We have had an incredible year. As you may have noticed, the last two-an-a-half months have been less about my work with clients and more about figuring out the beauty of shooting without a plan. Getting shots on film sets, photographing friends over the holidays, freezing in the snow to get a great landscape… all of these things have added to the flame in my heart to find stunning and emotive images. But, aside from that I’ve been putting lots of energy into other creative things: painting, writing music, and going deeper with my husband.

I’ve been trying to write the text for this post for about an hour now and I keep coming up dry. The fact that I’m in South Africa, filming a movie, is so bizarre to even say out-loud, and when I try to caption all these amazing photos that tell of our journey, I find it takes away from the experience.

Maybe I’m over-thinking it.

Maybe you can just enjoy.

Here are some shots from the 2nd unit across the Garden Route. We stopped along the way and found unique, hidden locations that were destined to be shot on film. From homes made of seashells for the homeless wondering vagabonds to perfect 3 foot waves along the coast-line, we made an effort to stop and soak in the atmosphere of what we wanted to capture on film. Yes, I rode an elephant. Yes, it was unforgettable.

We have been doing so much traveling since I arrived in late August.  I want to photograph every bush, every tree, every wildflower! It’s Spring here so everything is in bloom. Twice now we’ve driven the famous Garden Route to Jeffries Bay, stopping along the way for surfing and various other “wow” factor shots needed for the film. Because of security reasons it’s been quite a challenge to bring my camera with me to all the locations where we are shooting. I’ve been advised not to walk around with an expensive camera around my neck even in very touristy places, so I am extra careful when I want to shoot. More often I just bring my phone and snap shots with Instagram to save the hassle of lugging around a bulky DSLR, but when beckoned, I can’t leave my baby behind. South Africa has truly stolen my heart and I hope these photos can convey why. It’s really about the beauty and the people in this place.

Naturally, when Rahel came to me about doing portraits for her upcoming EP release, I wanted so badly to capture a part of the musical experience with the images. It was the most important thing for both of us. Looking at the photos now I am thankful for the opportunity to have captured not only someone whom I greatly admire as an artist but also as a friend, as well as the chance to contribute to her moving forward into what I know will be a fruitful and exciting music career.

Samuel’s parents and grandparents invited me to join them for an afternoon to photograph a typical time at their lovely home in Hägendorf.  A soft breeze seasoned with a perfect 70 degrees, an apero at my arrival, flowers in full bloom and and afternoon of chasing a cute little boy around as he played and laughed and wondered… it was an easy time. This was my second time photographing Samuel so he was familiar with having a long lens chasing him around for a couple of hours.  I’ve never seen such long, blonde eyelashes in my life! Here are some shots of their sweet family love.

As we enter into the wedding season, I am happy to present to you a lovely couple I had the pleasure of photographing in the Winter first for their engagement and now, their wedding. They kept me laughing the whole afternoon, and I’m sure Ursula thought I was crazy at some point because I kept checking the shots and making loud grunts because of how amazing they looked!

Timon and Ursula, please never stop laughing at and with each other. It’s the perfect medicine. Thank you for allowing me to share part of this day with you both. It was beautiful.