“South Africa was the site of the 2014 Talloires Network Leaders Conference in December of that year. More precisely, the Spier Conference Center, near Cape Town, welcomed over 250 participants from 40 countries to a gathering of the minds to chart new directions for the university civic engagement movement.”

Notable speakers included South African dignitaries such as Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, as well university chancellors from several universities including Tufts University, University of Western Sydney, Malmo University, Universidad Veracruzana. A forum with local vice chancellors included speakers from University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology.”

This was a five day event, with key events and break-away sessions, covered by two photographers. We made use of remotely triggered off-camera flash, especially for the main events where the room was large and speakers on the stage had to be lit against the light-emitting screen behind them. An event like this requires a lot of technical know-how and on-your-feet thinking, as well as to be able to capture candid moments and coordinate and direct groups of people.

A highly enjoyable experience, and an honour to photograph some brilliant minds from across the world.