BLOG

lifestyle photography, family photography Wynand van der Merwe lifestyle photography, family photography Wynand van der Merwe

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!

Wynandvandermerwe melt ohna family photography street mellville urban gauteng-14.jpg

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!

Read More
family photography, lifestyle photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography, lifestyle photography Wynand van der Merwe

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!


Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

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! 

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Charlene & family | Mini Photo Sessions | Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

I had so much fun doing mini photo sessions at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse! It is such a beautiful location and Charlene and her family looked absolutely gorgeous!

“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

Charlene said she does a photoshoot each year with her family, and this year she wanted photos in Struisbaai. Charlene and Jandre is from Namibia, and they are on holiday in Struisbaai with their kids.

Their youngest, Ethan, is roughly the same age as my son Lian...and wow...he is a brave and fearless little boy! Ethan was a bit ecstatic during the shoot...but that is what I love...I love interaction. It seemed Ethan liked me from the word go, because he came running after me and interacted so spontanuous in front of the camera! I just love the emotion is those photos...Charlene and Jandre got a bit anxious after a bit....and he got a hiding during the shoot...but I loved his energy! He reminded me of my son. He seem to be a go-getter and not afraid of anything. Just love his people skills...I mean he made friends with me, a total stranger, in a matter of seconds!

I just love to do shoots at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse! So beautiful!

More info regarding this area: Discover Cape Agulhas

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Lizeth & family | Mini Photo Sessions | Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

I had so much fun doing mini photo sessions at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse! It is such a beautiful location and Lizeth and her family looked absolutely gorgeous!

Family is not an important thing. It's everything. Michael J. Fox

Albie & Lizeth, your family's joy is so sweet and contagious!

I loved having you in front of the camera...and I love your kids jump photos!

Just love to do shoots at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse! So beautiful!

More info regarding this area: Discover Cape Agulhas

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Mandie & family | Mini Photo Sessions | Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

I had so much fun doing mini photo sessions at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse! It is such a beautiful location and Mandie and her family looked absolutely gorgeous!

In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony. Friedrich Nietzche

I recently did a photoshoot with Mandie's sister Ankie for her Supper Club and when I advertised I was doing mini-sessions at the coast, that was when Ankie referred me to Mandie for a photo session.

Mandie and her family is from the Free State, and her husband is a farmer there. They were on holiday in Struisbaai and wanted photos done at the Lighthouse in Cape Agulhas, and wow...they looked smashing! I had so much fun....just love the ones with their little dog!

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Lize & her beautiful family | Kleinbaai, Western Cape

I had a blast capturing Lize and her beautiful family in Kleinbaai. I didn't know it at the time of the shoot, but one of my school and Voortrekker friends is Lize's sister (Gerda), and she was my date to my Matric Farewell 14 years ago! Wow, such a small world!

Lize & her beautiful family | Kleinbaai, Western Cape

"Family Is the Most Beautiful Thing God Made" Pope Francis

Lize asked me to capture photos of her family while on holiday on Kleinbaai and I absolutely loved it! They are such a cool bunch of people....and good looking! The bond between sisters is so special, and I just love the photos of her and her 3 sisters. She currently lives in Zambia and it must be great to be together as a family in SA.

I didn't know it at the time of the shoot, but one of my school and Voortrekker friends is Lize's sister (Gerda), and she was my date to my Matric Farewell 14 years ago! Wow, such a small world!

Kleinbaai is next to Gansbaai, and also close to Hermanus, and its a hotspot for Shark Cage Diving. Lize's parents have a holiday home in Kleinbaai, and we decided to take photos at Onse Baai, a spot where the ocean crashes over the rocks...beautiful!

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

 

 

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Simone & Riley | Family Photography | Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Western Cape

I had a blast doing some photos for Simone of her and her daughter Riley at the beautiful Cape Agulhas Lighthouse! Riley is such a sweetie!

Simone & Riley | Family Photography | Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Western Cape

“A daughter is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has to give" Laurel Atherton

I had an amazing time with Simone and her daughter Riley. Riley is a serious busy-body, and she made the shoot very interesting...let's just say we couldn't really do what we wanted but more like what she wanted...she is super cute though! I just love kids and she reminded me of my son Lian. Very strong minded and not afraid what the world throws at them!

The following photo sums up the day. The one moment she is happy, and the next she makes a u-turn and runs the other way...Simone's face is priceless!

I had a shoot with Simone last year, and it was good catching up with her. Riley was almost 1 year old last year during our shoot and now almost 2...wow so many things happen in one year!

We did the shoot at the beautiful Sanparks Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, the most southernly lighthouse in Africa (amazing), and also the place where Simone and her husband Tyron did their wedding photos (I didn't know this, she told me when we were doing the photos). 

We had amazing weather this holiday season thus far and we had just a little wind during the shoot ...I didn't plan for the wind but the crazy shots of the girls and their hair are super cool!

Enjoy the photos and please add a comment at the end! 

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Teaser! Simone & Riley | Family Photography | Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Western Cape

I had a blast doing some photos for Simone of her and her daughter Riley at the beautiful Cape Agulhas Lighthouse! Riley is such a sweetie!

Teaser! Simone & Riley | Family Photography | Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Western Cape

“A daughter is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has to give" Laurel Atherton

I had an amazing time with Simone and her daughter Riley. Riley is a serious busy-body, and she made the shoot very interesting...let's just say we couldn't really do what we wanted but more like what she wanted...she is super cute though! I just love kids and she reminded me of my son Lian. Very strong minded and not afraid what the world throws at them!

I had a shoot with Simone last year, and it was good catching up with her. Riley was almost 1 year old last year and now almost 2...wow so many things happen in one year!

We did the shoot at the beautiful Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, the most southernly lighthouse in South Africa (amazing), and also the place where Simone and her husband Tyron did their wedding photos (I didn't know this, she told me when we were doing the photos). 

We had amazing weather these past few days, and today was the first day with some wind...I didn't plan it but the crazy shots of the girls and their hair are super cool!

Here's a little sneak peak to the photos. Enjoy! 

Read More
family photography, Baby and maternity Wynand van der Merwe family photography, Baby and maternity Wynand van der Merwe

My kids | Christmas | Holiday Photography

I did a small Christmas themed fun shoot with my kids. My daughter is also 3 months old, so we did a photo with 3 balloons and one with Hundreds and Thousands...because she is One-in-a-Million!

My kids | Christmas | Holiday Photography

“How do you spell 'love'?" - Piglet  "You don't spell it...you feel it." - Pooh”  Winnie the Pooh

I have said many times...being a dad is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I LOVE being a dad. Now that I have 2 kiddos...I never realised I could love this someone this much. I love my wife, but to love in action...I mean to see my wife with my kids...priceless magic, and it makes me even more in love with her! And then the to have those crazy days when you just want to sit in front of the TV and talk to no one...and then to have my little girl in my left arm and my son lying next to me...my heart wants to burst with love...I LOVE IT! 

In any case, my little girl was 3 months old yesterday, and my wife and I are doing a little project where I take a photo of Ilê every month, in the same spot, but every time adding a balloon. So today I photographed her with 3 balloons...obviously because she is 3 months old...and a few with Hundreds and Thousands...because she is One-in-a-Million! 

I also could not resist taking a few Festive Season or Christmas photos...and like always...my son is too curious and want to be included in the shoot. He surely is a "funny bunny" like I would call him. Ilé got tired of us taking photos, and Lian isn't the most calm little guy on the planet...so long story short...Ilé didn't get much sleep during the photos. 

Ilé's beautiful outfit (in the photo with the balloons) was made by Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Enjoy the photos and please get in contact if you want to do a Festive Season or Christmas photo shoot! 

Read More
styled shoots, family photography Wynand van der Merwe styled shoots, family photography Wynand van der Merwe

a Father's love for his daughters | Father's Day | Hertford Country Hotel

A beautiful family shoot with Chandni and Kavita and their father Dave at Hertford Country Hotel. A father's love for his daughters is endless!

a Father's love for his daughters | Father's Day | Hertford Country Hotel

To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter. - Euripides

I have been wanting to do a shoot for a while where I can try to capture a glimpse into the love a father has for his children. My daughter Ilé has been born since the #sneakpeak of this photoshoot, and she has just been a blessing and joy to our family. So my love as a father has doubled by having two children.

WvdM_fathersdayshoot_fathersday_father_daughter_photoshoot_familyshoot_family_hertfordcountryhotel_thehertford_portraitphotography1.jpg
WvdM_fathersdayshoot_fathersday_father_daughter_photoshoot_familyshoot_family_hertfordcountryhotel_thehertford_portraitphotography2.jpg

I hosted a competition on my Facebook page and Chandni was the winner of the Father's Day shoot. Her sister, Kavita, also entered and they nominated their dad, Devdas (or Dave), for the BEST DAD IN THE WORLD...and this what they have to say about their dad: dad:

Chandni: To me he is the greatest man that has ever set foot on this earth. He has taught us many life lessons, inspired each of his children to be better than they ever thought possible and supported us completely in every journey we have taken. He is the one person who will always be there. No judgements, no questions asked. This was done to not only his children but with friends and family as well. This has taught me what true love really is. Love u to the ends of the earth dad!!!
Kavita: You are the best dad ever! You've always worked hard to put us first in life and you've never said no to us for anything in life. You always give us your unconditional support in everything that we do and you're always there to motivate us to be our best. As a girl growing up, you were my super man and always will be. Love you lots Dad!

Wow, inspirational stuff! I can truly see that their dad is a great guy, and during the shoot I could see he has this grace about him. He is sure of himself, and he is absolutely in love with his two daughters. 

Dave is a cattle farmer in Middelburg, so I wanted to do the shoot on a farm (which is fairly difficult to find in Johannesburg) but I knew The Hertford Country Hotel has a little horse stable with two horses so this worked well for the farm element in the shoot. I just love doing shoots at the Hertford because there is so many different aspects to work with, and every shoot I do there looks different. Chandni and her sister had dungarees which they wanted to wear, and it worked perfectly in the shoot, and when they added the "cowboy" hats it finished off the look I was aiming for.

WvdM_fathersdayshoot_fathersday_father_daughter_photoshoot_familyshoot_family_hertfordcountryhotel_thehertford_portraitphotography3.jpg
A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around. - Carolyn Birmingham

I think I am a funny person but my wife Juanita doesn't necessarily share the sentiment. Chandni on the other hand cracked herself for my jokes. I always try and make my clients laugh naturally in front of my camera. I believe it produces natural smiles and authentic moments, rather than asking my clients to "fake" laugh and the moment isn't authentic and it looks unnatural. I also believe that they have a light spirit, meaning they find joy in life and laugh frequently with each other. Their hearts are full of joy, so I think it wasn't difficult to make them laugh as much as they did in front of the camera. :) 

Enough said. Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end. 

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

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.

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

de Klerk family | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue. I know Ninette and Derik personally and its always a pleasure photographing them...they kids are such good "models" and I always have fun with them...and they look good on photos!

de Klerk family | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do…but how much love we put in that action.” Mother Theresa

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue in September for Spring. I know the de Klerk family personally and its always fun to photograph them. Their kids are such a joy and their photos together for me a super special. 

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Mischa & Daughter | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue. I gave away a session and Mischa won the session. She has the cutest little daughter...a busy body but very cute! 

Mischa & Daughter | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

Beauty is power; a smile is its sword. John Ray

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue in September for Spring. I gave away a session and Mischa won the session. She has the cutest little daughter...a busy body but very cute! 

My son is almost the same age (almost 3 years old) so I kinda knew how to keep her busy, but I had my hands full to get her face in focus....she just didn't sit still for a photo! So I must say luck was on my side a few times...she is gorgeous! 

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

Read More
family photography Wynand van der Merwe family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Natalie & John | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue. Natalie contacted me and asked if she can do a session with her fiancé and their dog, and I am so glad they did a session with me! I have not laughed so much during a photoshoot before...they are filled with so much joy! 

Natalie & John | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. It is the advancement of man, the victory of a just cause, the triumph of truth. Menachem Begin

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue in September for Spring. Natalie contacted me and asked if she can do a session with her fiancé and their dog, and I am so glad they did this session with me! I have not laughed so much during a photoshoot before...they are filled with so much joy! 

I do not have a huge opinion about online dating, but I always had my doubts "How do you meet the man or woman of your dreams online?" and how do you know the person behind the online profile is in fact the correct person? Well, I am not sure, and I haven't thought about it much. But I must say after Natalie told me they met online, and seeing how happy they are...I might just have a different opinion. John is originally from Argentina, and has been staying in SA for a few years, and Natalie in SA, and they found each other online, started dating and recently got engaged! Amazing story. 

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

Read More
lifestyle photography, family photography Wynand van der Merwe lifestyle photography, family photography Wynand van der Merwe

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!

Read More
styled shoots, family photography Wynand van der Merwe styled shoots, family photography Wynand van der Merwe

Teaser! a Father's love for his daughters | Hertford Country Hotel

A beautiful family shoot with Chandnit, Kavita and their father Dave at Hertford Country Hotel. A father's love for his daughters is endless!

a Father's love for his daughters | Hertford Country Hotel

I have been wanting to do a shoot for a while where I can try to capture a glimpse into the love a Father has for his children. I am already a dad to a son, but my daughter Ile is coming any day now...I can't wait!

To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter.
—Euripides

So I am privileged to share a sneak peak of the shoot I did on Sunday with Chandni, her sister Kavita and her dad Dave! Dave is a cattle farmer in Middelburg so I therefore wanted to add a farming element in the shoot, and Hertford Country Hotel and their horse stable was the perfect setting for this shoot. It's not a cattle farm, but at least the surroundings was as if they were on a farm. Chandni and her sister had dungarees which they wanted to wear, and it worked perfectly in the shoot, and when they added the "cowboy" hats it finished off the look I was aiming for.

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

Read More
lifestyle photography, family photography Wynand van der Merwe lifestyle photography, family photography Wynand van der Merwe

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! 

Read More