Natalie and Johan

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Natalie and Johan got married on a super windy day in PE and their wedding was beautiful! The love really radiates from these two... it is so wonderful to see and even better to photograph.

I really found it difficult to narrow down the photos for the blog post, so this is a bit of a long one... but it is well worth it. You will also notice that I changed up the blog post format so you get to see bigger photos. Enjoy :)

The Conradie Family

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I recently had the great pleasure of doing a second shoot for Simoné and Quintus... but this time little Berto joined us. He is just to cute for words! Our last shoot was a pregnancy shoot and they have come so far since then! Simoné is one of my very dear friends and it is so special to see her happy family and her little boy growing so quickly.

Quintus runs a family transport company and we quickly decided to use the depot as the backdrop for the shoot. It was wonderful to be able to photograph this family doing what they love and having fun in a 'comfortable' space. I would encourage any family wanting to do a shoot to think of locations that are special to them. The results are worth it :)

Before we head into photos, I'd just like to take a moment to thank everyone for their patience and support during the height of the wedding season. I promise photos are coming to the blog as soon as I get a gap between editing and shooting :)

Featured!

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If you have not been on Facebook, Google+ or Twitter today, then you probably have not seen my endless posts about how excited I am to have Michele and Dave's carnival engagement shoot featured on Oh Darling Bride :) Well, I am just that... excited!

Click here to go check it out :)

Krystal and Paul's Engagement Shoot

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Krystal, Paul and I got together in what felt like the second hottest day of the year. The hottest day was over 40 degrees... so we will settle with second hottest. And on this (second) hottest day, Krystal and Paul managed to pull it together and posed prettily under a hot bus shelter and in an even hotter stable. Despite the heat we came up with some totally magical photos - and even managed to sneak in a shot in support of movember :)

I have to say (again) how amazingly blessed I am to have clients like these two. Fun, outgoing, a little crazy, and completely down to earth. Totally looking forward to the wedding guys :) 8 sleeps and counting!

Davene and Neal's Engagement Shoot

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Singa Lodge was gracious enough to allow us to use their premises for this engagement shoot - and all I can says is that it is gorgeous! I would have loved to snap away at the rooms and the amazing details, but there was something more important to photograph :) 

Davene and Neal were such a blast, and even though the shoot started quite late (and the skies turned overcast), we still made the best of the light we had and didn't let PE weather stop us.

Thanks for an amazing shoot guys! I am truly looking forward to your big day... let the countdown begin xxx

Rolecia's Kitchen Tea

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Wow wow wow is all I can say about this kitchen tea. It was so creative and such amazing idea. By the time I arrived, the ladies had all settled into scrapping and being creative at Scrapbook Nook in Walmer. Their mandate was to each produce a page with a recipe of their choice and a photo of themselves. All the recipes then got compiled into one album which Rolecia will (I am sure!) cherish and use often in her new life with Leon :)

The small bakery/cafe on premises delivered gorgeous cupcakes, madeleines, and other yummy goodies for everyone to tuck into. So fun, laughter, and good food was the order of the day.

Scrapbook Nook can be contacted on 041 581 4514, or visit their website for more info.

Charlotte's Portrait Session

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Waaaaay back when I photographed Benjamin and Georgina, Charlotte and I took some time after the shoot to do portraits in her old wedding dress. It was so peaceful in her garden, and the twins were munching on lunch so we had a decent amount of time to spend on the photos... and they are just too beautiful not to share!

The 2011 Worldwide Photo Walk

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The 2011 Worldwide Photo Walk was set to be held on 02 October, and I was privileged enough to be leading the walk. The route was planned out, kms measured, city council on alert, letters printed, name tags sorted... and then the heavens opened and it rained. Rained I tell you!

So, along with the few people who did turn up on that cold and squishy morning, a decision was made to head on down to The Boardwalk to mess around in the rain and have some early morning Wimpy coffee.

Even though I was tasked with 'taking photos of the photo walkers', I managed to take a few photos of my own :) Justin was there to support and help out. With nothing much to do, he then became my puddle jumper. Judith also whipped out a super cool umbrella and became 'super umbrella model'.

All in all, it was fun to hang out with like-minded people who are passionate about photography and don't mind waking up at 06h00 on a Sunday morning to play in the rain :)

Anyway... photos!

Anke and Altus' Engagement Shoot

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Anke and Altus rocked this shoot. We had such fun together, and I must say that it is one of the prettiest shoots I have worked on thus far, so I am extremely proud of it!

We started the shoot off in Central, and then headed on down to the beachfront for some good old ice-cream and fun in the setting sun. By the time we were done, the weather had turned and the sky was beautifully dark and ominous.

To Anke and Altus, thanks for being so much fun! I can't wait for your wedding :)

Michele and Dave's Carnival Themed Engagement Shoot

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I am *incredibly* proud to share this engagement shoot with everyone :)

Michele and Dave are super funky, energetic, and creative - the sort of couple that gets my mind working overtime. When Michele mentioned that she wanted a carnival theme to match the wedding, my heart nearly stopped. Say what? I've entered photographer heaven!

So after weeks of plotting and planning... this is what we came up with. The flowers kindly cooperated and held on for "just a few more days... pleeeeease" (thanks Mother Nature), and the results are just the most colourful, fun, and crazy photos I have ever taken. 

In the words of Mary Murphy (insert southern accent here) "I don't know about you guys, but I like me some quirky in my life! Wooooooo...hooooo..." 

Enjoy :)

Featured!

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Oooo weee... Kirsten from 'The Bride with a Blog' linked me in a wonderful 'featured' message on Facebook this morning. She simply made my day! 

Yay for Rolecia and Leon's photo shoot! To see the feature, visit:

http://thebridewithablog.com/2857/playful-picnic-engagement-shoot/

The Windy City

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I had a little dilemma. The PE wind was getting under my skin. Normally, when things get under my skin, I say something... but I'm sure you can figure out how well that went.

So I did what any photographer should do... I went inside, got my camera, and figured out a way to work the problem into something awesome. After all, its only a problem if you don't know how to deal with it.

So, Its going to be super windy the entire week... if anyone wants to rock some crazy hair pics, give me a ring :)

Lauren and Warren's Spring Engagement Session

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Lauren and Warren make such an amazing couple... which is starting to make me wonder how I manage to get the cream of the crop when it it comes to young, funky, energetic couples in PE? I don't have answers as yet, but I am definitely not complaining :)

We decided to head out to Heatherbank to play in the gorgeous yellow flowers for a little bit. And Lauren brought along Chloe their Yorkie, who was too cute for words! Vertically challenged or not, this doggie made it her mission to see us through the long grass and flowers - even if that meant chomping her way to us.

Might I add that these two seem to have excellent luck... beautiful blue skies with high wispy clouds... on a weekend... in the afternoon... and in PE? Not too often that happens :)

It's my birthday! Well... kind of :)

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Whilst driving around the other day, I suddenly remembered that I started this blog around this time last year. Eish! I nearly forgot my bloggy-b-day!

Well happy birthday dear blog :) Its been a wonderful year of memories and progress in all spheres. But little blog was in need of some TLC so it got a super make-over! A new look and feel, some added pages which will fill up soon I promise. 

I'm so excited that I thought I'd do a giveaway :) Not an average giveaway - average isn't my style. So, for the next two days I will be giving away (yes, for free) hugs and cheek kisses (I have to specify here) to everyone!!! Who's first?

The time spent on this re-design was well worth it :) I hope everyone enjoys the new blog - let me know what you think?

Thanks to everyone who follows and brightens up my days :) 

Nix xxx

Rolecia and Leon's Picnic Themed Engagement Shoot

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Rolecia and Leon won the Bridal Fair competition that ran earlier this year - and I am so happy (skip-down-the-street kinda happy!) that they did, because they are the sort of couple that comes into your life and simply lights it up!

I could not have asked for more in a couple, and the love that they have for each other is so huge that it's all you can feel when you are around them (*happy sigh*). You two rock - and I cannot wait until the big day :)

P.S. Did I mention that this was the first couple shoot I did with my BRAND NEW CANON 5D :) Oh happy day!

 

Ella's 3rd Birthday Party

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It has been a long time since I photographed The Berning Family and little Ella... an entire year has passed! So it was really awesome to be back and snapping away :) Ella is so cute, and both she and Jamie have grown so much in the past year.

This party was serious fun! With a super gigantic and incredibly beautiful coral tree, a hammock to play in, things to stick and things to smear, pass the parcel, musical statues, sweets, and cake to boot. These kids had a blast... and I think the adults enjoyed a little down time too :)

Bailey at 3 weeks

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As with every shoot, there is a story behind this one too.

Shae and I met in standard 6. We disliked each other - or should I say seriously disliked each other. But life is such that we ended up best friends (amazing how that happens)... and years later, through school life, hating boys, then boyfriends, horrid spin the bottle memories, house parties, varsity, and all the other noise in our lives... we learned to be quiet together. We learned the art of not having to speak. And that is what I miss so much in a friend. There is a peace that grows between two people, in-between the sentences. So many of us find that in our loved one, husband, wife. But not very many of us find that in a friend.

And so it was that we grew up and I moved away. We got jobs, got married, and now one of us has a baby. Its so funny how life happens, without us even giving it a second thought. But we always stayed in touch. And when Shae had her baby, she allowed me to fly up especially to see Miss Bailey. The one thing that strikes me the most is how much Shae has grown up. She's a mommy now - and that is one of the most amazing things I have seen. We all see mommies with babies - but to see one of your closest friends with a new baby is a sight so amazing that it brings tears to my eyes.

I wanted these photos to document Shae and Bailey (oh, and a little bit of Grant too, sorry Granty). We thought about poses, and cute headbands, and even baskets. But that just didn't seem right.

So Shaki, I hope that you enjoy these - I love you to bits and thank you for allowing me to photograph something that is so precious to you. I hope these photos will bring you happiness and memories because if they do, then I was able to return the favour xxx

Winter Sessions 2

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I present part two of my personal project called the Winter Sessions - a bit of a contrast to the previous post, these photos were taken in Johannesburg on the day it snowed. The snow was actually a mix of snow/sleet/hail - and ended up as sludge, but made for beautiful photos :)

Winter Sessions

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The winter sessions were born after discussion with fellow photographer Rikki Hibbert. She has an amazing line of fine art prints, and she suggested I go out and give nature photography a fresh go. It has been a while since I whipped out the macro lens, just for fun, so a trip to my Dad's farm in Heidelberg was a perfect opportunity. The highveld is incredibly dry, and it seems hard to believe that the place will erupt in blooms within the next few weeks.

All photos were taken with a Canon 100mm Macro IS lens at F2.8

Anne Rimbault Pottery Studio

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Anne runs a beautiful pottery studio (I was about to say little, but not so much) from her home in Bordeaux. I used to attend pottery lessons religiously before we left for Port Elizabeth, and still miss those cozy mornings sitting in the warm sun or next to the kiln, just creating.

Anne asked me to take a few photos of the studio for her when I was last in Joburg. We decided that it would be a very relaxed shoot with natural photos and thus opted to do the shoot during a morning lesson instead of styling the shoot. The results are really fantastic. I got lost in all the small details of the studio. It is awesome to be able to look at these photos and remember not only all the small things, but also all the friends I dearly miss.

If you would like a new hobby, I really recommend pottery - it may sound a bit 'homely' but you will never look back. I can't even explain how much pride I felt giving people presents I had made especially for them, and making gorgeous creations for my own house. I even attended a chiminea workshop and proudly walked away with my very own, home-made chiminea (its a Mexican freestanding fireplace made of clay - google it).

Visit Anne's website at www.annerimbault.com, or give her a call on 011 886 2976. She also sells a range of to-die-for tagines (see photos below), and does commissions.

On to the photos...

Bernadette and Chris

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Bernadette and Chris celebrated their fourth anniversary and decided to commemorate the day with a late afternoon photoshoot - before heading off for a romantic 'mystery' evening that Chris organised. Such an awesome couple to work with - tons of love and laughter :) And the afternoon was made even more special by Laddy the horse, who took an instant liking to us. All in all, it was a very memorable afternoon and we got some sooooper doooper shots. I'm very excited to share these photos with everyone, enjoy!

The Raath Family

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The Raath family is so amazing! They just welcomed a new little one into their family, and Colinda and I chatted about doing a photo shoot with the whole family instead of the traditional baby shoot. She took so much time and put a lot of thought into the perfect 'tea party' family photo shoot - and the results are awesome. I don't think I have ever seen a little girl so excited about a cupcake (you'll see what I mean!).

Hard to believe this is a winters day in Port Elizabeth, and harder still whilst looking out of the window at the mist and rain... but let the antics of little Adelaide and the gorgeous face of Gabby, plus the cute pooch Nuggy warm your heart! I smiled the entire time that I edited these photos (and I'm not making that up!). That is a lot of smiling, people! So now its your turn... Enjoy the loooooong weekend :)

Niki M Hits 10,000!

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I have been counting down this moment for ages! The big promise that was made, mostly to myself, was that I would do a celebratory post as soon as the blog hits reached 10,000. And it is finally, FINALLY here.

For many people, 10,000 hits is not really a lot - but for a girl who was sitting at an office desk in an unfulfilling job until 7 months ago... the support and love that everyone has shown has really made me so thankful and proud of the fact that I had enough guts to give it up and do something I love instead.

If there is anything that has been learned out of this experience, it is that no-one should ever accept sub-standard, second-rate, and second-best. No matter what it is that you want to do with your life, make the effort and you will get there - it may take a while and you may feel like you are drowning. But through the chaos always comes light. A light that guides you to where you need to be and reveals your real purpose in life.

I finally get to dedicate something to my grandfather, who made me realise that life is too short and we should never take anything for granted. He brought out smiles in everyone around him, and I wish I could tell him how much he has inspired me. So Gramps, this post is for you xxx

OK, enough talk about life. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far - you know who you are. Woo-hoo!!! Its time for a celebratory glass of wine. Cheers everyone!

Linay and Courteney

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This photo shoot was SUCH a blast! 

Linay and Courteney have so much energy that it made me dizzy - we all bounded onto the beach and completely took over. Running, jumping, dancing, splashing - sheesh! The sisters even decided to wade into the water - never mind the pants - and nearly got taken out by what I have deemed to be a mini-tsunami. But we got some AMAZING shots - and you will be able to tell that it was an 'hour' and a half of pure joy [thanks for the catchline Cadbury :)]

I hope this post warms you up on a cold winters day. If you are warm - you are probably in the upper half of the country. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but get your gum boots out! Unless we got all of the rain (it sure seems like it!).

Tammy and Harry's Engagement Shoot - Part 1

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 The bulk of Tammy and Harry's engagement shoot took place at the original and legendary Vovo Telo in Richmond Hill. We had such an awesome time savouring the delicious coffee and pastries - and took a few photos in between ;)

I really want to say thanks to the two of you for going along with my idea on this one... it turned out to be so much fun! Part 2 took place down at Sards Beach the following afternoon - the photos are coming up soon :)

Eben - Stilbaai

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I quickly snapped these pics of Eben a while back - and they are just too adorable not to share!

He is a real cutie, and every time I look at the photos I can still hear his mom saying 'Eben. No, don't do it Eben. Do not put that stone in your mouth. Eben...ah man!'. It still makes me giggle out loud every time I look at the 4th photo where he has dirt on his mouth because, believe it or not, there is a stone behind that cutsie smile... but who couldn't forgive a smile like that!

Niki M's Top Tips - Get The Most Out Of Your Wedding Photography

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Today's post is a bit off course compared to the usual Niki M posts, but my latest quest is a guide to resources and a collections of tips for clients. This is pretty important as most couples invest upwards of 10% of their total wedding budget on photography/videography, so I decided to share some of it on the blog. This is not a complete wedding guide. This is a forget-me-not guide; a small guide - partly to make sure you get the most bang out of your buck, and also to point out things that many couples forget (including me) during their planning stages or on the day itself. So here goes...

Sarah and Mark - Tzaneen

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Sarah and Mark's wedding was so refreshing! But lets start at the beginning before I tell you why...

Sarah and Mark are missionaries from America, and they currently look after 12 orphaned and vulnerable children (12!) at a house in Modjadjiskloof, Tzaneen. Sarah is also actively involved in Pfunanane Ministries (http://www.pfunanane.org/, go read all about it) where she is Children's Home Director.

So when she contacted me and told me all about it, I was nervous. Traveling with strangers, to a place I had never been before. But I should not have worried... this experience was so liberating. I flew to JHB and caught a lift up to Sarah's home with Cricket and Mary Floye. Luckily they were awesome company, and we had a blast.

The brief from the very beginning, in Sarah's words: 'I want lots of photos of the kids, and don't worry about me'. So thats exactly what I did. These kids are a laugh and a half, each of them is so special! That combined with Sarah and Mark's awesome sense of humour, and their friendly and energetic families from America... this was a wedding never to be repeated. 

So, now that you know all of that, the reason it was so refreshing was that I got to photograph children, not worry too much about formalities, fight off killer emus and seriously energetic Shangaan dancers, and also because I now have memories of very special people that I will never, ever forget.

This post is overdue, but its because there are a LOT of photos... so enjoy! :)

Benjamin and Georgina

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Charlotte and I have been trying to coordinate a photo shoot of her two little ones for so long! The time finally came during my last trip to Joburg. Benjamin and Georgina are twins, and they are so so so gorgeous, I'm sure you will agree!

We spent a few hours together and I really think these photos are so special. Ben (you'll notice) was much more at ease with the camera, and he had a ball jumping for me and playing peek-a-boo from behind a gigantic tree. Georgie was much more reserved but she definitely let us know when she was having fun :)

Enjoy!

Featured on Moment Junkie!

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If this day wasn't good enough, I was just informed that one of my photos was featured on Moment Junkie! (I'm grinning ear to ear, a smiley face does not do it justice)

Go check it out at http://www.momentjunkie.com/2011/05/the-cheers/

Whether or not to submit this photo was a bit of a toss-up for me... but in the end the fact that I smile every time I see this photo made me think that maybe I should try submit it, just in case they publish it and then everyone else will smile for a day!

If you are not a regular, bookmark Moment Junkie - its a super cool blog that publishes one photo per day. Photographers from around the world submit their 'moments' - I am so blessed to have had a photo featured!

Yuliya and Andrey - Port Elizabeth Couple Photographer

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Whoa, this shoot was so much fun! Blue sky, soft clouds here and there, an energetic couple, and a beautiful sunset to boot. Yuliya and Andrey (gorgeous couple!) hail from Russia, and they wanted special photos on the beautiful beaches of PE before they migrated to Johannesburg. I'm sure you will agree that these photos are truly special :) Enjoy...

Linda and Gerrie - Johannesburg Wedding Photographer

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A little while ago I travelled to Joburg for some creative fun, some learning, some business, and some general up-to-no-good-ness. Along the way, Leone Venter from Simply Me Photography (www.simplyme.co.za) and I stumbled into each other and I assisted her on three separate weddings as a second shooter.

This was the first of those weddings, and it belonged to the absolutely breathtakingly beautiful Linda and her long-time handsome love, Gerrie. The wedding took place at Olive Mystery in... the middle of nowhere... somewhere between Pretoria and Joburg, but not really :)

Details galore, three stunning bridesmaids, a trio of groomsmen with naughty grins, and one nervous groom meant it was go-time. Once Linda arrived I was extra happy to be involved in this wedding. She is one of the most gracious people I have encountered, and her smile says it all.

Unfortunately the Dominee did not allow us to take photos during the ceremony. Note to brides, make sure you ask - you would be amazed how many times photography during the ceremony is prohibited.

Congrats to the two of you and I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon :) Here are a LOT of photos... I just could not decide as usual :)

Nix xxx

Stefan's Portfolio Shoot

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Stefan contacted me a while ago to expand his modelling portfolio with new photos. He is a model at Y Models in CT. Once we finally got dates pinned down, we experienced the best weather ever! This was one of the few times I've made it down to the beach for an afternoon shoot and it was not a gale in the making :)

We had such a blast at these two sessions! Stefan was ready and willing to jump and laugh and goof around - and also to be serious and very model-like. We experimented with light and lens-flare from the sun. The two locations were the Donkin in Central PE, and Sardinia Bay Beach - the trusty favourite. On both occasions there were hardly any people about - but we didn't waste any time grabbing two cute dogs on the beach and playing with them :) The sunset was amazing to top it off. Aaaah - what an awesome shoot!

The Pinnock Family

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I posted these photos on my Facebook page but they never made it to the blog... it was such a travesty that I decided they MUST have a blog spot!

Best of the luck to the Pinnock family with their big move to America - thinking of you guys!

Bulungula Lodge

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We spent part of our honeymoon at Bulungula in the Transkei... and I can't stop thinking or talking about this place. I have never experienced such a sense of freedom and so much friendliness at any holiday destination. If you want to know what they are about or would like to take a trip to the lodge, visit http://www.bulungula.com/. The Nqileni village owns 40% of the lodge, and the residents of the village offer all sorts of guided tours and other services. Its spectacular, its paradise, and if you can brave the road... go there! Enjoy the pics xxx