A few weekends ago, I photographed Deidre’s and Ramon’s wedding.  I have been waiting for just the right moment to blog this event, but, to be perfectly honest with you, August has been totally manic!   Even so, here you are, Deidre and Ramon, your post - finally!

It was an utter pleasure to photograph both of you.  We laughed, we dodged ferocious labradors, walked through burnt veld and visited all the lesser-known nooks of Kloofzicht Lodge and yes, Roman, we did indeed manage to get your shoes all dusty!  But, I am certain you’ll agree, it was all worth it in the end!

We were looked after so well by everybody, so thank you both for everything.

We- Had- A- Ball!

Here is your eye-feast of the day;

Last week I was especially fortunate to host a second workshop with Dror and, on that note, I’d like to extend my many thanks to all 25 participants and our Rockstar, who attended Re.Invent II at Forum Homini.

To be totally honest, I was yet again a nervous wreck, but, after the first few questions my nerves seemed to settle.

Here’s my shot from the day, but, from what I’ve seen coming in for critique, the participants’ images blow mine to smithereens.

Fourteen maties arrived. They scavenged the food, found the treasure, broke the piñata and sailed away. Aaaargh!

Captain Oliver thoroughly enjoyed his pirate party on Saturday.

Summer (and colour) is on it's way.

As far as wedding ceremonies are concerned, June and July are considered the inactive months - although, I might add, it has been anything but quiet or idle on my side, with lots of paperwork, editing catch-up and a 6-year-old's pirate party to organise.

Anyhow, I think the bulk of the 'to do' list is over and done with and seeing as the new season's about to start, normal blogging will resume.

Rumbidzai and Bandile were my inaugural couple of the 2010 season and it was a nice, mellow wedding to kick-start proceedings.

I've so many favourite photographs and below are just a handful to allow you a modest glimpse into such a memorable day. I will save my words and let each frame paint the picture.  I'll say one thing though: I have been blessed with having had the opportunity to witness and photograph this beautiful couple.

I am in need of simplicity, rest and revitalisation. . . a short break from my daily obligations.

The studio will be closed from the 7th August - 12th August 2010.

(All emails and phonecalls will be answered on my return)

We now need a model for the workshop.  Any takers out there?   .... anyone?

 
It will be a fun afternoon with a trash-the-dress theme of shooting - although, I promise your wedding frock will not be ruined. We tend to attract very adventurous personalities, so should you sway towards the self-assured, then you're also more than welcome.

If you are predisposed to being photographed by 20 different people, and prepared to stand in the most ridiculous spots, then please email us at bookings@theworkshops.co.za to lay your hands on more details.

Madelaine, a very talented make-up artist, has kindly agreed to do make up and we will provide you with the images submitted together with a couple of prints.

Happy Birthday Oli!   Oh, how I love you so.

The boys (and cousin Angelique) were treated to a helicopter ride this weekend.

 
And so life goes on... no more procrastination and no World Cup to blame...its back to work we go, Hi Hoo!

Other news from this end; 
On the workshop front, there have been many requests to host yet another forum.  I am super excited to annouce that I will be hosting RE.INVENT II with Dror.  We have packed in some extra bits on marketing and branding, a model shoot and practical shooting tips on how to shoot decor.

If you are interested in joining us, then carry on reading here. Last time seats sold out pretty fast, so I would suggest if you are interested book now - as we will once again keep the numbers low so that we have a small group. 
 

In other splendid news, Admired in Africa has re-launched with a spanking-new look and I'm thrilled to bits to be one of the photogaphers featured.  I also love the fact one of my images was used in the header. (Blowing that trumpet vuvuzela again).

That's it from my side.

 
I think it is almost impossible for an adult to fully grasp just how exciting a funfair is to small children - the colour, the characters, the clatter of rides, the glitter of the circus. . .and let's not forget the candy floss; pure sugar goodness melting in your mouth, which can only be eaten messily with your hands.

Our simple, every-day life.

In the future, I'm sure I will treasure these pictures, no matter how dirty or mismatched their choice of clothing may be. Pictures to remind me how time is flying by and how quickly these simple, but precious moments will pass.

On the photography side, however, it's been a good week, as we were nominated for two VOW awards, along with news two of our portrait images and a wedding portfolio also succeeded to the finals of the African Photographic Awards.  Oh, and to put the cherry on the cake, two of our clients' weddings were featured in the latest Wedding Inspirations Magazine.

So, from a low-key perspective, it's been quite a fairly decent week.

OK, my apologies, as I do realise self-satisfaction can be awfully annoying.  In fact, my intention was to be all modest and humble and not to blow my own trumpet, but, sod it; I'm chuffed to the nines with the news!