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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!
The Blignaut Family | Family Session | Irene Diary Farm
I just love family shoots, and the session I had with Chantel and her 2 sons are no exception. They are full of the love of Jesus, and they were just a joy to photograph!
“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 on Saturday 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 :(
Here is a few from Saturday. The full post will follow soon!
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!
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!
Here's to another 50 years! {50th Birthday Party}
Karin's 50th Birthday party is on my blog!
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
Family is family, but you have not experienced love and intimacy until you have met these bunch of people! And they know how to through a great party, lot's of food including a skaap-op-die-spit and loads of great company!
Christi-Mari booked me for Karin's 50th Birthday Party, but little did I know that I will be pulled into the family. And that is what I love about my job. People get to trust you so much that you are considered as family. I immediately felt at home and it was amazing to see how Karin's family showed up in their numbers to celebrate the amazing woman she is!
Fire Desire Entertainment opened the night with an amazing fire dance show, and they entertained everybody until the rain started. We are in a very dry period...well today we had loads of rain...so when rain fell that night we all felt it was a sure blessing from the Lord.
Christi-Mari also warned me that they had dressed up their 8 dogs as well, but I didn't know they were mostly going to be puppies and that they were going to wear Bow-Ties. They looked adorable.
Congrats again Karin, and may you enjoy another 50 years!
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!
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
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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!
Rolof is coming soon! {Gerda's Baby Shower}
Gerda's baby shower is live on the blog!
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." Muhammad Ali
My wife, Juanita, has asked me to take a few pictures for Gerda's surprise baby shower, and little did I know that it will be this beautiful and special! Gerda and her husband, Werner, are very dear friends to us, and it was such a privilege to be a part of this day!
We cannot wait for Rolof to come, and I believe that it will be an amazing journey and gift with him added to their lives!
Here is some pictures from the day, and please don't hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
#babyshower #baby #newbaby #firstborn #son #Rolof #weddingandfamilyphotography
Eben & Hermien Marais {family shoot at Delta Park}
“Family is the most important thing in the world.” – Princess Diana
Love and calmness just oozes out of Hermien and Eben, they have the most beautiful children Emma and Leah. Emma is the eldest, and isn't she a cutie. Leah is the baby and her eyes just melts anyone who looks at her! I had so much fun doing this shoot!
I met up with them at Delta Park, which is one of my favorite photo destinations. This time I was surprised to see how long the grass has grown, and at first I thought it was going to make my life hard to take pictures, but actually it created for such beautiful pictures!
Location: Delta Park, Randburg.
Please sit back and enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Nico & Laura {family shoot at L'Agulhas}
Nico and Laura's family shoot at Cape L'Aghulas Lighthouse was just epic! I had so much fun!
I was on holiday but I decided to do a few family shoots at the beach seeing that we lack a beach in Johannesburg! So Nico contacted me and wanted to do a shoot as a Christmas gift to his wife, Laura.
I just LOVE this place!
We decided to go to the Lighthouse at the tip of Africa, the Lighthouse at Cape Agulhas, and this is not far away from where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet. The Van der Westhuizens always come to Struisbaai for December holidays, and it is a place that is known and dear to them. So I was privileged to do this shoot, and Grandma will just love the family picture she wanted to be framed in her house!
Please don't hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Ivan & Maryke's love story begins here!
I cant wait to do the wedding for Ivan and Maryke! its going to be epic!
I am looking forward to the wedding of this amazingly beautiful couple!
Maryke and Ivan blossomed in front of the camera and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing their funky engagement shoot. Maryke's mom works at Roedean School South Africa and she organised that we can have the shoot at the school, which is such a beautiful venue. The gorgeous historic buildings, the lawns, the view of the Johannesburg General Hospital chimney in the background, and the majestic gardens makes this a stunning venue. The school was opened in 1903 and there is a lot of heritage here, and I believe that it meant a lot to Maryke to do this shoot at the school.
I definitely take my hat off for Maryke, because she had food poisoning or something on the day. Every 20min she had to go to the bathroom, and she still smiled and looked so beautifully. And Ivan looked great as well. It's always a challenge to capture photos of a photographer, which meant that I had to up my game. The amazing reality of this is it shows in the pictures! I believe this shoot came out amazing and that they will have a good taste of the pictures to come at their wedding day!
Please don't hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
