These first photos are stripped away from the expectations of “having great decor” or “posing for your wedding pictures” and they reflect what couples should do on their wedding day and that is have fun and be in love!

I know this is easier said than done as one’s wedding can be very overwhelming and you might end up almost not being yourself. I would urge couples who feel that way on their wedding day rather to then take a moment, slip away from the guests and “breathe”. Once you relax you will enjoy the day so much more.

I was recently asked by a client what makes a great wedding? My answer was simply, couples who enjoy themselves!

They had their wedding at one of most the beautiful and scenic Cape Winelands venues Vrede&Lust.

I am so happy and excited about this! I did it again! (First time was for 2009 click here) One of my photos was awarded as part of Junebugweddings.com Best of the best wedding images of 2011 from around the world! Every year they bring out a Fashion report where they select according to them the best wedding photography images of the year. This accolade has become so sought after that it  attracts the very best wedding photographers from around the globe to enter the competition.

Junebug states: “Filled with phenomenal photographs from talented wedding photographers around the world, this year’s collection is sure to inspire and delight. From stunning portraits to candid emotions, to extraordinarily innovative perspectives, these images show the power and artistry of wedding photography at its finest.” This is what their email stated: “After carefully reviewing nearly 5,000 photos, we are thrilled to let you know that one of your stand-out images was chosen for inclusion in our Best of the Best 2011 Wedding photo Collection!”

Here is the image they choose:

Please view the full collection of amazing images here: Best of the Best 2011

We were allowed to submit 10 images per photographer. Here is the other 9 images I submitted:

I must apologize, I haven’t been active on my blog these last 3 months with posting very little. Even those who follow me on Facebook probably think I disappeared. It has in fact been a very, very busy time since October. I shot many gorgeous weddings all around SA and London, did some very cool engagement photos, did work for magazines and then…my new studio!

I am very excited about my new office and studio. I looked for an interesting space, in a non typical location and I found it so close to my home! There was a lot of work that had to be done to fix it up, but it was a challenge I loved. Basically: old butchery shop turned into a studio! Peoples reactions to this has been priceless! I loved the challenge to “re-cycle” space and objects! There was many delays and finally I could move in at the very end of December 2011.

I will do a full post on the studio soon when I have had time to settle in.

For now I am focussing on delivering gorgeous memories to my clients of their wedding day and I will post on my blog as soon as possible.

I am so full of ideas for 2012 and there are endless possibilities for my studio, the best is yet to come!

Here are some of the images I photographed in 2011 as re-cap.

I want to share what I have learned over the years of shooting weddings so I can help you improve your photography skills!

In this workshop I will focus on the art and act of making and taking photos.It will be an exploration into the meaning and depths of photography. Very important foundations will be discussed and revisited.

We will do some very creative night time photography and as you know most of the fun at weddings happen during this time!

Some of the topics we will cover include:

- posing techniques – elegant and beautiful

- shooting off camera flash basics

- using video light

- doing great family and group photos

- ceremony coverage

- composition and light will be the most discussed topic!

During the practical shoots I will be coaching you on the spot so be willing to learn!

The Details:

Date: 31 Jan -1 Feb 2012

Venue: Turbine Hall

Bookings- email: jpphotoworkshop@gmail.com

Bring your camera kit, including lenses and flashes and remember to charge the batteries!

All meals and drinks will be included.

Who can attend? This course is intended for photographers who have a good knowledge of the basics of photography. Your skill levels needs to be intermediate to advanced. If you are unsure please email me.

This workshop will leave you inspired and with a greater understanding of photography.

BOOKINGS OPEN 28 December 2011

They had a great idea for a fun element of the reception…Underneath each guest’s napkin was a plastic toy soldier. Whenever the MC blew his whistle the guests had to freeze in the position of their toy soldier…and so I got some really fun shots!