Today we’d like to introduce you to Sinethemba Otusanya.
Sinethemba , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in South Africa surrounded by diversity in beauty, texture, color, culture, and experiences that shaped the way I see the world today. From a young age, I was fascinated by cameras and storytelling. I remember watching movies where children had digital cameras or old video cameras, and I wanted one so badly for myself. At the time, it felt like such a distant dream.
As I got older and started university, I got my first smartphone with a camera, and suddenly I could capture moments for myself and others. That was when my love for photography really began to grow. I was always the “fussy” friend when it came to pictures because I cared deeply about angles, lighting, and how moments were captured. My friends even used to joke and ask why I was studying a commerce degree instead of photography.
A few years later, when I moved to Cape Town, I also began looking for opportunities to practice. In church, I started volunteering to use the camera during events, capturing moments whenever there were services and gatherings. What began as volunteering slowly opened doors and I started receiving paid opportunities and early client connections through that experience.
Over time, I slowly began to see myself as someone who could build a photography business one day.
That dream became more tangible when I had my first son. Photographing him made me fall deeply in love with documenting the stages and milestones of life. It was through motherhood that the family photographer in me was truly born.
Growing up, I was raised by a single mother, and later spent part of my childhood living with my father, but I never grew up in a traditional two-parent home. Because of that, having a family of my own was always a deep desire. When I got married and started a family with my husband, it became even more meaningful to me to document family life and preserve the small, beautiful moments that deserve to be remembered.
My journey into photography has been both creative and self-directed, as I am self-taught. I do not, however, want to take away from the people who generously share their knowledge and expertise online, I have learned a lot through watching videos and learning from others who openly share their craft.
I am currently based in the Netherlands and rebuilding my photography business after relocating from Cape Town. Starting again in a new country has given me the opportunity to rediscover my voice as a photographer and adapt to a new market while continuing to grow creatively and professionally.
Although I primarily focus on child and family photography, I consider myself a very exploratory creative. I also enjoy event photography, videography, DIY projects, sewing, and working with my hands. Photography, for me, is a space where many of my creative interests come together.
More recently, I started sharing my creative journey online through my YouTube channel, “Creating with Snerry.” Through this platform, I hope to encourage stay-at-home moms and other women like myself to explore their creativity, start where they are and see their hobbies as something that can grow into meaningful expression or even income if they choose. I also love connecting with other creatives and moms, and I enjoy using my platform to highlight their stories as well, because I believe we grow better when we grow together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the ongoing challenges in my journey has been learning photography and building a business largely through trial and error. When I started out, I didn’t have people around me I could easily ask questions or rely on for guidance, so much of my growth came from experimenting, making mistakes, and learning as I went.
Another challenge has been balancing the craft and business side of photography with motherhood. As a stay-at-home mom without full-time help such as nannies, I often have to navigate my time and energy carefully between caring for my children, running a business, and continuing to grow creatively. It has required a lot of flexibility and grace with myself in different seasons.
There have also been moments of imposter syndrome and impatience, wanting to be further along in my journey or comparing where I am to where I thought I should be. Learning to stay grounded, trust my pace, and continue showing up even when I don’t feel “ready” has been an important part of my growth.
More recently, another challenge has been relocating and rebuilding in a new country. I was beginning to gain real traction in Cape Town, so starting over in the Netherlands has meant re-establishing myself in a completely new market and learning how to position my work again in a different environment.
With these changes, I’ve also had to adjust my approach and adapt to new circumstances, but I remain grateful for the flexibility my work allows me. That freedom was one of the main reasons I stepped away from the corporate world to have the ability to build something meaningful while being present for my family and shaping my work around my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer and creative who works across family photography, events, and visual content creation. While much of my work has centered around children and families, I have also enjoyed collaborating with artists, performers, and small business owners to create photography and video content that helps them share their work and connect with their audience.
One thing I have learned about myself is that I enjoy variety. I love photographing families, but I am equally energized by creative projects, documenting live events, interviewing interesting people, and helping others tell their stories through visual content.
What I am most proud of is that I have remained open to growth and exploration. Rather than placing myself in a single creative box, I have allowed my interests to evolve and have followed opportunities that challenge me to learn new skills and meet new people.
I think what sets me apart is my genuine love for people and my deep interest in their stories.
What makes you happy?
Happiness for me is getting to do the creative things I love without compromising my priorities—my relationship with God and my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.snerryphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snerryphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070069308011
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinethemba-otusanya-96180748/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreatingWithSnerry
