How It All Started
Taryn found me online and connected with my work straight away. That kind of message is always one of the best things to receive. Before their wedding, she and Manoli decided to do an engagement shoot, which I really enjoy doing.
These shoots are a great way for the couple and the photographer to get comfortable with each other. Even though I’m very easy to work with, it still helps to walk into the wedding already knowing each other a bit.
The Shoot in Ballito
They flew me up to Ballito in KwaZulu Natal. We had chosen a beach location, and the couple had also discovered an old building right on the edge of the beach. It was covered in bright graffiti and had exactly the kind of quirky charm that works well in photos and us photographeres love! The colours popped, the light was beautiful and the weather played along perfectly.
Working With Taryn and Manoli
Manoli is quiet by nature, but he came across incredibly well in front of the camera. Taryn brought this lovely energy too, and the two of them together looked amazing. They could have been in a print ad.
When I shoot, I prefer to give gentle prompts or suggestions rather than firm posing. That way it still feels natural and allows the couple to make the moment their own. It also removes the pressure and makes the experience enjoyable instead of stiff or awkward. The photos really flowed from there.
And just to mention it, Ballito beach sand is nothing like Cape Town's. It feels more like sea salt than sand LOL!