As a young girl I spent hours in my dads darkroom watching the images magically appearing – dreaming of becoming a photographer. I spent most of my youth swooning over Life and National Geographic Magazines.
In 1989 my dream became a reality when I was accepted into to study a 3 year diploma in photography in Durban.
Today I am the Western Cape Manager of SA Professional Photographers (SAPP) and have been behind the lens for 29 years.
My camera is an extension of my core. My being.
I love people and understand the vulnerability one feels when having a portrait taken and have learnt through many years and many shoots how to deal with that in a warm and professional manner. I have been told by many of my clients that I have a gift and to date I do not know one of any of clients have not liked their portraits or weddings.
Weddings have been part of my journey for 29 years and I have the experience to handle whatever challenges may have to be faced on the day (bad weather, no electricity etc.). my ‘new families’ stay with me and I photograph their maternities, births, newborns and milestones in their families. My services often stretch into their corporate portfolios too.
My clients stay with me – my work is consistent. I love what I do.
I own a on-line stock image gallery ‘The Photo Shed” (http://thephotoshed.co.za/) and in 2012 we started teaching photography on location through our company thephotowalkers.com (http://thephotowalkers.com/). Both companies are successful and we have over 5000 aspiring photographers who join us on our Photo-Tours and actively participate in our companies.
Peter is the National President of SAPP and an architecture photographer. He is a master of the built industry and his clients include the industry giants. Under his enormous talent he has guided into the architectural world of interiors and exteriors of buildings and I photograph many AirBnB’s and guesthouses as a result.
My first love in photography is light and how to capture it – and the moments that happen between people. I am fluent in the natural outdoor light, with flashes at events and in a studio.
I hope to meet you.
Leanne
+27 83 293 7208
‘MY PHOTOGRAPHERS CHOICE AWARD’ | 2017 WINNER | “SERIOUS BUSINESS” |
Every year I go through all of my weddings, portraits, families, boudoirs and choose My Favourite Photograph.
There are always a few that ‘hit me’ the moment I click. This year I knew immediately who the winner was – and here is the story behind the pic that I have called “SERIOUS BUSINESS”
‘This young lad was sceptical and wary of me through the entire shoot. He was ‘checking me out’ moving around with my camera and giving direction to his family of 17 members. I was aware of his behaviour and so tried to connect with him during the shoot – which I felt I did …… a little.
Once we wrapped up the shoot in the dunes, the family asked if I would mind taking one or two of them in their boat to which I said sure.
As I headed to the lagoon – he was there – looking at me deeply as if to say ‘I am ready now you can take my photo’. He gave me all of about 45 seconds to adjust my camera to the new light and take just this one photo. The dog was ready too!
It was a very memorable and special moment for me as a photographer.
His family has won a 40 by 60cm fine art canvas print for their wall at home.
What his family said when I told them they had won:
‘How very exciting. You have a wonderful talent.’
(names have been left off by request of the family)