Page 100 - Wedding Essentials & Essential Groom Issue 7

QQ&A With Silver Dune Photography
How did your passion for photography start? And why did 1. Show who you are as a couple in your engagement you choose Weddings? pictures! Create the perfect contrast to those glamorous wed- ding pictures with a cosy home session or by pouring fun and
My rst experiences with a digital camera was in 2002. Back romance into an exciting activity you both enjoy. A hiking trail or then a family friend let me help out in his graphic design studio a swim in the lagoon of the West Coast National Park could make in Oranjezicht and catalogue images was a big part of the job. for a super cool adventurous shoot!
Sometimes we’d just take a drive and do some street photography. 2. Don’t overthink. Sometimes planning something to a Since then I’ve always produced my own images for design jobs. In tee can be so stressful! Just have fun, be spontaneous and feel 2015 I decided to pursue photography full time and I immediately comfortable.
knew that I want to capture weddings. As with any other eld of 3. Don’t be 100% reliant on the weather, but don’t stress photography there is a lot of preparation leading up to the shoot, about it either. Have a back-up location if it’s really miserable but as soon as you arrive on location it’s 100% real and authentic; out, but just run with it! If your photographer is good, he / she True, heartfelt moments you only get one shot at! I love what I will be able to create magic in any kind of conditions!
do because it’s more than a job. It is life as it happens and to the
client it means the world. 7. When doing a Pre-Engagement Photoshoot with Chil-
dren, what would your advice be to a couple to make the shoot How would you describe yourself as a photographer? easier?
I have big love for portraits! My wedding collections are a Kiddies get bored easily and more than likely there will be some marriage between editorial style portraiture and documentary resistance to being told how to sit, stand and where to look all photography. I enjoy a good laugh and when others laugh with me the time. My advice is always to include an activity they enjoy
I am most content. That being said I am an introvert at times, so like playing games or having a picnic. It helps to get pictures hanging back and blending in is comfortable to me. Mostly I try to where the tiny ones are included out the way right at the start nd a human connection with the people I photograph so that they of the shoot so they can play and relax. Having an entertaining forget about the camera all together and just enjoy the moment family member of friend around helps too!
they are in.
8. What would you say should a couple keep in consider- 3. A Boudoir shoot for the bride is becoming quite the ation when choosing a venue for their shoot?
craze, how important would you say is a Boudoir for a bride? And
do you o er Boudoir shoots for brides? E-shoots: Sometimes permits are required to shoot in speci c
locations, so just make sure that all the necessary permissions A boudoir shoot is a great con dence boost for the big day! Posing are granted before the day.
and lighting plays a huge part here, so it’s incredibly important Weddings: Guests spend a large part of the day in the sun, so that you choose a photographer who is very experienced in this make sure that the venue has good shade. Always let your guests style of photography. And why not spice it up and do a steamy know what to expect at the venue in terms of dirt roads and post-wedding couple’s boudoir session!? It’s wonderful to live facilities.
in an age where the visual celebration of our skin and our love is
encouraged! 9. What is your favourite venue for a photoshoot (Inside
I o er boudoir / intimate sessions upon request.
or Outside), and why?
How to choose!? I’ll go with ‘old, but gold’ and say the beach! 4. I have noticed that you are a West Coast based photog- The golden light lasts forever because the sun sets over the
rapher, what locations would you recommend for Pre-Engagement ocean. Sometimes the sea creates this stunning haze and the photoshoots and for Weddings? wind is pure magic for loose hair and owy material. It’s good
exercise too!
Most wedding venues have beautiful scenery in and around the
property and there is always a beach close by. The West Coast is a 10. As we know, weather is very unpredictable, keeping harsh environment and shelter from elements like wind and sun is that in mind, what would your advice be to a couple when choos- scarce, so you learn to work WITH it rather than against it. Wher- ing an outside venue for a Photoshoot?
ever you are on the west coast, shooting during sunset is highly
recommended if you want that soft, romantic glow. Yzerfontein Take something warm, especially near the coast. The chances has long, uninterrupted beaches and beautiful rocky coast lines. are good that there will be wind, but I’ve learned to love it for the Paternoster’s smooth, round rock formations are very special too. beautiful movement it creates. If you want to shoot somewhere
secluded, go in a group and be aware of your surroundings. If
it’s POURING with rain, perhaps consider moving indoors or 5. What would you say is important to consider when use props like umbrellas, but don’t stress about the weather too
choosing a Photographer for a wedding? much. It makes your pictures all the more unique.
Choose someone experienced who ts well with you as a person. 11. You o er Mentorships, what inspired you to o er Your journey together stretches well beyond the wedding day mentorships? and what part of the mentorships do you enjoy and it’s important that you’ll be able to have a good relationship most
with someone you respect and who respects you as a client. Your
wedding pictures are forever so spending a little more on a true I love sharing knowledge! I know how frustrating it is when there industry professional is worth every cent! is something you just can’t wrap your mind around and it’s so
6. When a couple wants to do an engagement shoot, what would your top 3 tips be to the couple when choosing the style of the shoot?
satisfying to help someone get that lightbulb moment. I believe in community and when we share the love we grow stronger together. My heart is happy when I see aspiring photographers ourish!
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