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Little AJ | Mini Family Shoot | Bryanston Pine Forest
I had the privilege of capturing Awe & Elandi’s wedding (click here) 2 years ago and they very recently had their firstborn. Little AJ.
This is why I love what I do…So by staying connected to my clients I get to capture the next chapter in their lives…kids!
Little AJ | Mini Family Shoot | Bryanston Pine Forest
“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” —Friedrich Nietzsche
I had the privilege of capturing Awe & Elandi’s wedding (click here) 2 years ago and they very recently had their firstborn. Little AJ.
This is why I love what I do…So by staying connected to my clients I get to capture the next chapter in their lives…kids!
Wow, AJ was soooo freakin cute to photograph…I mean it was literally the first time for me when a baby crack himself up when I wanted to draw his attention! He literally burst out laughing at me when I made funny noises….so funny!
Venue: Bryanston Pine Forest
Enjoy the photos and I hope we get to do this again soon!
Ruth du Toit & Family | Beach session | Struisbaai
Such a beautiful photoshoot done of Ruth and her family in Struisbaai at the beach. Ruth is also a wedding photographer and her work is amazing. Go and have a look under Ruth du Toit Photography.
Ruth du Toit & Family | Beach session | Struisbaai
In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities. János Arany
I made friends with Ruth from Ruth du Toit Photography at a SA Weddings Event in Johannesburg, and I have been following her wedding and lifestyle work for a while now. And amazingly when we were in Struisbaai, she said she will be there and asked if I would like to photograph her family on the beach...and obviously I jumped up and said yes...and oh she took some of my family as well!
See the photos Ruth took of our family here: CLICK
She has such a beautiful family and I just loved making them run on the beach. And what I love about those photos is that as a person you can't think too much how you want to stand or how you look....all you can think about is to run....so you look as natural as you can be and for me that is when you look your best. No pretensions...just fun and laughter with your family! Same goes for the jump photos!
Enjoy the photos and leave a comment at the end please!
Enchanted forest engagement | Chantelle & Kyle | Johannesburg
I just love it when clients trust me to do something a little different. Chantelle & Kyle's fairytale engagement shoot at Bryanston Pine Forest was so cool!
Enchanted forest engagement | Chantelle & Kyle | Johannesburg
The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels. Hazrat Inayat Khan
I just love it when clients trust me to do something a little different. Chantelle is working in the creative industry as a freelance designer and art director, and she wanted a fairytale type shoot. She told me that has this vintage dress she wanted to wear which in fact was used as a wedding dress by several weddings in her family. This dress later on became a costume for dress up parties, and I believe she looked amazing in this dress. Chantelle really looked like a fairy princess in that dress, and Kyle looked great as well. We started the shoot with Chantelle in a midi dress, and ended with the vintage wedding dress.
She also said she loves dramatic and colorful makeup, and Shelley from Butterfly Blush did such an amazing job doing her make-up.
It was the first time I arranged for the make-up to be done at my home, and it worked out quite well. Bryanston Pine Forest don't have a place or venue to get dressed or do make-up, so it just made sense to do it at my home.
I have bought a plastic tube (or fluorescent tube protector) and a flashlight and I want to start doing #Tubestories. Go check out this link: EricPare...this guy is insanely good. I showed the tube to Kyle and he said, why don't you try this on us? I was like...good idea! It didn't work out completely as I would have hoped, because you need complete darkness to achieve a great shot, but we got to play around a bit. That is what is great when you have people who trusts you...you can test new ideas on them as models, and they really enjoyed it.
We had some of the coldest weather this year in November...super weird. I mean we had 50cm of snow in some parts of South Africa, and firstly it doesn't really snow here and secondly we had some serious snow. So the morning of the shoot I almost cancelled due to the weather being so cold, but I am so glad we didn't. The afternoon was a little warmer, and I actually loved the eerie weather in the end...helped with the theme for the shoot!
Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!
Linda's family | Family session | Midrand, Johannesburg
I had a blast capturing the joy and energy of Linda and her family. I just love family photography on location.
Linda's family | Family session | Midrand, Johannesburg
God's dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion. Desmond Tutu
I just love big families, and I love capturing the essence of how much love there is in a family. Linda's family is no different. I just loved how the grandparents are central in the family and how the focus was also around the grandkids...and what a lovely bunch of kids! I just know how much grandkids mean to grandparents...I mean...I really enjoy seeing my dad with my children...you get a glimpse of what it was like when I was a little boy.
One of my passions are children and to capture the joy and energy of children. I especially love it when I can bring a little character out of some kids who are too shy to perform in front of the camera. I feel so liberated when kids relax in front of the camera, and I get a glimpse of their true self...and that is such a privilege to capture on camera!
Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end.
Teaser. Enchanted forest engagement | Chantelle & Kyle | Johannesburg
I am absolutely delighted to share a few photos from Chantelle & Kyle's engagement shoot at Bryanston Pine Forest.
Teaser. Enchanted forest engagement | Chantelle & Kyle | Johannesburg
The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels. Hazrat Inayat Khan
I am absolutely delighted to share a few photos from Chantelle & Kyle's engagement shoot at Bryanston Pine Forest.
We have had seriously cold weather these past few days, and Saturday was most probably the climax, and I almost cancelled due to the weather, but I am so glad we didn't cancel. The afternoon was a little warmer though, and I actually loved the eerie weather in the end...helped with the theme for the shoot!
Chantelle is working in the creative industry as a freelance designer and art director, and she wanted a fairytale type shoot. She also said she loves dramatic and colorful makeup, and Shelley from Butterfly Blush did such an amazing job doing her make-up! She and her fairy prince looked smashing!
I have bought a plastic tube and a flashlight and I want to start doing #Tubestories. Go check out this link: EricPare. So the last photo was done with that tube, but we tried doing the photo while it was still dusk so the light was too much...we ended improvising and we played around a bit...looks like Chantelle has a hat on with that shot! Next time I will attempt the photo in complete darkness!
Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel
Wow, Kalinka and Dylan looked absolutely amazing for their Matric Farewell! Hertford Country Hotel is such a gem of a place to shoot at!
Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel
Kindness is grace, and grace is elegance. Dana Dalgetty
Wow, Kalinka and Dylan looked absolutely smashing for their Matric Farewell! Kalinka wore an beautiful & elegant dress which her mom bought at JJ Schoeman Atelier in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Her hair was done by Celeste from Tint Hair Studio in Krugersdorp.
I suggested to Kalinka's mom to that we do their photos at Hertford Country Hotel and once again...this place is amazing!
Enjoy and please leave a comment at the end!
Jan-Peet & Nadine | Wedding | Bell Amour | Pretoria
This is one of my favourites for the year! JP and Nadine looked absolutely smashing on their wedding day. Wow, what a cool bunch of family and friends! I must also give a shout out to Bell Amour Wedding Venue...what a beauty!
Jan-Peet & Nadine | Wedding | Bell Amour | Pretoria
We love because it's the only true adventure. Nikki Giovanni
What an adventure this day has been!
Jan-Peet (JP) & Nadine's wedding at Bell Amour Wedding Venue was one for the books! And they both looked smashing...just look at Nadine's dress. I could not believe when Nadine told me her dress made by one of the bridesmaid's moms...I thought it was a super duper designer dress!
JP works in the Film Industry and I remember him saying to me that he has a special look in mind with regards to his photos...so I knew the game was on. I had to step up my game...thats how it goes in this industry. You feel the pressure on your skin because you know we look at images differently than the non-photographers...
Jan-Peet is a super clever creative soul...I mean his wife describes him as a mix between a hippy and an auditor...quite funny, but true. He had this crazy huge beard when we met last year and Nadine has the following to say about her husband: "He relishes adventure, mystery and passion filled lifestyle. He gives without expecting back and cares intensely for the people he loves". Nadine on the other hand is: "a soft and a gentle soul who loves animals, friends and family" as she would put it. She has this grace about her, and absolutely gorgeous...just a joy to photograph her. Together they are such a cool and confident couple, and the love just oozes out of them. I enjoyed them greatly! And oh my word they make great photos. I didn't know how they would be and react in front of my camera as Nadine's best friend did their engagement photos, but they were such naturals...I am sure they have this before. :)
The decor was super simplistic and elegant, with magenta as the main color with a lot of greens. The Love Knot did the amazing flowers on the tables and in the chapel, and beautiful signs in the chapel and above the main table were made by the venue! The centre pieces, with the white "trees" was done by JP and Nadine, and Nadine made the origami herself. They spent roughly 18 months planning this amazing wedding!
Much can be said about the day, how much love and laughter happened, but I think the pictures will do it more justice!
Here is a list of other suppliers who were involved:
Makeup: Morné Marx & Hair & Makeup: Nanna Castmar-Jensen (one of the bridesmaids)
Cake, Cupcakes and Cake Pops: L's Creations
DJ and sound: Dj Kings
Nadine's shoes: Aldo & JP's shoes: Markhams
JP's and the groomsmen's suits: Civic Tailors and Outfitters, Bloemfontein
Nadine's ring: Von Wielligh and JP wooden inlay ring: VA Tungsten
Gowns: Thashreya's clothing & Groomsmen boutonnieres: Iniek
Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!
Teaser! Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel
Wow, Kalinka and Dylan looked absolutely amazing for their Matric Farewell yesterday! Hertford Country Hotel is such a gem of a place to shoot at!
Teaser! Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel
Kindness is grace, and grace is elegance. Dana Dalgetty
Wow, Kalinka and Dylan looked absolutely smashing for their Matric Farewell yesterday! I suggested to Kalinka's mom to that we do their photos at Hertford Country Hotel and once again...this place is amazing!
Here is a little sneakpeak of their amazing photos!
Enjoy and please leave a comment at the end!
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 :(
Collin & Cheryl | E-session | Pretville
Laughter is the best medicine for the soul, and I can't get over how much fun Collin & Cheryl's engagement shoot at Pretville was!
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” David Viscott
I had so much fun during Collin & Cheryl's engagement shoot at Pretville. I did a couple shoot with them before they got engaged and I remember how much they enjoy each other's company! Cheryl has these moments where she just bursts into laughter, and I am sure its because she is cracking herself up for Collin, but perhaps she just have joy in her heart! If this follows the trend, then I am sure their wedding day is going to be epic!
I am in love with Pretville! It was my first time shooting in the village and I must say I could shoot there the whole day. My creative juices were in overdrive and this shoot was about 2 hours long. I could have gone for at least another hour. There is so much options. And Collin and Cheryl are also awesome clients...they went along with the ride and I am in love with the results! Thank you Pretville for the free milkshake!
Venue: Pretville, Hartebeespoort
Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!
The Malston Family | Lifestyle session | Gauteng
Wow, I absolutely loved this lifestyle session with the Malston Family. There is so much love in this home!
“It didn’t matter how big our house was; it mattered that there was love in it.” Peter Buffett
I must admit, I havent done many lifestyle shoots before. I have been doing location shoots and I haven't focused on doing shoots at my client's houses...and wow...I love it. A big part of my inspiration for photography, in the days I started out, was I loved how photography tells a story. "A picture speaks a thousand words" they say...and I remember how I would travel to places or a country and I always tried taking photos (street photography) where I would place a person or a subject in their own environment. By going to someone's home you automatically photograph them in their own environment. That is the place where they live, laugh, cry, sleep, eat...amazing!
Tracey's sister, Jacqui, bought one of my lifestyle photography vouchers last year for Tracey's birthday. Tracey and Byron (her husband) has a 1 year old boy (the cutest little boy) and they wanted me to capture a little bit of their lives at their home. I absolutely loved it! They has a cozy little home, and I just felt the love when I walked in there. This little boy is loved to bits, and it was great to see it. Their little boy is also a poser and he definitely makes me look good...I mean...just check out the way he looks at the camera...!
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!
Michelle & Marcus {Couple shoot in Melville}
Marcus and Michelle's urban couple shoot in Melville is on my blog!
"In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art." Rumi
I recently hosted a competition on Facebook for a #FREECoupleShoot, and Michelle Daniels was the winner. She is currently dating Marcus Ras, and I decided to take them to Melville, Johannesburg, because they wanted to do an Urban Shoot. Wow, they are an amazing couple, and boy oh boy...they are such a photogenic couple. They are such beautiful people and so much in love....the way Marcus looks at Michelle is just mesmerizing!
Venue: Café De La Crème, Melville and surroundings
Enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Edmund & Terri's Wedding Celebration{Sedgefield}
Edmund and Terri's destination wedding celebration are on my blog!
There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. ~ George Sands ~
I had the privilege embarking on a destination wedding again, and what a wonderful wedding it was! Terri and Edmund tied the knot at the Whistle Steam Stop in Sedgefield, Western Cape, and what makes this wedding so memorable to Terri is the fact that they spent most holidays in Sedgefield and she always wanted to get married there!
I just love destination weddings because it gives me the chance to travel and to spent time with my family...yes...we had a four day holiday in Plettenberg Bay!
Edmund and Terri are such wonderful people to be around and their love each other and for the Father was so tangible, and I believe it can be seen in all aspects of the wedding.
Other suppliers
Venue: Steam Whistle Stop, Sedgefield
Wedding Gown: Terri wanted a light pink dress, which she dreamt of since forever, and according to her was the Wedding Dress, Northcliff, the only wedding dress supplier who would actually makes this dress. Risky but beautiful!
Event Management: Conféti Weddings, Events & Hire. They arranged the DJ, the Marque tent, tables and chair and catering.
Cake: Crumbs n Smiles made a beautiful cake, and incorporated elements such as our engagement shoot photos printed on edible paper. Amazing.
Table Lasercut elements: Die Stalletjie Laser Cutting
Engagement
Terri comes from Cape Town and Edmund from Johannesburg, and it was on a planned holiday to the Mother City that he proposed to her in June 2015 at a small restaurant close to the railway in Franschoek. They were dating for 9 months at the time and Edmund, a hopeless romantic, went on his knees during desert, and all Terri could say was "YES"!
Terri told me that the owners of the Whistle Steam Stop said that they have never hosted a wedding before because it is not a function venue. so with the help of Confeti they had to bring in almost all of the suppliers in from the outside which included the Catering, Marque Tent, Chairs and Chapel area.
They both got ready at the Myoli Beach Lodge in Sedgefield, which was very close to the main beach in Sedgefield! Such a simple and cozy little place!
The Myoli Beach Lodge cabins are a tad bit small for wedding preparations, but Terri made a plan by doing her make-up in the bathroom. :)
I am so sad that I didn't have the chance to take some pictures of Terri at the beach, but luckily it wasn't the case with Edmund and his groomsmen.
#wedding #terriedmund #destinationwedding #sedgefield #wynandvandermerwephotography #wynandvandermerwedotcom
Stephen & Gena's urban e-session
Stepen & Gena's urban e-session in the inner city of Johannesburg!
Wow. This was a super fun shoot. We got to go to the inner city of Johannesburg to do an urban shoot, and Stephen & Gena just rocked! They looked absolutely exquisite, and I just love the way that they contrasted with the surroundings...amazing!
I had a bit of a laugh with Stephen because he was very stiff and on his nerves, and I had to train him in front of the camera. The greatest moment for me was when we were almost at the end of the shoot Gena said: "Wow, I have never seen Stephen smile this much". Thanks for the compliment.
I so wish I was going to take their wedding pictures, which I am not. They already have a photographer booked, but I can just imagine how wonderful their weddings pics are going to be!
We had an interesting moment though during the shoot. My camera was almost nabbed. There was a guy who came up to me and asked that I take a picture of him, but while his buddy was behind me looking for an opportunity to nab my camera (I didn't know this, Gena told me afterwards). Gena went into a praying frenzy and her faith got us out of that situation. The 2 guys left us but our nerves only really settled once we left the area after the shoot.
A big thank you to Fourways Flower Market at Pineslopes, JHB, for the bouquet of flowers!
#urban #engagementshoot #esession #wedding #weddingphotography
