Quaniet Richards is a Cape Town-based street photographer and visual storyteller, passionate about capturing the hidden stories and authentic moments that define the spirit of his city. His work dives deep into the streets, neighborhoods, and communities of Cape Town, revealing raw human emotion, resilience, and the everyday beauty often overlooked in the rush of urban life. Through his lens, Quaniet invites viewers to pause, reflect, and engage with the world around them in a more meaningful and thoughtful way.
As the founder of #HumansOfCapeTown, Quaniet has built a vibrant and inclusive community of photographers, artists, and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting the diverse faces and stories of the city. This community brings together individuals from all backgrounds — whether using professional camera gear or just a cellphone — united by their love for photography, storytelling, and connection. Through regular photo walks, workshops, collaborative projects, and online sharing, #HumansOfCapeTown has become a platform where creativity, learning, and inspiration thrive.
One of Quaniet’s most exciting achievements is the upcoming release of his hardcover coffee table book, #HumansOfCapeTown | Silhouettes in the City. This beautifully curated collection showcases some of his most powerful and evocative work, offering readers a rich visual journey through Cape Town’s streets and stories. The book is both a celebration of the city’s vibrant spirit and a tribute to the countless individuals who have shared their lives and moments with Quaniet’s lens.
Quaniet’s photography is rooted in empathy and curiosity. For him, photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about building relationships, listening deeply, and creating space for people’s stories to be seen and heard. His work often focuses on themes of identity, belonging, resilience, and community, capturing the essence of Cape Town’s rich and complex social fabric. Whether photographing a fleeting street moment, an expressive portrait, or a vibrant city scene, Quaniet seeks to reveal the deeper layers that make each subject unique.
Beyond his personal work, Quaniet plays an active role in mentoring and empowering others. He leads photo walks across the city, bringing people together to explore, learn, and push their creative boundaries. His workshops and community initiatives encourage photographers of all levels to develop their voice, experiment with new approaches, and connect with others who share their passion. Under his leadership, #HumansOfCapeTown has grown into a movement that celebrates not only visual art but also the transformative power of community and shared experience.
Quaniet’s vision extends beyond photography as art; he sees it as a form of visual activism, capable of shaping how we see each other and our city. His images shine a light on underrepresented voices, overlooked places, and untold narratives, challenging viewers to confront their assumptions and engage with the world around them. Through his work, Quaniet hopes to contribute to Cape Town’s collective memory and create a more connected, compassionate, and aware society.
Whether on the streets, in community spaces, or behind the scenes, Quaniet Richards is driven by a love for storytelling and a deep belief in the power of photography to inspire change. Every image he creates, every project he leads, every photographer he mentors, and every page of his upcoming book adds to a growing tapestry of stories that celebrate the depth, diversity, and humanity of Cape Town.