Page 90 - Wedding Essentials & Essential groom Issue 8

Frame by Frame An Interview with
Silver Dune Photography
Q&

How did your passion for photography start? And why did pictures! Create the perfect contrast to those glamorous wed-
you choose Weddings? ding pictures with a cosy home session or by pouring fun and
romance into an exciting activity you both enjoy. A hiking trail or
My first experiences with a digital camera was in 2002. Back a swim in the lagoon of the West Coast National Park could make
then a family friend let me help out in his graphic design studio for a super cool adventurous shoot!
in Oranjezicht and catalogue images was a big part of the job.
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 field of
photography there is a lot of preparation leading up to the shoot, 3. Don’t be 100% reliant on the weather, but don’t stress
but as soon as you arrive on location it’s 100% real and authentic; about it either. Have a back-up location if it’s really miserable
True, heartfelt moments you only get one shot at! I love what I out, but just run with it! If your photographer is good, he / she
do because it’s more than a job. It is life as it happens and to the will be able to create magic in any kind of conditions!
client it means the world.
When doing a Pre-Engagement Photoshoot with Children, what
How would you describe yourself as a photographer? would your advice be to a couple to make the shoot 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
find 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.
What would you say should a couple keep in consideration when
A Boudoir shoot for the bride is becoming quite the craze, how choosing a venue for their shoot?
important would you say is a Boudoir for a bride? And do you offer
Boudoir shoots for brides? E-shoots: Sometimes permits are required to shoot in specific
locations, so just make sure that all the necessary permissions
A boudoir shoot is a great confidence 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! What is your favourite venue for a photoshoot (Inside or Out-
side), and why?
I offer boudoir / intimate sessions upon request.
How to choose!? I’ll go with ‘old, but gold’ and say the beach!
I have noticed that you are a West Coast based photographer, what The golden light lasts forever because the sun sets over the
locations would you recommend for Pre-Engagement photoshoots ocean. Sometimes the sea creates this stunning haze and the
and for Weddings? wind is pure magic for loose hair and flowy 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 As we know, weather is very unpredictable, keeping that in mind,
harsh environment and shelter from elements like wind and sun is what would your advice be to a couple when choosing an outside
scarce, so you learn to work WITH it rather than against it. Wher- 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
What would you say is important to consider when choosing a use props like umbrellas, but don’t stress about the weather too
Photographer for a wedding? much. It makes your pictures all the more unique.
Choose someone experienced who fits well with you as a person. You offer Mentorships, what inspired you to offer mentorships?
Your journey together stretches well beyond the wedding day and what part of the mentorships do you enjoy most
and it’s important that you’ll be able to have a good relationship
with someone you respect and who respects you as a client. Your I love sharing knowledge! I know how frustrating it is when there
wedding pictures are forever so spending a little more on a true is something you just can’t wrap your mind around and it’s so
industry professional is worth every cent! satisfying to help someone get that lightbulb moment. I believe
in community and when we share the love we grow stronger
When a couple wants to do an engagement shoot, what would your together. My heart is happy when I see aspiring photographers
top 3 tips be to the couple when choosing the style of the shoot? flourish!
1. Show who you are as a couple in your engagement

90 | Wedding Essentials