A Cullinan wedding.

Recently I went along with hair and make up artist, Claire Calvert, to grab a few shots of the bridal preparations at wedding at which she was booked to make the bridal party look beautiful.
The event took place in Cullinan the site where the Cullinan Diamond was found. At the time it was the world's largest diamond. The stone is now part of the British Royal Family's Crown Jewels.
I was not the primary photographer, in fact I never even got to see the bridegroom and when the bride got into the car and headed for the church we packed up and went home.
Still, it was fun. Here are a few of the images I got that day, naturally all shot on film -- and yes, that is a DELIBERATE double exposure!

Newtown with a toy camera.

Recently I took a stroll around Newtown, Johannesburg, the site of the city's old market. Built in 1913 to serve the growing population of the expanding mining town, today it is home to Museum Afrika and the Market Theatre.
These pictures were shot with a plastic Holga toy camera that I am growing to like more and more. In fact I like it that muc that I am going to start using it in my wedding and portrait work.
And yes, the opening image in the spread is a DELIBERATE double exposure!

Rain and this Johannesburg wedding photographer

I am beginning to think I have super-powers and should be called "the Rain-maker" -- but don't tell prospective brides who want to hire me!
The last couple of weddings I've done have all had one thing in common -- rain and rapidly-changing, poor light.
Danielle and Wimpie's wedding was not different. When we arrived at the venue, the Thatchery in Muldersdrift, it was overcast and threatening to rain but every few minutes a gap in the clouds would appear and bright sunlight streamed through.
Then moments later that gap would close again and the light would again quickly become gloomy and dull. The result was constant checking of exposures -- that is one disadvantage of shooting film, on digital you have instant feedback. But then, on the other hand, film can handle the changing light and extreme contrast far better. Swings and roundabouts!
To cap it all, in the midde of the ceremony, the heavens opened forcing everyone to scurry for cover. Did I mention it was an outdoor wedding? This meant some photos had to shot with the couple standing under a large umbrella held by someone hiding behind the groom. In truth, he did a pretty good job keeping out of view.
In some cultures it is supposed to be a good omen if it rains on your wedding day. If that is the case, Danielle and Wimpie can look forward to a long and happy life.
But all in all it worked out well. The photos look good and tell the couple's story.
They can be viewed here.