My photography has been influenced alot from reading Eckhart Tolle’s ‘The Power Of Now’. It’s about being in the ‘moment’ and experiencing that moment for what it is. Being ‘present’. Like when you’re sitting having a coffee with a friend, you are totally there, not daydreaming of that email you have to send, or the birthday present you have to buy. I sometimes battle with this, my thoughts buzzing around my head, but am always conscious of ‘the now‘. Some of the best images i’ve made were when I was being present, feeling the mood around me, scouting out the light, seeing where shadows are falling, ready for moments the bride and groom share a laugh or an intimate smile. I love playing with movement during some of my shoots – it creates a different element to a photograph, and a lovely energy.
Nelle and DeWet got married at Pniel Church in Stellenbosch and had their reception at the lavish MolenVliet Wine Estate. After the ceremony we headed off to do the bridal photo’s. Our 1st location was at an old, unused petrol station. It was hectically windy and at one point during the shoot, Nelle’s veil blew off into the street and was driven over by a taxi! The veil survived and thankfully was still clean and undamaged. Some days wind can be a real pain when shooting, but on this particular day, it worked in our favour. For the 2nd part of the shoot, Ockie (one of the owners of MolenVliet) kindly drove us in a 4×4 along a bumpy road to the top of the venue. Paradise – views of the vineyards and mountains with the sun just setting. This is one of the most stunning venues I’ve worked at! The design of MolenVliet is pure genius – the reception area has two sections built off it – the 1st is an outside area where guests can have a smoke and drink without feeling separated from the wedding party, and the 2nd section has a large ‘lounge’ type area with leather sofas and a black and white checkered floor. Ockie and Aneen from MolenVliet did an incredible job making sure the day ran smoothly. Nelle & DeWet, thanks for braving the wind! you were both so cool to photograph. Another AMAZING day at ‘work’!
make-up: Gabi Hough (see links page); Music: DJ Preston from On Cue Music; Videographers: Silverline Productions; Flowers: Flowers In The Foyer; Cake: Kanya Hunt
Blog uploaded the 3rd January 2010
