We don’t often stop at the beautiful place between us and our destinations, but when we do – magic happens.
Last week I started my “Doors of… Project” with 3 cameras in tow, my trusty Fujifilm digital camera that I have dragged all over the world, my iPhone 6 and my brand new Instax Mini sponsored by Fujifilm. Taking photos with digital cameras are super easy – if you don’t like a photo or it is out of focus you just take another one. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 was a whole different story…
I wanted to bring an element of nostalgia into my photos without photoshopping and that is why the Instax Mini is in the mix of cameras too.
To see all Instax photos just vist this Instagram link #INSTAXgoddess.
Nzamiye Mosque, Midrand
First on my itinerary was this new mosque built in Midrand. Its pointy towers pierces the skies from a large piece of land next to the Old Johannesburg Road. The Nzimayi complex consists of the mosque, school, restaurant and more and its sheer size is impressive.
I phoned ahead to make sure that I would be allowed to take photos in the mosque complex – and it’s a good thing I did. During my visit I was asked 4 times if I had permission to take photos. As soon as I reassured them that I had permission , they were all very happy for me to drag my cameras around. As per usual with mosques I had to cover up from ankle to wrists and wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
The mosque courtyard is surrounded by white arches that gives you glimpses of doors surrounded by blue flowery mosaics.
Standing inside the mosque you will feel dwarfed by this impressive space. It has a high ceiling with many windows – and down below students that are learning and worshipers. The opulence feels new, not yet lived in but beautiful.
…and this is what it is all about, the doors.
Do you want to visit?
If like me you like to take photos you have to phone ahead. You can also organise a guided tour. Entrance is free. Read more about the mosque on their website, click here.
4 Comments
The Nizamiye Mosque is one of the most beautiful and photogenic buildings in Joburg and the Instax Mini sounds great – I’d love to try it out.
The Instax is the best thing since sliced bread. It takes me right back to my childhood when my parents had a camera like this.
Wow – cannot believe how superb your images are, especially since your equipment was pretty basic and you used minimal editing. This is absolutely gorgeous.
If you have a gorgeous backdrop it makes taking photos so much better. I was pleasantly surprised by the INSTAX photo quality 🙂