Sunkissed Studio

1. Take us through your journey to becoming a wedding photographer.

I’ve always loved photography. However, before I became a fulltime photographer, I worked as a fashion designer where I was inspired by all the gorgeous images in fashion editorials. At my work we always had inhouse cameras to use for product shots, but I bought my own digital camera soon after my son was born. My editing was quite grungy in the beginning, as was my design style, but once I did my first photography course and learned the ins and outs of my equipment, I knew that my camera was going to be my favourite tool for expressing my creativity. I love to photograph people, so weddings and portraits are my main focus.

2. You consider yourself as a classic contemporary storyteller, tell us more about this.

A classic image for me is simple and timeless, with all of the elements of a good photograph coming together harmoniously in one moment. It’s the photograph that will be printed and framed and shown to your grandchildren proudly. Decades from now it will still be relevant and beautiful.

While I love a classic image, I dont like all of my images to be posed. It tells a far better story when when you are relaxed and laughing, walking, dancing and playing. The contemporary aspect of my style comes into the way I gently direct you during the photo shoot without obstructing the flow of positive energy and the fun element of the moment.

3. Your favourite photograph?

After 10 years as a photographer I can't choose a favourite. I usually have at least 3 new favourites after each photo shoot. That said, The image on my business card is definitely right up there as an all time favourite! I took the set of photos about 8 years ago in my dining room, using natural light. They are so dreamy and perfectly reflect the kind of portrait that I love to create.

4. What makes a good photograph?

Any image that evokes emotion is good. Technically, a combination of a visually pleasing composition, interesting subject matter and perfect light is what makes a photograph good.

5. What do you like most about being a wedding photographer?

The wedding day in itself is pure magic. Everyone is looking their best, everything is perfectly pretty. The couple are so in love, the parents are all emotional, the friends are ready to party. The whole atmosphere is thick with emotion and I get to translate that into images that will help them remember how they felt on that day for the rest of their lives. I love that the families always ask me how I know the bride. I just have to smile, because even though I barely know her at all, I have been with her from the moment she was dressing and close by her through the day. I carry her garter and her lipstick in my camera bag, and help her with her veil. Anyone would think we were friends for years. This is an important element of my work, because I don't want them to feel like they hired a stranger who didn't care at their wedding, but rather a friend who is invested in their special day. I often cry at weddings . . . ok I always cry. It is my belief that if I stop feeling emotional at weddings, then I should stop photographing them.

6. Do you remember the first wedding you photographed?

My very first wedding was a real challenge, one of the moms at my kids school convinced me to take her wedding photos. It was a newbie photographer’s nightmare, portraits on the beach at noon in summer, and should have put me off weddings for life. Seems it did the opposite! My first few weddings were through friends and family, I only started advertising once I had a portfolio to show, and had a better idea of what equipment to use and how a typical wedding day flows.

7. If you could travel anywhere in the world with your camera, where would it be?

This is the hardest question. I have travelled, but there is so much more I want to see. I want to go everywhere. If I was funded to go to one destination now, I would choose London and take my son with me so that we could do the most epic, moody Assassin’s Creed inspired steampunk shoot. I would want him to see where his ancestors originate from and just create some special memories with him.

8. Other than being a photographer, what are your other passions / interests?

I am a creative person and I like making beautiful things. I derive great joy from making flower crowns and headdresses for photo shoots, and make custom orders for clients. This has fast become a sideline business for me, as well as an alternative creative outlet. I love reading and watching movies, holidays on the beach and strolls in nature. I love to laugh and drink wine and cuddle my cats.

9. What is the best way to get in touch?

Email: photography@sunkissedstudio.co.za Facebook: Sunkissedstudio Photography Instagram: @Sunkissedstudio

www.sunkissedstudio.co.za