I am a photographer based in Klerksdorp, North-West, South Africa. Photography is not just my hobby, it is my passion. I am not a weekend or part-time photographer, it is my life and all I do. Through dedication, practice, years of trial-and-error I have learnt what makes a good photo. There are many styles of photography and I have not locked myself down to just one. I continuously explore the art of photography,
Saturday, December 31, 2011
My Stock Photography on Shutterstock
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Wedding Photography - How many photos are enough?
When it comes to wedding photography there are many questions to be asked, and much guidance to be given. Even the wedding photographer has the responsibility of ensuring that the photos the wedding couple receives are not just of high standard, but also covers the event with details of the memories as they perceived it. If you miss a shot during a crucial moment the memory of that moment may be lost forever. I have heard of so many couples who received 100 to 150 photos of that most memorable day saying that they wish they had more photos! This is where the photographer has a responsibility of capturing as many shots as possible and provide to option to the wedding couple of supplying more.
In today's digital photography market the digital photo costs virtually nothing as it is just data on a memory card and not wasted film. A professional photographer is hired for their time and skill as capturing great shots. Most people who are getting married may be doing so for the first time and have no idea what to expect when it comes to the work of a professional photographer. The couple expect a number of great shots they want to place in the wedding album which they can showcase to friends and family and keep as a memory of themselves, but there is more to this which is often not considered.
While talking to many people it often becomes apparent that couples often have photos taken by guests and family members, which are often added to a second album, that cover detail missed by the professional photographer. Though this is unavoidable since the professional photographer cannot be everywhere all the time it does express the need for more photos. So this raises the question...
How Many Photos are Enough?
The simple answer is: There is no such thing as too many photos!
During my last wedding I snapped 1976 photos on 4 memory cards. Though care is taken with every shot you will have some failures, but I managed to supply over 1500 "keepers". Considering that there is a WOW factor in about 20% of the shots the client have over 300 stunning photos for their "Official" wedding Album. The extra photos are not wasted as they will find their way to another album to enhance the memory of the day. These photos include moment where guests are greeted with casual handshakes or smiles, kids playing, and aunt smiling at the couple, the dog running between the guests, the grooms' tie between two empty champaign glasses and many more casual shots. The average photographer, professional or not, may not consider many of the shots important or worthy of "Professional" photography, but their is worth in memory of these photos, and the wedding couple deserve these memories.
Whether you are a professional photographer or someone considering wedding photography, think again about how many photos you want to get out of the time you have available.
In today's digital photography market the digital photo costs virtually nothing as it is just data on a memory card and not wasted film. A professional photographer is hired for their time and skill as capturing great shots. Most people who are getting married may be doing so for the first time and have no idea what to expect when it comes to the work of a professional photographer. The couple expect a number of great shots they want to place in the wedding album which they can showcase to friends and family and keep as a memory of themselves, but there is more to this which is often not considered.
While talking to many people it often becomes apparent that couples often have photos taken by guests and family members, which are often added to a second album, that cover detail missed by the professional photographer. Though this is unavoidable since the professional photographer cannot be everywhere all the time it does express the need for more photos. So this raises the question...
How Many Photos are Enough?
The simple answer is: There is no such thing as too many photos!
During my last wedding I snapped 1976 photos on 4 memory cards. Though care is taken with every shot you will have some failures, but I managed to supply over 1500 "keepers". Considering that there is a WOW factor in about 20% of the shots the client have over 300 stunning photos for their "Official" wedding Album. The extra photos are not wasted as they will find their way to another album to enhance the memory of the day. These photos include moment where guests are greeted with casual handshakes or smiles, kids playing, and aunt smiling at the couple, the dog running between the guests, the grooms' tie between two empty champaign glasses and many more casual shots. The average photographer, professional or not, may not consider many of the shots important or worthy of "Professional" photography, but their is worth in memory of these photos, and the wedding couple deserve these memories.
Whether you are a professional photographer or someone considering wedding photography, think again about how many photos you want to get out of the time you have available.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Model Portfolios
I am often asked by people how they can become a photographic model, but answering the question is not a simple one line sentence. The are many aspects to becoming a photographic model for fashion, advertising, etc.
You have to decide if it is a career path you wish to follow, or just something you want to do in your spare time. If you have a job you must consider your availability for shoots (which may be on the other side of the country or even the world!). Initialy it may not be a problem, but if you are good enough and present a style that is popular and people really start to call on you you may find yourself away from home often.
You also need to be discovered. The way to do this is to have a portfolio put together. A portfolio needs to consist of a number of photos from head-shots to half-length to full length. You need a number of different poses and VERY important...emotion or expressions!
If you have 20 photos of the same expression it is not going to do much for your portfolio, so stand in front of the mirror and practice a few emotions and expressions and try to get them looking righ/good in the mirror before you go for your portfolio shoot.
Make-up and hair is also important. When you go for a portfolio shoot, get a friend who can do make-up and hair to join you. Changing your hair and make-up enhances your portfolio and the "looks" you can portray.
The outfits you choose are also important. You cannot have the same outfit in every photo! Consider a few outfits that you can change to quickly and feel comfortable in and flatter you as a photographic model. A few suggestions would be a nice pair of jeans with a comfortable loose top, a tighter top and even a gym top. A pair of slacks with a more formal look and different shoes. A nice dress or two (one dark coloured and one light). Consider outfits which you can mix together for a different look. A bathing costume or bikini is also recommended if you are planning on becoming a photographic model as many agents may require this.
When choosing your photographer for your portfolio you must also consider their skill in editing. Changing colour, contrast, saturation or adding frames is NOT EDITING! Changing all your photos to Black & White with a few effects is NOT EDITING! Editing is where your photographer knows how to enhance your features, remove small blemishes, correct lighting on skin, remove/correct skin texture and even perform body sculpting. No-one is perfect and every photographic model appearing in every magazine of fashion photograph has had editing done. This is commonly referred to as Photoshopping although a professional photographer rarely would use only Photoshop for fashion editing.
If you do not have a list of agencies, enquire with you photographer if they can provide a list of agencies you can submit your portfolio to.
I do portfolio photography for prospective photographic and fashion models and include editing for artificial makeup, facial restructuring, eye-enhancement, body sculpturing and skin reconstruction. I provide a list of 32 South African Agencies where you can submit your portfolio. I can also assist with correct posing to enhance the look that I know agents look for in the models they choose.
You have to decide if it is a career path you wish to follow, or just something you want to do in your spare time. If you have a job you must consider your availability for shoots (which may be on the other side of the country or even the world!). Initialy it may not be a problem, but if you are good enough and present a style that is popular and people really start to call on you you may find yourself away from home often.
You also need to be discovered. The way to do this is to have a portfolio put together. A portfolio needs to consist of a number of photos from head-shots to half-length to full length. You need a number of different poses and VERY important...emotion or expressions!
If you have 20 photos of the same expression it is not going to do much for your portfolio, so stand in front of the mirror and practice a few emotions and expressions and try to get them looking righ/good in the mirror before you go for your portfolio shoot.
Make-up and hair is also important. When you go for a portfolio shoot, get a friend who can do make-up and hair to join you. Changing your hair and make-up enhances your portfolio and the "looks" you can portray.
The outfits you choose are also important. You cannot have the same outfit in every photo! Consider a few outfits that you can change to quickly and feel comfortable in and flatter you as a photographic model. A few suggestions would be a nice pair of jeans with a comfortable loose top, a tighter top and even a gym top. A pair of slacks with a more formal look and different shoes. A nice dress or two (one dark coloured and one light). Consider outfits which you can mix together for a different look. A bathing costume or bikini is also recommended if you are planning on becoming a photographic model as many agents may require this.
When choosing your photographer for your portfolio you must also consider their skill in editing. Changing colour, contrast, saturation or adding frames is NOT EDITING! Changing all your photos to Black & White with a few effects is NOT EDITING! Editing is where your photographer knows how to enhance your features, remove small blemishes, correct lighting on skin, remove/correct skin texture and even perform body sculpting. No-one is perfect and every photographic model appearing in every magazine of fashion photograph has had editing done. This is commonly referred to as Photoshopping although a professional photographer rarely would use only Photoshop for fashion editing.
If you do not have a list of agencies, enquire with you photographer if they can provide a list of agencies you can submit your portfolio to.
I do portfolio photography for prospective photographic and fashion models and include editing for artificial makeup, facial restructuring, eye-enhancement, body sculpturing and skin reconstruction. I provide a list of 32 South African Agencies where you can submit your portfolio. I can also assist with correct posing to enhance the look that I know agents look for in the models they choose.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Studio ready for Shoots
The move to my new place was a mess as all moves are. Setting up the new studio was fun and exciting, but also a bit of a mess to get the setup just right. After finding all the little bits I needed and assembling all the rigs I finally have a proper rigged studio and I am ready for some studio photography!
Here is a glance at what the new studio looks like!
Here is a glance at what the new studio looks like!
Monday, May 30, 2011
A Cage Fight and Night-life
This weekend was again a nice weekend of photography. I got to shoot a cage fight event at Rio Casino Conference Centre, Resort Hotel and Casino on Saturday evening. After the fight my girlfriend and I explored town a little and I managed to grab another few great photos of night-life in the entertainment scene.
A few photos from local clubs/pubs
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