Depth of field is one of the most important concepts in photography, and essentially refers to how much of the photo image is in focus. The camera will focus on one distance, but there’s a range of distance in front and behind that point that stays sharp – that’s depth of field. For an avid and accomplished wildlife photographer like Barnard Inc Director, Andries Stander, understanding the factors that affect the depth of field in a photograph gives him the artistic freedom to make the images he wants to create and the message he wants to convey to his audience. “I am a conservationist at heart,” he explains. “I try to educate people about our ever-depleting natural wilderness through my photography.”
Curiously – be it subconsciously or abstractedly – there is philosophical need to establish ‘depth of field’ in many other areas of his life, not least of which is his work in Commercial Litigation. The ability to understand when a shallow depth of field around the main issue in litigation is required as opposed to a wider, more holistic strategy, is the difference between a good disputes lawyer and a great one. Andries is, undoubtedly, the latter. “I also think we must understand and consistently get better at adapting to ever changing circumstances,” he adds.
Andries was born in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Then, when he was three, his family relocated to Krugersdorp where he attended Laerskool Krugersdorp-Noord and Hoërskool Monument. “My two younger sisters and I were very blessed as children,” he says.
“We grew up in a close-knit, supporting and very loving family environment. Our parents went out of their way and worked extremely hard to make sure we had everything we required to get through school and play our sports. They gave us the freedom to express ourselves and make our own decisions but were always willing to give advice and assistance.” The best advice he ever received from his parents? “Well, after they met my girlfriend – now wife – for the first time they told me that if I do not marry her, they would! Probably the best advice I have ever received!”
In terms of professional and career ‘aperture’ Andries credits fellow director, Douw Breed, and Advocate Ben Stoop SC as major influencers. “I have learned so much from these gentlemen!” he insists. In turn, Andries transfers this wisdom and mentors a dynamic litigation team at Barnard Inc. He serves a wide range of private and commercial clients, particularly commercial property owners, investors, and clients in the engineering and manufacturing industries in a broad range of litigation matters such as construction disputes, insolvency related disputes; business rescue and corporate recovery; commercial finance and banking disputes; secured and unsecured debt recovery; and general contractual disputes. “I believe in following an appropriate and strategic approach to resolving disputes and I have successfully represented clients in both the Supreme Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court.”
Andries’ foray into the Barnard team is a ‘love-story’ of sorts! “I bumped into Douw Breed at a take-away sushi restaurant on Valentine’s Day in 2011. We were both standing in line to buy sushi for our own valentines!” he chuckles. “Douw and I were in university together but haven’t seen each other for many years. He asked me if I was looking for a new career challenge. And the rest is history!” Apart from Andries’ love for his work and his passion for photography, his first love is his family. “My wife is probably the smartest person I know, and not only limited to intellect – she is just awesome!” he gushes. “I adore spending time with my family and planning new adventures together. I have two awesome kids who are developing their own personalities and they are such a treat!”
The French master photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson once said, “It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart, and head.” This is true when one is fortunate enough to see Andries’ wildlife photography – and equally true of his occupation! Click!
