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Lize and family | Family session | Franskraal, Western Cape
Lize asked me to capture family portraits again this year, and this time we went to Franskraal’s beach for the photos. Lize, Gerda, Stephanie and Wilmie are sisters and they are part of a beautiful family!
“Family is the backbone of society. “ Unknown
Lize asked me to capture family portraits again this year, and this time we went to Franskraal’s beach for the photos. Lize, Gerda, Stephanie and Wilmie are sisters and they are part of a beautiful family!
We went to the beach at 7am and normally you are greeted the most beautiful sunrise, but we had a cloudy morning with incredible sun breaking through the clouds…and with most of my shoots I am obviously freaking out because I love dramatic clouds, and having my Godox AD200 on a tripod means I can create really cool family portraits against the clouds.
Thank you again Lize for allowing me to capture your family and I really love seeing the kids grow up….see you again this year in December? Hope so!
Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!
Melt, Ohna and the twins | Urban session | Melville, Jhb
This was one of the coolest shoots I have done and love the photos! Melt, Ohna and the twins are such a beautiful family!
I had the privilege to capture Melt and Ohna’s maternity shoot two years ago, and look at the twins now! Wow, they are soooo freakin cute and they were a breeze to shoot! They were doing their own thing, and I have learnt to follow what the kids do with family shoots, and it works amazingly! It also helped to show them the flash button on my camera, and they could press the button and “shoot” someone (I mean it looks like lightning going off when the flash fires) as incentive! They loved it! We did the maternity shoot in Melville one early morning, and they wanted to recreate some of the images but with the kids, and its amazing how a place can change. Many of the places were not there anymore, but I must say the “updated” Mellville looks amazing. I just loved the protea murial which wasnt there the last time!
Enough said. This was one of the coolest shoots I have done and love the photos! Please leave a comment at the end!
Little Maddison | Lifestyle Session | the Smith family
I just loved capturing family portraits for the Smith family again, and with a new addition...Little Maddison!
Little Maddison | Lifestyle Session | the Smith family
Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. Maya Angelou
I just love it when I get to photograph the same family, especially when there’s a new addition to the family. Life has continued and a year and a bit has gone by in the Smith family’s lives. And just check how much Ryan has grown, I mean he was the little baby in the previous photos (click here) and now he is a little boy. Little Maddison is the new addition to the family and she is so freakin cute! And Ryan and Maddison together is cute. Ryan loves his sister and the love was evident during the short time I was there. He also loves his new room, which was the spare room for guests, and it was the room in which we did the photos for the previous shoot. Something that hasn’t changed is their wild dogs…but I still love it because they created the coolest photos, Maybe I shouldn’t call them wild…but rather “dogs with character! oh boy…I had fun photographing the Smiths, and they are such gorgeous people…inside and out!
Thank you Robert and Kirsten for trusting me to capture follow-up photos of your family…I am privileged to see how their kids grow up.
Here’s their photos and please leave a comment at the end!
The Hugo family | Lifestyle session | Lynnwood, Pretoria
I just love the lifestyle session I did with Raymond & Christina at their beautiful home! They are such a beautiful and full-of-love family!
The Hugo family | Lifestyle session | Lynnwood, Pretoria
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” Jane Howard
Raymond and Christina are old friends of mine. We know each other from Varsity days, event before I was a photographer....wow...thats way back. One of our very cool memories at our wedding, which was 9 years ago, was when they gave us a very huge swimming towel as as wedding gift. Yes...it was huge...big enough for 2 people...and I just remember how the photographer screamed to "get that thing out of my photo"...yes it was super colorful as well...hehehe...
They are super passionate people and they have the most adorable 2 kids, Eben and Sophia. I did a lifestyle session with them are their home, and their kids were half awake when we started. I didn't plan their session in the kitchen on the floor but I had coffee with them, and we enjoyed coffee on the floor while the kids got to know me and got used to me. I know...most kids love me but when kids are half asleep they prefer their parents...hehehe...
Raymond is a building contractor and loves renovating homes, and recently decided to buy the home they are currently staying in. But he told me, when they bought the home there were so much work that needed to be done that the bank was reluctant to give them a loan. The redid the roof, moved walls, relocated windows...opened up the kitchen and made it super modern. It such a pretty home now and they did such an awesome job.
I love lifestyle sessions because I get to spend a few hours with people in their homes, doing their thing and preserving beautiful memories for them. You will see in the following photo, having 2 kids isn't for sissies...I mean he is feeding Eben and Sophia at the same time. :)
I also try to take photos of each child in their own room because that is where they feel safe and they relax the most for the photos. Just love Eben's room and I also loved to see how well he, as the older brother, played with his little sister. Precious. He is such a cool and awesome older brother.
Enough said. Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!
Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session
I love lifestyle sessions because I get the opportunity to capture a glimpse of people's lives at their own homes! And it was no different this time with Kirsten & Robert! And their little Ryan is so freakin cute! He is so lucky to have you two as parents!
Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session
Family is the most important thing in the world. Princess Diana
I love lifestyle sessions because I get the opportunity to capture a glimpse of people's lives at their own homes! And it was no different this time with Kirsten & Robert! And their little Ryan is so freakin cute! He is so lucky to have you two as parents!
What stood out for me with this shoot was how they wanted the dogs in the shoot, and how much energy they brought to the table...it was chaos to get them all in a shot! We managed, but not without much laughter. This made for funny and real moments, and it was fun to capture. I can just imagine how it must be with them and little Ryan...Ryan will one day be super easy with dogs and not be afraid...amazing!
Enjoy the photos and please leave your comments at the end!
Teaser! Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session
Teaser! I love lifestyle sessions where I get the opportunity to capture a little glimpse of people's lives at their own homes! And what was no different this time with Kirsten & Robert! And their little Ryan is so freakin cute! He is so lucky to have you two as parents!
Teaser! Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session
Family is the most important thing in the world. Princess Diana
Here is a little sneak peak of Robert & Kirsten's lifestyle session!
I love lifestyle sessions where I get the opportunity to capture a little glimpse of people's lives at their own homes! And what was no different this time with Kirsten & Robert! And their little Ryan is so freakin cute! He is so lucky to have you two as parents!
The Blignaut Family | Family Session | Irene Diary Farm
Wow, I had a super special family shoot with the Blignaut family at Irene Dairy Farm. Chantel, your late husband would have been proud to see your boys so confident and strong!
“He made you you - on purpose. You are the only you - ever. Becoming ourselves means we are actively cooperating with God's intention for our lives, not fighting him or ourselves.”
― Stasi Eldredge, Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You
I had the most amazing family shoot at Irene Diary Farm with Chantel and her 2 boys, Ruben and Nathan,. I am in love with the winter sunsets, and the sun didn't hold back.
I just love it when clients open up a bit while doing the shoot, because I am continually reminded that I am photographing people. People has stories. Amazingly God has a Story, which is captured in the Bible. And God is interested in our story because our story is intwined with His Story. Wow, Chantel's late husband would have been proud to see his sons this confident, happy and strong!
One of the most memorable moments during the shoot was when the farm released the cows from milking and they walked through our shoot. Chantel got "trapped' on the other side of the cows and I got a few shots while they just enjoyed the moment...and it was funny when I had to shout at the cows for them to leave my camera bag alone...long story short...my reflector had some cow spit on...not cool :(
A family in a splendor of burgundy | Hertford Country Hotel
A beautiful session with Farhana and her family at the incredible Hertford Country Hotel. Such beautiful colors of winter!
“Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.” Anonymous
Wow, I love families and the chemistry which every family brings to the table. Farhana asked me to do a family shoot and I decided to take them to the amazing Hertford Country.
With every session I have to think on my feet with regards to managing the family and organising every one for the different shots, and you sometimes have your hands full when somebody do not want to do exactly what you want...ie. children, especially small children...you can't force them to do things! My son is 2 and a half, and I have first hand knowledge of this. My son has a strong will and when he wants something...oh my...he WANTS it. I think many photographers do not do family shoots for exactly this reason...
But not me.
I love families and children and their chemistry too much. They bring so much joy into your life.
Well long story short, Farhana's youngest one kept me on my toes and I just love all the photos with them. She made me to be very creative with keeping her busy during the shoot, and the result is amazing. I mean, when you are very small (and I see this with my own son) your attention span is super small, especially super late in the afternoon.
Farhana told me later that evening, the kids did pass out in the car just after they left for home from the shoot...shame.
I loved your shoot and you guys looked amazing!
Venue: Hertford Country Hotel
Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!
Lufuno's purple blessing {1st Birthday}
I just enjoyed doing this Smash-the-Cake 1st Birthday shoot for Lufuno. This baby is too cute for words!
Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing. Unknown
Isn't she cute? Lufuno wanted to do Smash-the-cake shoot for her daughter's 1st birthday, and the photos are adorable! I had my hands full though, because this little one didn't sit still for one moment, but I had a smile on my face through the entire shoot! We decided to do the shoot at Lufuno's house and with a little help from China Mall, we decorated their garage door and I think the results are amazing!
Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!
Canada here we come {Yatish & Bhavna}
Wow, I just loved the session with Bhavna and Yatish at their beautiful home in Kyalami! They will soon be moving to Canada!
“Laughter is the jam on the toast of life. It adds flavor, keeps it from being too dry, and makes it easier to swallow.” —Diane Johnson, Le Divorce
Bhavna & Yatish will be moving to Canada soon and Bhavna asked if we could do a couple shoot at their beautiful home in Kyalami, and wow...what an amazing shoot it was! They are such beautiful, easy-going and down-to-earth people, yet sophisticated if you look at their super stylish and beautiful home!
One of their favourite spots in the house is on the lounge suite in front of the TV, where Yatish watches a game of soccer or where they enjoy family time watching a series or movie with their little dog! Just love the fact how Yatish took off his shoes when we took photos on the lounge suite...just awesome to relax in front of the camera!
I actually didn't plan to shoot so much indoors but a sudden thunderstorm caught us off-guard. I am glad because I got to capture them in so many memorable spots in their home!
Enjoy the photos and may you be blessed in your adventures in Canada!
Tyron & Simone {Hotagterklip, Struisbaai}
Tyron and Simone's family photos at Hotagterklip, Struisbaai, are stunning! They are such an amazing family!
Family is not an important thing. It's everything. Michael J. Fox
I hosted a competition over the December holidays for a family shoot in Struisbaai, and Simone was the winner! I wanted to do a beach shoot but we had to hide from the wind!
Tyron and Simone are such simple and loving people, and their daughter is just too cute!
I had an amazing session with them, and the little fisherman's houses at Hotagterklip are such an amazing location for photos! This place also has sentimental value because some of my own wedding pictures where done in front of this very house!
Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!
Pienaar family {L'Aghulas beach session}
The Pienaar family is a loving God-fearing family and I thoroughly enjoyed doing their beach session in at the most Southernly Point in Africa!
But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Jos24:15b
The Pienaar family is a beautiful, God-fearing family and the love of the Lord oozes out of them! I know Leona and Francois personally, and it was an absolute privilege photographing them while they were on holiday in Struisbaai over the December holidays.
Ek het dit so baie geniet om hulle af te neem en die lig op die strand is net ongelooflik!
Venue: Beach between Struisbaai and Cape L'Aghulas
Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!
Erasmus family {Struisbaai beach mini-session}
I had loads of fun with the Erasmus family on the beach at Struisbaai! The are such a fun and loving family!
What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family! Mother Theresa
I had loads of fun doing this very early morning mini family shoot on the beach at Struisbaai! I was hoping for early morning sunshine but we had a different sight to behold...the sun made magic through the clouds...
And I really enjoyed the Erasmus family! They are such loving and gracious people, and lots of fun!
Dankie Adele en Pieter! Julle is 'n mooi gesin en julel straal baie liefde uit! Ek het dit geniet om julle af te neem!
Enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to comment at the end!
Venue: Struisbay main beach
These two are blessed | Wilmarie & Wilhelm | Maternity Session
Wilhelm and Wilmarie's maternity session at Hertford Country Hotel is on the blog!
She named him Samuel saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Sam 1:20
Wilhelm and Wilmarie are dear friends and Juanita and I love them dearly! I also do not know of two people who love Jesus more passionately and trust with absolute trust in Him like they do. They have taught me humility and perseverance, and while trying and trying to have children, and spending time on their knees for many years, the Lord granted their request to have children....and He gave them twins! Unbelievable...or wait believable!
I did their beautiful maternity session at the amazing Hertford Country Hotel, which is one of my favourite venues to shoot at! We also had a little bit of rain during the shoot, but as with most storms the most amazing sunset followed!
Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!
A beautiful Urban Maternity Session {Ohna & Melt + Twins}
Ohna & Melt's maternity session are on my blog! Its twins!
There's two to wash, two to dry; There's two who argue, two who cry; There's two to kiss, two to hug; and best of all, there's two to love!
Jerry Smith
I get to do really fun things with regards to photography. So when I don't have a wedding to photograph I get to photograph fun people like Ohna & Melt!
Ohna is expecting twins, and she asked me to do this Urban shoot early enough before she becomes super uncomfortable. I mean, she is carrying twins, and there isn't a lot of space to grow for one little kiddo in your tummy, and she has two in there.
Wow, being a parent is probably the best thing that happened to me after I got married. It's the best feeling in the world to be loved by my son, and I can just imagine being loved by two of them! And the one thing nobody can teach you or people say it but you never really fully understand...is the fact that no matter how many sleepless nights, how many diapers you change, how many times you go to the doctor because you kiddos are sick....it's all worth it in the end!
We did this shoot early in the morning in the streets of Mellville, Johannesburg and we had loads of fun!
May you experience God's love every day when you look at your children, and may they learn how to love from you both! Lots of blessings!
Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!
David & Kate's South African Wedding {The Forum The Campus}
Kate & David's South African Wedding is on my blog!
“When there is love in a marriage, there is harmony in the home; when there is harmony in the home, there is contentment in the community; when there is contentment in the community, there is prosperity in the nation; when there is prosperity in the nation, there is peace in the world.” -Chinese Proverb
Jia Lu Wang and Kai-ting Yang (or David and Kate) have been staying in South Africa for a long time. David is from China, and Kate from Taiwan, and something that is custom in China is they do very stylish pre-wedding photos. But when David showed me the pictures from their 8-hour-6-wardrobe-change-photo-shoot I knew the game was on (and the heat was on). The photos, which was done in Shanghai by a Chinese well-known photographer, are exquisite. Head on over to The Wedding Event's Instagram feed...Simone posted a few of the pics there.
Wow, they were made to be in front of a camera. They are so beautiful, and Kate and her bridesmaids looked like supermodels from a magazine. They were also such a lovely bunch of people, always full of joy and laughter!
Kate's dress, which is an Ellie Saab design, were out of this world. The detail and the way it fitted was incredible. Her dress and the exquisite bridesmaids' dresses were bought outside of South Africa, and the same for Kate's beautiful Christian Louboutin shoes.
The wedding was held at The Forum | The Campus, and they delivered the most amazing décor with the most beautiful white orchids. What an amazing venue!
I know Simone from The Wedding Event for a little while now, but we have never worked together on a wedding before, and I really looked forward to this wedding. She is such an amazing wedding planner and everything at this wedding just went smooth (I am not so sure behind the curtains). She is incredible at her job, and if you want your dream wedding, or perhaps greater than your dream wedding, then you need to get in touch with her!
Kate's beautiful make-up and hair was done by Susan Kang Make Up and Hair.
Liam from Wedding DJs - Pulse DJs rocked the music once again! And the cake from Belle's Patisserie was out of this world!
David and Kate, please enjoy your love for each other, which was so event in the way you looked at each other. And the family you guys have are amazing, and I loved the laughing and cheering at your reception dinner at the Lotus Restaurant in Rosebank!
Please enjoy the pictures and do leave a comment at the end!
Christo & Laraine's Wedding Celebration {Foxwood House}
Christo & Laraine's wedding celebration is on my blog!
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” When Harry Met Sally
It has been a while since I have seen two people so much in love with each other! While editing I got emotional every time I saw how Christo looked at Laraine, and I couldn't help but think...that is how Christ looks at us! Amazing.
Christo & Laraine wanted a small and intimate wedding, and that is exactly what they had. The decor was out of this world, and so was the venue...just stunning. I am truly privileged to have captured this special day for them, and I their love story inspired and still inspires me, and I believe that it flows over into their family!
This wedding was also different than what I am used to. For instance they did their couple shoot before the ceremony, but this allowed me to capture the moment when Christo saw Laraine for the first time. What a privilege!
Thank you for being who you are Christo & Laraine, and may your love stay strong and rooted in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Venue: Foxwood House, Houghton
Make-up and hair: ComposureSA
Decor & Wedding Planning: Sonja Ward from Hot Chili Designs
JJ & Chene {Matric Farewell}
JJ and Chene's Matric farewell shoot at the beautiful Castello Di Monte in Pretoria!
"The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides" Audrey Hepburn
JJ and Chene absolutely looked exquisite for their Matric Farewell!
I had the opportunity to capture them at the amazing 5 Star Castello Di Monte Guest House in Pretoria. Such a beautiful venue for weddings and Matric Farewell shoots!
The Matric Farewell was held at the Sorex Estate!
#matricfarewell #matricdance #coupleshoot #familyshoot #castellodimonte #guesthouse #beautifulvenue
Ilze's stylish 30th Birthday Party!
Beautiful pictures of Ilze's 30th Birthday Party at Buitengeluk Venue!
“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” Jane Austen
We have been friends for a while, but surely not as long as the friendship Ilze has with my wife and my sister-in-law. They are childhood friends, or as they would say “friends for life”. It was such a privilege to be a part of this day for Ilze, especially after what happened in and to their family. Such a special day of laughter and tears!
Venue: Buitengeluk Venue
Flowers: Fourways Flower Market
#weddingandfamilyphotographer #weddingandfamilyphotography #familyphotographer #familyphotography #photographer #eventphotographer #eventphotography #event #buitengeluk #buitengelukvenue #30thbirthday #birthday #birthdayparty #hightea #fourwaysflowermarket @fourways.flower.market
Levi, the Rockstar, is coming soon! {Baby shower}
Levi, the Rock Star, is coming soon! {Baby Shower}
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” Unknown
Aliche and Piet are dear friends and I took a few pictures at their baby shower for their 2nd child, Levi, who is expected very soon!
Enjoy the pictures and don't hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
