, otherwise known as Vuurtoring (which means ‘lighthouse’), sees light as the foundation of his work, inspiration and beliefs.

1. How would you describe what you do for a living?
I drink wine and take pictures of people drinking wine. Or at least that’s what my friends up north think I do all day…and I post the occasional photo on Instagram.  

2. What is your most vivid childhood memory?
I spent a lot of time in the pool as a kid and I can remember telling my mom that I could hear her shouting while my head was under the water. I guess I had one big fan during swimming competitions.

3. If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
1.Ewan Mcgregor – From performing in a West End theatre to crossing the globe with a motorbike, he is just the most versatile guy I haven’t had a beer with (yet).
2.Nelson Mandela – Not because of all the great reasons I can think of and the difference he’s made but because of the fact that we share the same birthday, 18 July.
3.David, from the Bible – This little barefoot boy, sheep herder, giant killer who became a king would be able to tell the most interesting stories.

4. If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?
‘Old Deutoronomy’ from Cats the musical. Although I might think I am a bit of a do-good boy (Munkustrap), I am more of a rebel like Rum Tum Tugger (without the sex appeal) than I would like to admit.

5. How would you complete this sentence?  The South African cabinet should include a Minister of _________________
Integrated Portfolios, so we can have fewer ministers in cabinet.

6. What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
I think that countryside “omies” judge me by my hairstyle but they would never guess that I’m a Kalahari boytjie myself and love the outdoors, know my way around power tools, get dirty and work like a horse.

7. What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town?
There’s only one thing wrong with Cape Town – we don’t get enough (or any) snow in winter. But for the rest, including food, wine, mountains etc., it’s pretty much perfect.

8. What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?
I used to be afraid of heights and started rock climbing to overcome that fear. My eyes would still have been closed to the beauty Mother Earth has to offer if I was not able to enjoy life on the edge of a cliff.

9. What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die?
I would summit a mountain higher than 6000m.

10. Which well-known South African personality would you, without a doubt, be able to beat in a dance-off and why?  
Suzelle DIY…I guess I have a fair chance of beating her. I’m sure I’d be able to!

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ABOUT #CapeTownMag10Q:
CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates.

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions For Cape Town-based DIY Guru Suzelle DIY

10 Questions For Cape Town-based Photographer Yann Macherez

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