This series of photographs is a compilation of a number of ‘first’ moments that I was privileged to encounter with Nelson Mandela after his release from jail in 1990. His ‘first’ portrait session after his release from 27 years in jail; his ‘first’ rally in Soweto; his ‘first’ return to his home in Soweto; his voting for the ‘first’ time; his ‘first’ celebration of an election victory and his ‘first’ inauguration as President of a democratic and free South Africa.