Photographer,
ANOTHER
JUST
"Not
I'm
bridesmaid"
YOUR
SIXTH
The heart I've been capturing stories with for the past nine years, has remained
the same.
When I was sixteen, I got my first camera. I honestly had no idea how it worked, but it didn't stop me from trying to take photographs. I remember strolling through my grandfather's garden at that time. The garden was big and well manicured. I can still smell the fresh cut grass and the sun beaming though the leaves.
It was autumn. My mother grew up here. Golden leaves were falling down and I remember how I asked my little sister and mom to pick up the multi-coloured leaves and throw it up in the air.
They didn't question my vision. They just went with it. It was their laughter and pure joy that sparked something in me.
Over the years I have kept journals. I would paste photos of my family, friends, special memories and accompany it with poems and short stories I've written. Looking back now, I can see how my style and skill has developed over the years, but one thing has remained the same - the feeling of nostalgia.
After high school I went on to study film thinking I will be the next Steven Spielberg because you know, who doesn't like to dream big? It was during my varsity years where I just absolutely fell in love with weddings. I started assisting a couple of wedding photographers when I was 19 years old, to earn my own pocket money.
It was when I got a backstage pass to weddings that I found my passion.
One moment that completely shifted my perspective on the role I play in people's memories happened back in 2018. I was photographing a wedding in Pretoria and by the end of the reception I was packing up my gear when I saw this elderly man sitting by himself. Completely content. At first, I ignored my intuition to take a photo of him, but of course my intuition got the better of me and I got my camera out again and snapped a photo of him.
When he realised I was taking a photo of him, he flashed me the biggest smile and did a little wave with both his hands. I smiled, packed up my gear and went home. A month after I delivered the full gallery to the bride I got a call from her. Her uncle passed away and she wanted to thank me for the photo I took of him. "We used it as the photo for the funeral and it just completely showcased his personality and heart so well. It's the most precious photo in our entire gallery, thank you."
From that day on, I never second guessed whether I should take the photo. Take the damn photo! Use it, don't use it. But you never know how much a moment means until it's gone. That shifted my whole approach of storytelling to include everyone who was there and not just the bride and groom.
The intimacy between souls. The quick glances and anticipation of moments. The fleeting romances and tearful reunions. We will never have those moments again. We will only have the memories.
When he realised I was taking a photo of him, he flashed me the biggest smile and did a little wave with both his hands. I smiled, packed up my gear and went home. A month after I delivered the full gallery to the bride I got a call from her. Her uncle passed away and she wanted to thank me for the photo I took of him. "We used it as the photo for the funeral and it just completely showcased his personality and heart so well. It's the most precious photo in our entire gallery, thank you."
From that day on, I never second guessed whether I should take the photo. Take the damn photo! Use it, don't use it. But you never know how much a moment means until it's gone. That shifted my whole approach of storytelling to include everyone who was there and not just the bride and groom.
The intimacy between souls. The quick glances and anticipation of moments. The fleeting romances and tearful reunions. We will never have those moments again. We will only have the memories.
"Everything about your wedding should be genuinely you. So why settle for mementos that don’t feel like you?"
Although I absolutely love being a photographer, I'm more than just that. I'm a wife, friend, sister, daughter and dog mom.
My husband and I absolutely love the cinema. We love the entire experience. The smell of popcorn, the anticipation built with the trailers and the hour long discussions of the film afterwards.
I will always value experiences over materialistic things. Therefor offering my clients a good and personalised experience is vital to me. Maya Angelou once said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel".
That stuck with me.
I always want people to feel that I leave them better than how I received them. And that is my main focus with my client experience.
1. I'm happiest when surrounded by my friends and family.
2. Romantic comedies are my favourite back ground movies to watch while
editing.
3. I love wine. Red or white. We can go wine tasting any day.
4. Add champagne to the list too!
5. I'm a massive foodie and I love to cook!
6. I really enjoy karaoke (a little too much!)
7. My love language is gifts! I love to spoil people and make them feel good
and valued.
8. I can also go for sushi. Anytime, anywhere.
9. My heart will also feel a little happier at the beach.
10. I value discipline, being on time and vulnerabilty.
1. I'm happiest when surrounded by my friends and family.
2. Romantic comedies are my favourite back ground
movies to watch while editing.
3. I love wine. Red or white. We can go wine tasting
any day.
4. Add champagne to the list too!
5. I'm a massive foodie and I love to cook!
6. I really enjoy karaoke (a little too much!)
7. My love language is gifts! I love to spoil people and
make them feel good and valued.
8. I can also go for sushi. Anytime, anywhere.
9. My heart will also feel a little happier at the beach.
10. I value discipline, being on time and vulnerability.
I'm going to be real with you. I like "pretty photos" too. There is something about editorial photographs that just makes me go wow but...
my heart is invested to capture the moments that makes you feel most alive! Moments that move you! That's what really counts.
I want to focus more on you as a couple and your story. I draw inspiration from who you are. Your love languages, your personalities, your taste in music, movies and your amazing or awkward dance moves. Things that make you unique as a couple - that's what I'm here to capture.
Everything about your wedding should be genuinely you. So why settle for momentos that don't feel like you? I like to describe my approach as hanging out with your friend. Your wedding photos will forever reflect how I saw and experienced your wedding, which is why its so important that we share a connection. That's why I'm your sixth bridesmaid. I will be one of the people who actually spends the most time with you on your special day - which is why I'm your hype team! I'm here for the real, raw and unscripted moments. No matter how ugly or teary. I'm here for the journey.
"Your wedding photos will forever reflect my perspective of your wedding day. How I saw it, which is why it's so important that we share a connection"
