Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Photography, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / The aim of this research is to document and evaluate the Imvunge group of street photographers in Durban with specific reference to the development of photographic and business skills from 1999 to 2009. This study will focus on a discussion of how members of the Imvunge group started their photographic careers as street photographers and how, through participating in projects and workshops, they developed their photographic skills and became professional photographers. This will include an investigation of both photographic skills such as image capturing, lighting techniques, image presentation and visual literacy; as well as business skills such as basic accounting and marketing. Chapter One provides an account of the history of photographic techniques and street photography in Europe, Africa, South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban in order to provide a context to the formation of the Imvunge group of photographers. Chapter Two provides an historical background of the candidate’s work as a street photographer in Durban from 1969 to 1989, before registering at Technikon Natal for formal training in photography. It also discusses his life history from being a young businessman, a lecturer, in order to provide information regarding the business and photographic skills acquired and which he was able to impart to street photographers. Chapter Three documents the formation of the Imvunge Street Photographers’ group; the partnership between the Imvunge group and the Durban Art Gallery, the Imvunge group’s exhibitions and projects, the history of selected members of the Imvunge group and an analysis of their work to provide evidence of an improvement in their photographic skills. The conclusion will present findings from this research project and will include a proposal for areas of research. / DUT Postgrad Development and Support Directorate.

The research for this degree comprises of a theoretical dissertationand a practicalcomponent of exhibited photographs. The theoretical research investigates the original photographic prints and glass-plate negatives taken betweenthe 1840's and 1890's, by the late Dr. W.G. Atherstone - an enthusiastic, Grahamstown amateur photographer. Dr W. G Atherstone's prints and negatives were examined by the author to deduce and establish his photographic abilities, his numerous techniques, diverse subject matter and the pictorialconstructionof his images. Selected works will be examined in order to interpret and illustrate his diverse interests and approaches towards photography. The selection of these photographs was determined by their pertinence to subject matter, and to the pictorial and historical considerations of the candidate. These issues are finally examined in relation to the candidates's own approach to photography today.

Esta dissertação trata da trajetória e obra fotográfica de Theodor Preising no Brasil. O fotógrafo percorreu área considerável do território nacional tomando vistas para a produção de cartões-postais e registrando viagens de sócios do Touring Clube do Brasil. Trabalhou ainda para a revista S.Paulo, e integrou os quadros funcionais do Departamento de Imprensa e Propaganda de São Paulo, contribuindo com a elaboração de uma imagem do país nas publicações oficiais direcionadas para leitura no Brasil e no exterior. Entre essas publicações estavam: o jornal Brasil Novo, a revista Travel in Brazil, as reportagens da Agência Nacional e dois folhetos turísticos. Trata-se de um estudo que busca demonstrar a versatilidade de Preising e a extensão de sua obra. A análise do trabalho de Preising, entre 1923 e 1948, permite observamos a transformação de sua linguagem, que se sobrepõe e exemplifica a metamorfose da sociedade. / This dissertation discusses Theodor Preisings trajectory and photographic work at Brasil. The photographer has covered considerable area of national territory taking views to postcards and registering trips of Touring Clube do Brasil affiliations. He has still worked to S.Paulo magazine, and joined the staffs of Departamento de Imprensa e Propaganda de São Paulo, contributing to the development of the countrys image in the official publications in Brazil and overseas. Between these publications was: the Brasil Novo newspaper, the Travel in Brazil magazine, reports of the Agência Nacional and two touristic papers. This work proposes to demonstrate Preisings versatility and the extent of his work. By analyzing Preisings work, since 1923 to 1948, we can understand the transformation of his technique, witch exemplifies the metamorphosis of the society.

Esta dissertação trata da trajetória e obra fotográfica de Theodor Preising no Brasil. O fotógrafo percorreu área considerável do território nacional tomando vistas para a produção de cartões-postais e registrando viagens de sócios do Touring Clube do Brasil. Trabalhou ainda para a revista S.Paulo, e integrou os quadros funcionais do Departamento de Imprensa e Propaganda de São Paulo, contribuindo com a elaboração de uma imagem do país nas publicações oficiais direcionadas para leitura no Brasil e no exterior. Entre essas publicações estavam: o jornal Brasil Novo, a revista Travel in Brazil, as reportagens da Agência Nacional e dois folhetos turísticos. Trata-se de um estudo que busca demonstrar a versatilidade de Preising e a extensão de sua obra. A análise do trabalho de Preising, entre 1923 e 1948, permite observamos a transformação de sua linguagem, que se sobrepõe e exemplifica a metamorfose da sociedade. / This dissertation discusses Theodor Preisings trajectory and photographic work at Brasil. The photographer has covered considerable area of national territory taking views to postcards and registering trips of Touring Clube do Brasil affiliations. He has still worked to S.Paulo magazine, and joined the staffs of Departamento de Imprensa e Propaganda de São Paulo, contributing to the development of the countrys image in the official publications in Brazil and overseas. Between these publications was: the Brasil Novo newspaper, the Travel in Brazil magazine, reports of the Agência Nacional and two touristic papers. This work proposes to demonstrate Preisings versatility and the extent of his work. By analyzing Preisings work, since 1923 to 1948, we can understand the transformation of his technique, witch exemplifies the metamorphosis of the society.