We always say that each family is different, each family is uniquely put together and have their own different dynamic and way they operate. Whether Afrikaans, English, Portuguese or young or old, we get so many diverse and different types of clients who come to visit us, and with each and every shoot, we can remember some vital moments that made that shoot special.

When you have boys you know how hectic things can get – they just tend to be so much more energetic and lively as girls, and can cause havoc in their way if you don’t watch out. We run around after them in the studio, and sometimes get images all taken in the action of the moment, as little kids have everything better to do, than sit still by their own or with a sibling, or with a parent and take a photo. Kids have the most amazing things to say though and they are so entertaining, we still think back to so many small children who said the darndest things in their shoots.

Kids have this amazing ability to just be themselves though, even if they are cross or bubbly, they always give you 100% of themselves, and on a great day, it’s those smiles we want, and those little giggles and laughter’s, to make for images you’ll treasure, and remember your kids’ phases fondly.

Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne

 Cool family photos

We had a husband phoning us recently, telling us just how amazingly beautiful his wife is, and that he wants to honour who she is by giving her a modeling shoot. We thought that very sweet of him, and were very excited to meet him, and the beautiful wife he couldn’t seem to speak enough of.

The couple was so adorable together, and although he wasn’t keen on being in any of the photos, he was very pleased with the result of hers, and we could see how pleased he was that he had decided to book this shoot for her. With our modeling packages we offer, we always try and explain to clients that you don’t have to be a professional model with lots of experience in posing to have a great shoot, we basically mean that we as photographers will guide you well in what you need to do, and that we’ll make sure you get great images even if you aren’t professional.

It’s such a great idea to what to show yourself, or your loved one how amazing you, or they, can look on a photo taken by professionals, and we pride ourselves in taken images, and presenting you with a product, that will leave you in awe of yourself and your beauty.

Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne

Modeling Portfolio Photography

We encourage every single family that come for a photo shoot by us, to have a tremendous amount of fun. The shoot would be very boring if there weren’t an element of fun to it, and we get to see a lighter side of them, enjoying each other and laughing a lot. These photos are the ones that are going to make for some lovely memories, and no one wants to remember the shoot as somber or boring.

We get to laugh together with a family who jokes with each other, and see how sisters giggle together, or brothers wrestling each other.

People are the foundation of what we do at the studio, they are not just our subjects, they get to become family, and they grow on us, and feel like family when they leave. Every family is differently geared up, and has different elements that they consist out of, whether it is smaller, energetic children, or spunky older kids. If one comes with the mentality of just having fun in the studio, it’s exactly what you’re going to have, and be able to love your photos and remember fun times, because that is what makes your family tick, the unit that you are, and the wonderful moments you get to have together.

Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne

 Family fun

Having a good portfolio shoot done, doesn’t necessarily have to be for the means of becoming a model. Many people do not have that dreams, but do wish for great photos of themselves. I will always go out on the argument that anyone can be a great model with some good lighting and great coaching. Very few people are very natural and at ease in front of the camera, and it is the photographer’s responsibility to a degree to make your subject comfortable with the fact that a lens will be in their face. It helps if one has a natural inclination to photographers taken of you, and also a good photographer that is able to guide you in a way that will enhance your features and make the best of your body type.

The trick of any good photograph lies in the lighting of it, because light form a certain angle can either spoil or add magic to a photo. The human shape is so identifiable that even in silhouette it can be recognizes and the viewer will know what it is.

Always try and add dimension to your subject’s space in the image, by either making the background blur and having them stand out, or by creating a rim light, highlighting their outline and shape. There are quite a few ways of adding depth and dimension, and at the end of the day, it can be a huge amount of fun playing around with all that is available to you, to bring that out.

Yolandi Jacobsz

Model Photography

We want our clients to be nothing and no one else, other than whom they are, and it’s always a great idea to bring your own personal paraphernalia of what is true to you, or your family. We have had people who love to ride their bikes, and were kitted out in very cool bikes jackets, chaps and gloves. We have had very musical families who brought their musical instruments together as props. Children also go through stages where a stuffed animal the one moment, and their cricket gear the next would be what is of interest to them.

Making that part of your shoots will make the memory of your photo shoot, a very special one, as pictures are memories frozen in time, and one are able to present the loved ones, like grandmothers- and grandfathers with a gift that will be of who their children and grandchildren specifically were at a certain age or stage.

It always makes for a lot of fun to see the diverse interests of people, and we get to use it in creative ways in the studio. Be sure to include something personal of your own family in your next shoot, it adds a personal touch, and makes for extraordinary photos.

Yolandi Jacobsz

Fun family photos

We recently had the privilege to witness the Complete Lunar Eclipse which took place on the 15th of June.  This was one of the longest lunar eclipses in the existence of humankind where the moon wasn’t visible for up to an 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Starting from around 8:22 pm with the moon completely hidden in plenet Earth’s shadow at roundabout 10:22.  This is also one of few eclipses which could be witnessed all over the whole of Africa (with the exception of West-Africa who would miss the beginning, but could see the rest)  My grandmother always follows the planets on her calendar and so we always learn when to watch for the next sun or lunar eclipse through her

When taking photos of the moon (during a lunar eclipse or any other night for that matter) you will soon find that the moom is really bright and you will be shooting at settings somthing along the lines of F8.0 -for your aperture, 1/800 shutter speed (or higher) and ISO of 200-400 – These settings will vary depending on how much of the moon can be seen.  Notice how your exposure settings change everytime you go out and the moon is showing less and less.

I basically watched the clock and tried to go outside for a photo of the lunar eclipse every 10-15 mins and let me tell you it was freezing, but totally worth it!!!

Riani Labuschagne

Photography tips

Recently I took a trip to Cape Town, and the city didn’t at all fail me. Our country is quite a beautiful country, and there is a vibe in Cape Town, like no other. When traveling, have a camera ready, as so many places and spaces can catch your eye. Sometimes it can be quite a bit of a visual overload, one wouldn’t know where to look, but some pointers, or key things to look for, will be what gives your photos kick at the end of the day.

Active skies are always lovely, great clouds, or even just a very blue sky, makes for great photos, and the very dark blue as the lens bends the light inside the barrel, that happens at the top of the photo, has quite an appealing effect. Look for things with texture, it makes the viewer wonder and want to touch to feel what it would feel like. Things that happen in repetition, like streetlights in a row, also works very well, and tends to lead the eye across the image.

People will always have the most character of all subjects, each and every one is different, and in no other place in the world but South Africa, do we have such diversity, and the Cape coloured people, is extremely lively and rich especially with their way of speaking and their mannerisms. Most people are fine to have their photo taken, if asked so always be courteous and respectful.

Yolandi Jacobsz

Professional Photography