At 26, Michaela Thembi Gobi — known professionally as Thembi Michaela — is redefining what it means to create with purpose. Based in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, she is a Fine Art and Documentary Photographer whose work bridges storytelling, self-expression, and disability advocacy. Her creative vision is deeply personal, shaped by her experiences living with an upper limb difference and her desire to challenge perceptions about ability and representation.
Michaela’s journey into photography began as a way to preserve memories. “My interest in photography was sparked by a collection of images I kept of loved ones, with the intention of preserving and recreating memories for myself. This practice filled an emotional void and ignited my passion for creating meaningful memories through photography,” she explains. Early experiences, including her first stint on a church media team, gave her a foundation, but it was the freedom to experiment and find her own voice that solidified her path.
Her personal experience with disability has been both a challenge and an inspiration. Michaela reflects, “Photography became a platform to create my voice, a perspective that shows the only limitations are the ones I create for myself.” This philosophy informs her most powerful project, Ability, which features models with upper limb differences. By centering her subjects’ lived experiences, she seeks to normalize diverse bodies and challenge societal perceptions about disability.
Being both photographer and subject adds a unique layer to her work. Michaela shares, “Being in front of and behind the camera allows me to capture the essence of my subjects with empathy and authenticity. I know how it feels to be observed, and I use that understanding to guide every frame.” Her meticulous approach ensures that each image communicates emotion, personality, and a story that goes beyond the visual.
“I want people to see that disability is not a limitation — it’s a perspective, a story worth telling, and a source of strength.”
Through Ability, Michaela hopes viewers gain insight, awareness, and connection. She says, “I want people to see that disability is not a limitation — it’s a perspective, a story worth telling, and a source of strength.” Her work goes beyond representation; it is an act of advocacy, challenging the industry to rethink inclusion and accessibility.
Michaela is eager to explore new narratives and push the boundaries of her craft. Her commitment is clear: to continue creating work that resonates, inspires, and empowers. For Thembi Michaela, photography is more than an art form — it is a tool for self-discovery, social change, and the celebration of ability in all its forms.