5/365

If theres one thing I'm a sucker for its animals and wildlife.

Perhaps its because I grew up on a large plot on the South coast of Durban and had the opportunity of experiencing creepy crawlies, fauna and flora in my back yard.

Today I shot at Helderfontein Estate for the whole day while capturing the movements of a corporate teambuild. In amongst the laughter and games sat a little hornbill (not sure of the type) tapping on his reflection on the window of their one hall.

He made me smile.

4/365

Sometimes life just pulls you to pick up the phone and randomly dial a number, perhaps its the number of a friend that needs reassurance, moral support, a decent rant and rave session or in my friend Leith Ann's case - a mini makeover just for funzies.

So I jumped in my car and went to see her and give her all the love she needed on this particular day and while I'm the last person to be giving advice on makeup or make overs, I took along my war paints and did my worst ...or in this case my best.

Leith is far from a girly girl, in fact she's South Africa's only 5th Dan Taekwondo female you will find on the African Continent and you'll often spot her in jeans and a strappy top or in her dobok (Taekwondo gear)..... (She's also single and enjoys long walks on the beach...)

This pic is the after photo of my dear friend who looks absolutely amazing with her new hair and makeup and is still in love with her make over.

Thanks for letting me be a part of the fun - you're gorgeous both inside AND out!

3/365

Sunday has been a rainy, stay-in-bed kinda day. In fact, I'm wondering if JHB is losing its touch? As I was peering out the window, sunlight caught my necklace stand and illuminated my new St Joseph's Lily beads that I bought on my recent Cape Town trip, so this is the photo of the day.

2/365

Taken at Cabanga Conference Centre in Northwold which, by design, is a naturally dark and warm conference venue. This was taken lastnight for a 40th birthday party I shot, the theme being Diamonds and Pearls.

1/365

Today my friend Kirstin asked me to take some nice pictures of her products.

She owns a business called Cheeky Chicks which runs bachelorette parties, ladies nights & other various women's empowerment workshops.

This is the shot I took of her Valentines special which she'll be using to market on Facebook.

Yes, those are indeed crotchless panties.

2011 Dreams

A very happy new year to you all!

There's something about a road trip that just makes my heart burst and as 2010 took a bow, Cape Town greeted us with many beautiful scenarios that spoke to my soul!

I had the pleasure of meeting Zelda and her husband Richard who wanted me to take photographs of their daughter Cheyenne at De Grendel Farm.

The lovely couple dote on their little girl, who has the warmest temperament and sweetest smile. When the shoot was over, Craig and I stood in the baking Cape Town sun chatting away to our new found friends. I hope to see you all again real soon!

Moving into the new year I'm compelled to start my own 365 photography project which I think I'll start today. While going through my pictures from Cape Town it becomes apparent that my love for childrens photography far outweighs the other photographic avenues I could explore.

This year I will continue with my child / family outdoor portraiture, your comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Wishing you all much love, happiness and success in 2011.

Little Love

Every photographer has their niche, an industry that they lean toward and eventually specialize in. For some the reminder of their own wedding day motivates them to re-live the electric nostalgia through other brides, while those who enjoy the structure of studio shooting with its predictable lighting and props flourish when new faces appear for their family portraits.

I've noticed that while I love taking unposed, natural photographs my client base and possibly favourite subject matter are 18 - 24 month old toddlers with their carefree and unplanned moods, expressions and characters. Don't get me wrong, I love capturing people at their most natural and unexpected best, in a crowd of corporate employees enjoying a sing along at a teambuilding event. I appreciate the moments when I can shoot fundraising events and donate my time to causes such as CANSA as I did 2 weeks ago. I thrive on the photojournalistic opportunities of 40th birthday parties and traditional weddings.

There is, however, one thing that cannot be substituted or faked and that is the genuine appreciation parents have for their childrens photographs and the joy it brings them to see their little families at their best, captured forever in time. Its the moments such as their children's laugh captured alongside butterflies and soapy bubbles, or when a little girl shows her parents her newly discovered belly button. :D

Moving onto 2011 I look forward to not only developing my skills overall but meeting a whole new set of growing families and sharing their intimate moments together. For now I've found my niche, although it doesn't define my talents nor is it set in stone. It is the one thing that makes me just as happy and fulfilled taking part in as it makes the family seeing the final results. There will be corporate functions, farewells, launches and product shoots. There will be baby showers and personal profiles but the greatest of all these things, is LOVE.

See you through the lens!