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

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! 

My kids | Christmas | Holiday Photography

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! 

Cute little Jessica | Family shoot | Morningside Park, JHB

Cute little Jessica | Family shoot | Morningside Park, JHB

For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow. Rosemonde Gerard

My wife (Juanita) is going a baby gym class for moms which was during and after her pregnancy with my daughter Ilé. Lauren is also going with her daughter Jessica, and they got to know each other and my wife had shown the pictures I had done of Ilé in her first month to Lauren, and she said to my wife that she really wanted to do a shoot with me...wow...I just love referrals...you get really amazing clients.

Lauren mentioned they know this amazing little park in Morningside, close to her mom's house, that we can use as the location, and what a GEM! Its next to the river, lots of rocks and trees and its really well looked after. A few residents, which stay in the vacinity of the park, has a key to the gate and if you want to make use of the park,  you need to make a small donation towards the upkeep of the park...really amazing! 

Peter and Lauren, you little princess is so adorable! Lots of blessings, and hopefully you will have great nights of sleep ahead! 

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

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

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.

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.

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. 

Linda's family | Family session | Midrand, Johannesburg

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!

Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session

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

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!

Teaser! Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session

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! 

Mother's Day mini-styled shoot | Hertford Country Hotel

Mother's Day mini-styled shoot | Hertford Country Hotel

"Mothers and their children are in a category all their own. There's no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving." Gail Tsukiyama, Dreaming Water

I don't know what its like to be a mother. I'm a father. But what I know is I love my mother very much, and that they are the pillars of society! Even Jesus had a mother. So I believe God knew what He was doing when He created mothers. They are a shoulder to cry on, they are the glue of the family, they are the Chief Operating Officer of our homes and they are so important in all of our lives. Just look at African families, the are run by the Grandma's. Amazing. 

This shoot was inspired by the love mothers have for their daughters, seeing that my daughter is coming very soon! I can't wait!

My wife, Juanita, who is also a mother, has a super eye for style, and most of the Rose Gold items are from our home! She has shown me how to turn ordinary things into works of art with Rose Gold spray paint. The cycad leaf and Consol glass jar was painted using spray paint. 

I hosted a competition on Facebook for Mother's Day, and Lindie were the winner. This what she said about her mother Charlene:

"She is the most INCREDIBLE woman I have ever known! and we are so alike in the things we do. We love each other very much and I can only hope to follow in her footsteps and become as amazing as she is!"

I had so much fun with both of them during the shoot. They are such beautiful souls and they enjoy each other's company so much! I love how they laugh at each others jokes and how they finish each other's sentences...it was almost like I photographed twins! You guys were amazing!

Here are some of the suppliers featured in the shoot:

Flowers: Impala Flora

Venue: Hertford Country Hotel

Make up: Made Up by Kylie

Bouquet: Simone Pheiffer from The Wedding Event

Styling and photographer: Me :)

Decor ball & Gold lamp: Mr Price Home

Gold String Lights: Typo

The Blignaut Family | Family Session | Irene Diary Farm

“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

“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

“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! 

Canada here we come {Yatish & Bhavna}

“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

Portrait photography

Portrait, female, girl, woman, face, incredible photo

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}

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}

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}

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

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!