Roedean School for Girls (SA) contacted us to take some commercial photographs of the school.  The brief was” Inspiring a life of significance”  As you can see all the girls in the photos are silhouetted giving the photos the feel that it could be any girl in the world attending this heritage-filled school.

We thoroughly enjoyed the this new challenge to be very creative within  a school environment and would reccomend commercial photography to anyone out there.  Then there was also the element of working together closely with some of the pupils and teachers of the school and I would

like to thank the science teachers and the Nicky down at St Margaret’s (GR1) for all their effort in helping us out with everything from blue chemicals in test tubes to getting the “littlies” to hang upside down on the monkey bars.  As commercial photographers we love the challenge of

following every brief to the tee (and then add a little bit of creative flair) so that we can provide the client with an excellent product at the end of the day.

Riani

The ladies from Heilie Clothing held THE FASHION SHOW OF THE YEAR last night at their showroom in Winchester Hills.  The whole idea was to free your mind and let go of your inhibitions… Glass Angels was the inspiration for the fashion show and fittingly some models wore “wings” with their various outfits.

To make the whole experience more personal they decided to have the fashion show at their showroom in Winchester hills.  They added funky lighting, a marquee tent outside with comfy chairs and a “lounge area” with comfortable scatter cushions where you could just chill…

Staying true to their company colours delicious blue cocktails was served as welcome drinks for all of the guests attending this event.  (They looked awesome)

They made a funky runway down through a passage which was aptly decorated with disco balls hanging from the roof (this really completed the look and feel of the clothing and jewellery.

Every model walked down this catwalk looking like she owned the world and the only explanation for this is that clothing from Heilie fashion are cut in such a way that you feel sexy and comfortable (which is a bonus for every woman wanting to look beautiful)

There was something for each and every personality type.  Barbara-Anne Puren was the MC and entertained guests with her Angelic voice and her saxophone  (very cool)

There was “catsuits” with various accessories like a corsette waist, beautifully cut jackets and trenchcoats and some even had a big flower or two adorning the shoulders…

Let me tell you a story about Heilie clothing jeans, apparently they are the best fit you will ever find (seeing that it is designed and made by women, for women) and you will most likely wear one size smalller

They also introduced the men’s designer shirts from Peter Stone.  Designed for the South-African male who want to look successful and stylish.  They are made to fit over the shoulder whilst being slightly tailored at the waist.  There was so many beautiful (and creative) items that every woman in JHB would find something she just HAS to have   Ladies this was an extra ordinary event and I look forward to the next one… lol)

Riani

You have probably heard this a million times, but the secret behind great photographers is that htey have developed an eye for lighting.  Watching the sun at different times of the day and how it reflects form walls, on plants, on someone’s face etc.

This also rings very true when trying to take photos of silhouettes.  A photo with a bright background and only an outline of a person or subject matter.  The key is to make sure your subject is in front of a bright background and then using your camera and setting the exposure to expose for the brightest part of the photo.

This will ensure that your subject matter is dark and only shows the outline with a well exposed background.  This can make for very eye catching, dramatic photos.  The kind which will make you look twice.

Don’t you just love this photo!   Roedean private girls school in South Africa commissioned us to do these silhouette photographs for them as part of redoing the image of the school as well as for their new marketing campaign for 2010.  Our aim was to capture girls silhouetted indifferent parts of the school so as to signify that it could be any girl at this magnificent school.

Roedean school os full of heritage, this school has existed for more than 100 years and they just have a historical tale for just about everything in this school.  It is such a privilege for Louise and I to be part of this heritage and share in everything they stand for.

In photography you will always be really good at some area or another, be it photographing people, cars or food.  The others you will just have to work that little bit harder.  So my advice to anyone trying to capture great silhouette photos is to never stop experimenting.  PS-Time of day is also a very important factor.  The sun needs to be very low in the sky (early morning or late afternoon) to help make your photographic journey a little bit easier!

Riani

We have photographed countless weddings for overseas couples so I thought today I would write a quick blog on tips on planning your African Destination wedding 8000km’s or more away…

Imagine taking the plunge and saying ‘I do’  by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean or in the heart of the bushveld somewhere in Africa.

South-Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and is the perfect country to get married in because it is a vastly big country with a rich diversity of cultures and gorgeous surroundings.  You can choose from almost every possible choice from having your wedding on a beach in picturesque Mozambique or getting married in the bush (true african wedding style) and even having your wedding photos taken with African Lion Cubs. And as a bonus most South Africans are laid back and fun-loving and visitors always feel instantly at home.

When getting married in Africa (or any overseas location for that matter) be on the lookout for a wedding venue who offers a one-stop service and are able to organise everything from a venue to a minister, to catering, decorations etc.  Each event is individually planned and, with everything taken care of prior to the your arrival, your peace of mind is guaranteed.

It is a good idea to try and book your African wedding venue and South-African wedding photographer a year in advance for a large wedding, while smaller wedding celebrations can be arranged within 48 hours.  Services such as ministers, decor and flowers can be organised at shorter notice but keep in mind that will be subject to availability.

Wedding licenses takes roundabout 2 days to be processed.  Legal requirements in South-Africa include couples’ passports, copies of previous marriage/divorce documents and birth certificates.  Your wedding minister will then be able to perform the service and arrange all legal documentation.  The only limitation concerning you African wedding venue is that the signing of the register needs to take place under a roof.

Then lastly, remember that the sky is the limit… If you do all the necessary research and planning you can have your wedding in africa exactly the way you have always seen it in your wildest dreams

Riani