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As we blunder relentlessly into the first decade of the 21st century, it would perhaps be prudent to pause just a little and reflect upon our past performance. One glance at decimated forests, polluted rivers, denuded grass plains and eroded mountain areas suggests nothing but irresponsibility and gross neglect!

In spite of demarcated nature reserves and the proclamation of natural heritage sites, the true wilderness areas of our planet are shrinking by the day. Against this background, the demand for pristine recreation areas increases inexorably. As temporary custodians of this vulnerable and fragile environment, we have an awesome responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.

The landscape is only one element. The landscape is my first love! For hundreds of years artists have focused on the landscape as a subject of inspiration and incomparable beauty. In one sense the landscape is static in that it endures. On the other hand it is transitory and fleeting. Seasonal and daily variations in weather, lighting and environmental conditions result in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of mood and colour. Nowhere is this more evident than in Southern Africa.

As a professional panoramic landscape photographer, I have been blessed beyond measure in witnessing and being able to capture just a little of the awesome beauty, which characterizes the southern tip of Africa. If I were to single out the one particular region that has captured my imagination it would without doubt be the Southern Drakensberg, the very heart of the uKhahlamba World Heritage site.

It is my hope that these captured moments endure, and provide a glimpse of the primal wilderness areas that exist now and, hopefully, will do so in future. Thank you for viewing my work. I sincerely hope that the images convey just a little of the atmosphere and emotion present when the shutter was tripped."

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exhibitions and commissions

Paris 2001 November is known as the month of photography in Paris. This is the venue of the ParisPhoto show, the premier event of it's kind in Europe, where galleries from around the world exhibit the work of leading photographers. Lawrance's work was represented at this prestigious event and several Fine Art panoramic images were sold to international collectors. It was interesting to see how European viewers were drawn to the stark landscape of the Richtersveld and Namibia. The most popular image turned out to be Deadvlei, Soussusvlei, Namibia.

Gigantic Mural for Marseille Lawrance was recently commissioned to supply a panoramic image to be used as a gigantic backdrop. The Marseille Botanical Gardens has constructed a special hothouse dedicated exclusively to South African flora, with emphasis being on the drier, semi-desert regions. The backdrop to this permanent exhibition is a 15 meter by 5 meter image depicting the outlook over Springbokvlakte in the Richtersveld.