Old Beady Eye
“Old Beady Eye, Collywobbles, Eastern Cape, South Africa" - Suspended in the highland thermals above the twisted gorge of the Collywobbles, the Cape vulture glides with silent authority. Every feather, every contour, every weathered line on its face tells a story—of endurance, adaptation, and a predator’s piercing vision. “Old Beady Eye” captures a fleeting moment as this colossal bird filled the frame, its beady eye scanning the land far below. In that instant, it was not merely a subject—it was a sovereign of the sky, gliding as if on the breath of the earth itself.
Job 28:7
That path no bird of prey knows,
and the falcon’s eye has not seen it.
The image was taken from a cliff's edge after a grueling 4x4 journey into the remote Transkei landscape, a place as dramatic in terrain as it is in biodiversity. The bird’s presence was no coincidence, but a reward for patience and reverence in a region where nature still dictates the terms. Watching this vulture slice through the wind with a sound like fighter jets in combat, one is struck by both power and grace—magnificence on the wing.
Inspired by Job 28:7—"That path no bird of prey knows, and the falcon’s eye has not seen it,"
this work channels the mystery of the untamed wilderness and the divine wisdom hidden within it. Just as Scripture evokes unseen paths and uncharted depths, this vulture traverses airways unknown to us, on a journey shaped by ancient instinct.
The Collywobbles vulture colony, nestled along 300-metre cliffs above the meandering Mbhashe River, is among the most dramatic and ecologically critical habitats for the threatened Cape vulture. Home to over 200 breeding pairs, it is not only a sanctuary—it is a stronghold for survival in a changing world.
“Old Beady Eye” is a visual meditation on the significance of these scavengers—nature’s cleaners, soaring high yet connected deeply to the earth’s rhythms. With its razor-sharp focus and intimate perspective, this print draws the viewer eye-to-eye with a species whose future rests precariously on conservation efforts like those at Collywobbles.
This is a signed and embossed Open Edition print, a powerful centrepiece for collectors who seek not only aesthetic excellence but a meaningful connection to Africa’s untamed spirit. For those who understand the poetry of wilderness and the sacred watchfulness of its creatures, “Old Beady Eye” offers a moment of visceral awe.
This is a signed and embossed Open Edition print.
Price range: $800.00 through $1 300.00
Old Beady Eye
Old Beady Eye
“Old Beady Eye, Collywobbles, Eastern Cape, South Africa" - Suspended in the highland thermals above the twisted gorge of the Collywobbles, the Cape vulture glides with silent authority. Every feather, every contour, every weathered line on its face tells a story—of endurance, adaptation, and a predator’s piercing vision. “Old Beady Eye” captures a fleeting moment as this colossal bird filled the frame, its beady eye scanning the land far below. In that instant, it was not merely a subject—it was a sovereign of the sky, gliding as if on the breath of the earth itself.
Job 28:7
That path no bird of prey knows,
and the falcon’s eye has not seen it.
The image was taken from a cliff's edge after a grueling 4x4 journey into the remote Transkei landscape, a place as dramatic in terrain as it is in biodiversity. The bird’s presence was no coincidence, but a reward for patience and reverence in a region where nature still dictates the terms. Watching this vulture slice through the wind with a sound like fighter jets in combat, one is struck by both power and grace—magnificence on the wing.
Inspired by Job 28:7—"That path no bird of prey knows, and the falcon’s eye has not seen it,"
this work channels the mystery of the untamed wilderness and the divine wisdom hidden within it. Just as Scripture evokes unseen paths and uncharted depths, this vulture traverses airways unknown to us, on a journey shaped by ancient instinct.
The Collywobbles vulture colony, nestled along 300-metre cliffs above the meandering Mbhashe River, is among the most dramatic and ecologically critical habitats for the threatened Cape vulture. Home to over 200 breeding pairs, it is not only a sanctuary—it is a stronghold for survival in a changing world.
“Old Beady Eye” is a visual meditation on the significance of these scavengers—nature’s cleaners, soaring high yet connected deeply to the earth’s rhythms. With its razor-sharp focus and intimate perspective, this print draws the viewer eye-to-eye with a species whose future rests precariously on conservation efforts like those at Collywobbles.
This is a signed and embossed Open Edition print, a powerful centrepiece for collectors who seek not only aesthetic excellence but a meaningful connection to Africa’s untamed spirit. For those who understand the poetry of wilderness and the sacred watchfulness of its creatures, “Old Beady Eye” offers a moment of visceral awe.
This is a signed and embossed Open Edition print.
Price range: $800.00 through $1 300.00
Print Information
The Cameras
The camera type used in the shot
A diverse array of cameras—both analogue and digital—have been employed across these collections, each chosen for its unique qualities and the specific demands of the work. From the deliberate precision of large format film to the immediacy of high-resolution digital capture, the tools used are integral to the aesthetic and technical depth of each image.
Large Format Film
Shen-Hao field cameras in 4×5, 4×10, 5×7, and 8×10 formats, as well as custom-built pinhole configurations. These offer exceptional detail and tonal range, suited to large-scale prints.
Medium Format Film
A selection of classic and professional medium format systems, including the Yashica 44, Baby Rolleiflex, Pentax 645n, Mamiya 645 1000S, Yashica Mat 6×6 TLR, and the Pentax 6×7 MLU. Work in panoramic and specialised formats is achieved using 6×7, 6×8, 6×9, and 6×12 roll film backs, alongside the Fuji GX617 Professional.
Small Format Film
Iconic 35mm cameras including the Nikon F5 and F6, valued for their reliability and exceptional lens systems.
Digital
High-resolution digital capture is achieved using the Nikon D800e, D4, D5, Z9, and the medium format Fuji GFX 100—chosen for their dynamic range, colour fidelity, and image depth.
The Certificate of Authenticity
The signed document affirming provenance
Each artwork from CFP Prints is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA)—a formal, signed document affirming the provenance and originality of the piece. This certificate includes technical specifications of the work and verifies that it was produced exclusively by CFP Prints to the highest standards of quality.
The CoA is a physical, signed and embossed document, issued with every print—whether limited or open edition—and should remain with the artwork at all times. It serves as a vital record of authenticity for private collectors, galleries, and institutions alike, and is essential in the event of resale or exhibition.
The Collections
About our collections
Spanning over a decade of dedicated photographic exploration, these fine art prints offer a visually rich and emotionally resonant experience—crafted for discerning collectors with a deep appreciation for African imagery.
Each piece originates from either digital capture or traditional photographic film. When working with film, I hand-develop it using either the C41 for colour or ID-11 for black & white process to produce negatives, or the E6 process for colour-positive slides. These originals are then meticulously drum or flatbed scanned and edited with reference to the raw image—preserving authenticity without digital manipulation. Final adjustments are made in Photoshop to refine tonal range, enhance contrast, and remove minor imperfections, all while remaining true to the integrity of the original shot.
The body of work is organized into two primary formats: Film and Digital, and further curated by location or thematic focus, offering a cohesive yet diverse view into contemporary African visual culture.
The Editions
The edition process and signing
Limited Editions
To preserve both artistic integrity and collector value, all CFP Prints limited editions are strictly capped at twenty-five prints worldwide—regardless of size or format. This deliberate limitation ensures each work remains rare, covetable, and a sound investment for serious collectors.
Signing
Each print is individually signed, embossed, and hand-numbered to guarantee authenticity. For example, a notation of 10/25 designates the 10th print in an edition of 25, with 15 still available. A mark of 25/25 signifies the final print in the edition—no further reproductions will ever be produced. All markings are discreetly applied to maintain the visual harmony of the artwork.
The Framing
Our framed options
At CFP Prints, we offer a bespoke framing service upon request, crafted to complement the understated elegance of each fine art print. Our signature-style framing employs archival-grade materials to ensure long-term preservation, while enhancing the visual presence of the work in a refined and unobtrusive manner.
This frame style is consistent across all exhibitions and public displays, providing a cohesive presentation that reflects the integrity and curatorial vision of the collection.
As framing is highly personal, it is not included as standard. However, we are pleased to offer tailored solutions that reflect your individual space, aesthetic preferences, and curatorial needs.
For those choosing to frame independently, we strongly recommend working with a professional framer experienced in handling fine art. Unframed prints are fragile and should be handled as little as possible; they must be stored flat, never rolled or placed in tubes, to maintain their condition.
Please do contact us if you would like to explore bespoke framing options—we’re always happy to advise.
The Photographic Process
How film images are processed
The film collection has been captured entirely on traditional photographic film, then hand-developed using darkroom chemistry to achieve the desired contrast, depth, and tonal richness. Each image is the result of a single, unrepeatable exposure—meticulously composed and executed without the use of AI or automated intervention.
Once developed, the negatives or slides are professionally scanned and prepared for print with reference to the original exposure. No digital manipulation is applied beyond subtle refinements to preserve the integrity of the film—ensuring that the final print remains faithful to the moment it was made.
Film, by its very nature, carries imperfections—grain, subtle shifts in tone, the occasional flare or softness at the edges. Unlike digital images, which strive for clinical precision, film embraces the organic unpredictability of chemistry and light. It is imperfectly perfect.
These characteristics are not flaws but part of the medium’s truth—reminders that each frame was made by hand, in real time, through glass and emulsion. The result is an image with soul—alive with texture, nuance, and a quiet sense of presence that cannot be replicated or manufactured.
This is photography at its most elemental. Honest. Tactile. Human.
A bespoke, boutique process, rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity. Each image is created with intention, patience, and a deep respect for the medium.
The Printed Medium
The types of canvas and papers we use
At CFP Prints, every artwork is reproduced with a commitment to archival quality, material integrity, and aesthetic excellence. We print exclusively on carefully selected fine art materials that uphold the visual and tactile standards expected by discerning collectors.
Mediums
Our prints are available on two premium substrates, chosen for their longevity and superb image reproduction:
Canvas
Hahnemühle Cézanne Canvas 430 gsm
This natural white, 100% cotton canvas is acid-free and optimised for both photographic and fine art reproduction. Its finely woven, matt surface provides exceptional elasticity—ideal for stretching over wooden stretcher bars. The result is a richly textured print surface that enhances depth and presence, while preserving subtle tonal nuances.
Paper
Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Baryta 315 gsm
A 100% cotton paper with a natural white tone and no optical brighteners, this paper is prized for its elegant high-gloss finish and remarkable depth of tone. Its barium sulphate coating offers a nod to traditional darkroom baryta prints, producing exquisite detail, velvety blacks, and radiant highlights. Soft to the touch with a refined surface texture, Photo Rag® Baryta is acid- and lignin-free, and meets the highest standards for age resistance and museum-quality presentation.
The Printing Company
The printing company we use
The Printing Company
All works are produced in collaboration with a respected professional fine art print studio, known for its expertise in archival pigment printing for galleries, museums, and private collectors. Our longstanding relationship ensures a shared understanding of the aesthetic and technical requirements for each edition.
Test prints and unused reprints are securely destroyed, guaranteeing that no unauthorised duplicates are ever circulated—preserving both the integrity and exclusivity of each edition.