Saturday 9 November 2013

Emma @ 6 months - A playful family shoot


More affectionately known to her Mom and Dad as 'Peanut' - little Emma was loving her time with the camera :) 
Outfit - tick. Pretty headband - tick. Play area - tick. Camera Man - Tick. Lets go!!

We could have done the entire shoot just on the bed - the light was perfect, the colours soft and the family was so besotted with their child - the love made it even better.

Thanks to Liesl, Chris and Emma - It was a great morning and we look forward to seeing you again and hopefully another play date as Emma grows!

So enjoy the post and dream of being young and free :)

Cheers.
Matti

Wednesday 6 November 2013

The Lategan Family Shoot Feat. Lillie-Anna


The Lategan's are a dear and special family to me... and this shoot was precipitated by the visit of the newest niece, Lillie-Anna, all the way from overseas. We couldn't have asked or scripted a better setting or light than we found in Durbanville that afternoon. I love the golden hour as much as any other photographer and it just brought out all the love and fun of this family. 

Lillie-Anna was just too adorable for words and she was the focus of attention for the afternoon - many hugs and kisses from granny and grandpa, and even from her youngest uncle :)

All round a fabulous evening - thanks to everyone for making it special and I hope you can treasure these memories forever. Thanks to Vink and Candi for organising, you guys are rockstars!

So for now, just soak up that sun and enjoy!

Cheers
Matti

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Christine and Caz Engagement Shoot Sneak peak @ Noordhoek Beach


I just had to share one from Sunday evening's shoot at Noordhoek beach. Cape Town summer arrived with a bang and created the perfect backdrop for our lovely couple.

#LivingtheDream

Keep loving, living and doing everything else to make those moments count!

Saturday 12 October 2013

Jenna, Garth and the Bump @ Groot Constantia.


Possibly my favourite shoot of 2013 so far... Jenna and the Bump :) <3

Nestled in the valleys and comforts of Groot Constantia, we couldn't have asked for a more awesome setting and weather. I met Jenna and Garth when she was about 8 months pregnant and soon to pop. They were such a pleasure to photograph - so sweet, kind and fun. They pretended for a while that they were camera shy but let's all be honest - you don't take such inspiring photos without a little bit of camera love ;)

They didn't know the sex of the baby before it was born and so we had a lot of fun with the blackboard and many a laugh over who thought it was going to be a girl and who was adamant it was a boy!!! If you don't know how it turned out, stay tuned for their newborn shoot and all shall be revealed... mysterious I know :)

By the end of it we had lost track of all time (time flies when you having fun) and we even got treated to a little juice and muffin break - all in a day's work. I really do have a tough time on location!!

Anyhoo, I was really proud of these photo's and how they came out. Everything came together in a bunch of fantasticness. Much thanks must go to Garth and Jenna for making it all so easy and to my all amazing Claire, for holding, carrying, getting wet, directing and making sure the convo never died.

#LivingTheDream.

Matti

Saturday 5 October 2013

Mr. & Mrs Smith's Wedding at Rhebokskloof


What seems like a lifetime ago already, Dani & Xander got Married at the beautiful Rhebokskloof [www.rhebokskloof.co.za/] estate in Paarl. It was a blistering summers day and for all the dutch folk who made it out to SA, the city was putting on it's best display. Pity my car-aircon was not working - but thank heavens for my resourceful wife who packed me an extra shirt ;)

I took photo's for their engagement shoot a few months before and ever since then had been as excited as a kid on Xmas day to do their photos :) We started with Xander and the guys who had a real tough time with some cold beers and cool swimming pool - not much of an excuse needed then to have some pool shots!!

When we reached the bride the vibe was slightly different - amazingly air conditioned old Victorian room, cold champagne and an array of snacks to eat. Oh wait, let's not forget a bevvy of crazy, cool and energetic bridesmaids. It was a room filled with fun and laughter and Dani's day was everything she could have asked for.

The rest of the day ran according to schedule - from the car the bride arrived in to the canapes and drinks. The venue did not disappoint for awesome photo shoot locations and when I saw the avenue of trees, the vines and a field of horses, I was smiling from ear to ear. The dashing couple was the cherry on the top!!!

It was a long but rewarding day and everyone made sure we were always looked after. Thanks to Dani and Xander for everything - we wish you all the best for the future!

So for now, let the photos share the story of their day and don't forget to leave your comments at the end - I'd love to hear from you :)

Cheers,
Matti

Sunday 15 September 2013

Kelly & Bart's Wedding at Knorhoek



Kelly and Bart... where to start. And no I'm not trying to turn this into a rhyming game :) I've known Kelly and her family for years - and after working together in 2006 at the green dot, I didn't really see her again until last year. She moved to Australia where she met and fell in love with Bart and eventually moved to Amsterdam together, where they live now. When I first met Bart, it was while discussing wedding packages and sifting through an album of photo's - a pretty standard meeting, small catch up and intro of the groom to be. We met a few more times, really liked him but had yet to really spend time with them. I had subsequently heard about the crazy bunch of friends that would all be flying in for the wedding, and stories that came with them. One didn't think too much of it until the wedding weekend arrived - but crazy was one way to describe it, awesome another and a magical love and laughter filled day of amazing friends and family was pretty much what it boiled down to. The colourful socks matched their effervescent personalities and I knew it was going to be a great day! Kelly was resplendent in her white gown as bride and everyone came together just perfectly.

The dark clouds threatened on the mountains nearby Knorhoek but ultimately never revealed themselves. I'm not sure anyone even had time to stop and worry about it. The day went without a hitch, the energy and atmosphere made my job effortless and into the night the fun went. It was not until all the formalities were over and the dance floor opened that the Dutch really came out to play. We stuck around a little after the photos finished and it felt like we had been part of the fun all day.

Many many thanks to everyone involved. To Kel and Bart for looking after us and making sure we had everything we needed. Too all the awesome Dutch friends we met and made - thanks for so much fun and laughter.

So now with all that in mind it was truly hard to show only a select bunch of photos, so while the post is long, make sure you get to the end and feel the magic!!

Until we meet again.
Matti


Wednesday 21 August 2013

Sian & Simon Got Married at Zorgvliet


Sian and Simon got married earlier this year at Zorgvliet in Cape Town. Sian was originally from Zim, studied in SA and then jet-setted off to London where she had been living for a while. Here she met and fell in love with Simon :) Cape Town and their wedding would be the last stop en route to new beginnings in Australia.... so only appropriate then for a proudly South African wedding ;)

Most of the wedding party came from London and made a full trip of it with plenty of pre wedding festivities in the week leading up. Cape Town, as only it could do, brought some amazing and terrible weather to the table. On the morning of the wedding, driving over Helshoogte, we struggled to see 5m through the fog. Once this lifted, the heavens opened and the rain belted down. Cape Town, in all respects, was letting us down. The rain continued throughout the morning and early afternoon... but eventually everyone would make it to the church in time. Besides a few soaked boots, everyone was still in high spirits.

Then something truly amazing happened... after a beautiful ceremony and the saying of I do, within in minutes of the church erupting in celebration, the clouds parted and the sun came out... from arriving in the pouring rain, they would walk out into the sunshine!!! The sun lasted throughout the family photos, couples shoot and pre drinks. Once everyone was safely inside the reception it let out a small flood before holding off for the rest of the night... :)

It was a fabulous day in the end - the love and happiness, friendship and family could not be dulled by anything. Huge thanks must go to Sian and Simon for being so calm and collected and just as great thanks to the lovely ladies who ran the formalities on the day and making sure everything ran smoothly, we were hydrated and had as many back up photo plans as we needed!!

Right, so enough from me.... let the photos tell the story of a fabulous wedding. To Sian and Simon.... Cheers!



Thursday 1 August 2013

Rahma Baby Bump Shoot - Ready to Pop.


So earlier this year I did a bump and newborn shoot for Rahma as a gift to her from an old work colleague. I tend be slightly weary of the "gift shoot" - purely because you never know if the final client will like how you do things or even your photos... but there were no worries to be had here, as we found when we arrived. You've never met a sweeter, prettier little girl with the roundest bump ever :) Everyone was happy and relaxed.

It turned out to be one of the more comfortable and easier shoots - everyone was so kind and nice, offering us tea and juice - it made a great start to the weekend.

Thanks to Nisreen for organising everything and Rahma and bump for a lovely morning. We met again soon thereafter for the newborn shoot- Rohaan wasn't waiting for anyone to let her see the world - so stay tuned for more to come from the newborn shoot!!

For now, enjoy the pics... see you all soon.
Cheers
Matti

Thursday 25 July 2013

James Friday Baby shoot - In all his happiness :)




This is one of the happiest moments I've had the fortune to capture in a little baby!! Introducing James Friday... son to Lara and Jon :) Unfortunately this was quite a while ago and since then I'm sure he has gotten a whole lot bigger but it would be a travesty not to share him with you. 

I've known Lara for a long time but we hadn't seen each other in ages - of course the power of FB brought us back together again and I got to have a  catch up, meet the whole family and capture some special moments with their youngest little boy.

James was awake for the most part of the shoot - but he was so chilled, full of smiles and playfully performing to his best! He got a little tired to the end and we managed to get a few little snaps in his bedroom with Mom. You will notice the pictures of him holding a business card - that's his Mom's - Lara's Designs - such a talented and creative friend, who runs "A boutique graphic design studio specialising in bespoke event stationery" - please do me a favour and check out her work at: http://www.larasdesigns.co.za/ - special call to all my brides to be who may need some goodies!!!

So anyway, enough from me - A huge last thanks to Lara, Jon and James for an awesome morning. I look forward to doing it again soon.

Watch out for more soon... and enjoy the pics.
Cheers
Matti

Saturday 13 July 2013

Lara And Family


Ok, so its time to get this blog going again :) My lack lustre in posting has only been stunted by the ever growing amount of work I have had and prioritising clients photos before the blog - so for that I am grateful - but I have so much still to share that I best get going :)

This post is of a regular client and a small family shoot we did in the Rondebosch park one evening. We had so many options for shots and fairly little time - but everyone was game for letting me tell them what to do, where to go and sometimes how to do it ;) 

Granny was down in Cape Town and the kids just loved her. I even managed to get the whole family on a roundabout - thanks guys, so cool :)

Anyway it was a fun filled evening and fun was had by all. Here are a few of the day.

Enjoy.

Matti!

Friday 31 May 2013

The Redfern Family shoot: Aka Nancy and her boys ;)


My awesomely amazing fantastical family of Si, Nanc, Cam, Ben and the newest addition, Daniel. With Daniels arrival at the end of last year, a little family shoot with some shots of bubs was in order. With that in mind I've split this blog post in two parts - firstly some fun family pics of Nancy and her boys and then a little session of just Daniel to come soon!!

We had such fun that day - apparently even just moving the curtains to line up the shot became a game - haha. Also heard were: "Matt why do you have umbrella's inside?" "What's this do matt?" "I want to hold Daniel (aka Happy duck)".

Needless to say it was treasured moments and I love them all to bits!! Thanks guys for a great morning. Si and Nanc you guys rock!!

Big love to all.
Cheers for now.

Matti

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Jamie and Doug's Couple Shoot @ Bushmans River


I always look forward to having a little Bushmans River shoot at the end of the year. This was no exception. The weather unfortunately had other ideas and laid out one or two postponements before we finally got down to the river and the beach. The river, alas, was slightly off its game but the couple, love and giggles were not :)

Jamie and Doug were out from America for a holiday and got hold of me early on in the year to arrange something while they were out - and it was a great way to end off our holidays with a bit of fun on the beach and in the wind. Jamie was full of bubbles and giggles and made taking photos a total treat :)

Once we hit the beach for some last photos, the clouds and sun really made for an awesome setting. The wind electrified things a bit but just added to the fun!!!

After that, a great big breakfast on the river sealed an epic morning. Thanks to Jamie and Doug and I look forward to seeing you guys again soon.

Cheers for now.
Matti





Saturday 18 May 2013

Ceri's River Cruise Hen Party



One of the last shoots to come from 2012 - and we went out with a cracker :) It was a scorching day on the banks of the Port Alfred river. The drinks were cold, the snacks abundant and the cupcakes and decorations meticulous. The girls were dressed for summer with a touch of the mad hatter's hats for a "Tea Party". I felt almost guilty to be calling this my work for the day - I mean it's not every day a guy gets to go behind the scenes at a kitchen tea, let alone on a river cruise with food and drinks supplied. Add a camera to the mix and I was pretty much having a very happy day :)

Janey and Lindy had organised up a storm and took great care of me over the course of the afternoon - many thanks to them and I know everyone had a ball - the photos tell the story. To Ceri, I hope you had an amazing wedding and that you are truly blessed in your marriage - it was great to share in a small part of it.

So sit back, relax and soak up the fun and laughter from the photos below.

Cheers for now,
Matti

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Robyn & Amy - Mother and Daughter Shoot


At the time of this shoot it had been almost a year to the day since little Amy's newborn shoot ( http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2012/01/lovely-little-amy-thomson.html ). I couldn't believe how time had flown and what a little diva amy has become. We'd organised this shoot at the beginning of our holiday whilst we were visiting Gonubie. I hadn't really planned much for it but i knew we would start at the house and end on the beach - sounded pretty good :) Well it was Awesome... After a few formal mom and daughter shots, Amy started to liven up the room. She was spurred on by the flashing lights and ogled herself in this big lens she was confronted with. She laughed, giggled, ran around the room and eventually found a new game in standing up and falling down - we were mesmerised :)

By the time we even left for the beach, I was pretty sure I could have made a complete shoot out of the fun... so if that was the start, I was amped for the beach. The water was chilly to say the least but the shots were beautiful. Mom was looking equally as amazing as her little poppet and the two made everyone stop and stare for a while.

Thanks to Robyn and Amy for a fabulous evening and photos I hope you will cherish for a long time. I can't wait for what next year has to offer ;)

Enjoy the photos and check back soon. Please please, don't forget to like my page should you like the photos - would be great to share the love :)

Cheers
Matti


Sunday 21 April 2013

Josh Chambers Newborn Shoot - the Full Story.



I can't believe it's taken me so long to get to this blog post... looking at it now, It's certainly one of 2012's favourites. The cuteness, the softness, the colours, the light and the love - it had it all. Candi and Nic couldn't have been a more welcoming, chilled and better looking couple if they tried ;) And when the crackers, cheese and cold drinks come out while Josh is having his own meal of the day, you know you're having a great day!

Lets not forget the star of the show - little Josh. Too adorably cute. He was chilled all the time and had some of the best stretch faces yet. I wont carry on too much but suffice to say there were many ooh's and ahh's from us during the morning!

Thanks to Candi and Nic for an awesome time and looking after us so well. Look forward to seeing you guys again soon :)

Cheers for now and don't forget to show some love if you like.
Matti :)

Sunday 24 March 2013

Annali's "Its a boy" baby shower

 
 
Good friends, laughter, fun, love, bubbles, chit chats and deliciously good looking food was the order of the afternoon at Annali's baby shower get together. Annali's friends took advantage of a visit, down from London, to meet the bump and celebrate the impending birth :) I was able to join for a brief time and capture some of the moments shared.
 
Thanks to Lara for her hospitality ( and not to mention the food, yum - see: www.thymetodine.co.za) and Annie for organising and looking after me so well as usual. To Annali who has just had her little bundle of joy, congratulation and I wish you all the best for the future - look forward to the next shoot ;)
 
Anyway, its back to work I go... look out for more coming soon.
 
Cheers,
Matti


Friday 22 March 2013

A colourful Kalk Bay Family shoot


At the end of this yellow brick road was one of the coolest, most fun-loving families I've had the privilege of shooting. I used to work with Candice, who approached me for a shoot, and I shouldn't have been surprised at how awesome her family are. I asked them to pick a location that they thought best portrayed them and was special in some way. The colourful and vibrant streets of Kalk bay were a simply perfect way to bring out how I saw them and just how inviting they are.

Thanks to all for a great afternoon - thanks for finding the umbrella bag and saving my light stand as if it was your own (see pic below, you'll know which one) :) Love it!

Enjoy the trip :)

Matti

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Friday 15 February 2013

Taryn rocking the bump @clifton


I absolutely loved this shoot of my beautiful pregnant cousin @ Clifton Beach. Taryn and Rob were staying in a little Clifton beach front apartment at the time of the shoot and what better location than one's front doorstep. That and the fact that there were over 100 stairs to the road above, and only a few weeks from birth, too much walking just wasn't so much of fun :)

The weather was simply awesome but the water as always was an ice block, so all shots in the sea were taken quickly and just at the right moment. We started off easily with some simple chilled shots but once Taryn and Rob realised this whole photo thing wasn't that  bad ;) they quickly pulled out the poses and smiles for the camera. The happiness of expectant parents was as truly evident as the sun was bright and shiny!!

We had plenty of fun on the beach before taking a few shots back at the apartment. For some background, Rob and Taryn didn't find out the sex of their baby at the time and affectionately referred to it as 'Biscotti'. In addition Rob works for Vida é Café and we decided to add a little touch of the coffee to the biscotti for some fun shots - a pretty good matching I'd say :)

Anyway, we had a great time and thanks to Rob and T for all their energy, patience and coolness. This is definitely one of my favourite shoots of 2012 and deserves a long hard look. <3 it! I hope you do to.

Ciao for now.
Matti

Thursday 14 February 2013

Little Lucas Lee

 
Lucas Lee. This little guy really melted our hearts when we met him. Lucas's mom contacted me for a little family shoot, which we did a few days before his 1st birthday!!! Lucas and his family are from Taiwan and havent been living long in SA. Lucas probably didnt understand a word we were saying but it didnt matter - he listened with his eyes and his actions spoke louder than we could - he was just too cool :)
 
My favourite moment (although not the easiest to capture) was when he saddled into his ferrari push car and zoomed around the room. I chased him for a while up and down the passages until he found a a rather interesting kitchen utensil which allowed him to rest for a while and poke at my lens :)
 
The whole family, from Grandpa to Uncle to Mom and Dad, were so taken by the little guy and it was so endearing to watch. Mom had a few outfits arranged but the favourite has to be when Lucas and Dad dressed up in matching Thai boxing outfits... man, so awesome!
 
Much thanks to the whole family for being so hospitable in their home and doing everything we asked. I hope we will meet again and I can get to take more shots of this fabulous dude!
 
Enjoy.
Matti

 

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Devon.


My first encounter with Devon was a little before he was born :) Some may remember him as just a bump in his mommy's tummy - see http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2012/11/claires-home-made-bump-shoot.html for a quick recap :)

Devon is as cute as he looks and at just 12 days old he melted most hearts. He had certainly captivated his mom and dad who were as proud as could be. We had a great evening and Devon came out to play and stare boldly into my lens... his eyes, baby wiggles and stretches making many an 'ooh' and 'ahhhh' moment.

I can't believe its taken me so long to share these pics with you and looking back at them brought a smile to face - hopefully you'll be sharing the love.

Thanks to Claire and Riley for being as awesome as ever and sharing their excitement with us. You guys have been blessed :)

Now go and enjoy the photos...

Cheers for now,
Matti

Saturday 19 January 2013

Ambers Matric Dance portraits


What seems like a long time ago, I had the opportunity to take some pre matric dance photo's of Amber. The evening was surreal and brought memories flooding back from my matric days and the fun that came from the big night!! Oh to be young again...

The excitement was palpable, there were many laughs, much love and plenty of colour to fit the occasion. The weather was slightly on the miserable side but this wasn't going to stop anyone - least of all Amber who was ready to party no matter what. Given her spirit and energetic personality, I'm pretty sure she stole the night :)

Here are a few from the evening - Thanks to Tracy for organising and Amber for being up for anything - I hope you love ;)

Altius et Latius.
Matti

Thursday 17 January 2013

Dani and Xander Engagement Shoot




It's 2013 and we're back in action! The McLagan Photography workshop has been busy, busy, busy and it's time to share some of the past months action with you. So, what better way to kick off the new year than with one of my favourite shoots of 2012 - Dani and Xander's engagement shoot at Noordhoek Beach.

 Location, Location, Location. Heard that one before? Well it's true... but in this case it was Dani & Xander, Location, Location, Location. I'd been eyeing a spot on this beach for ages and finally got the chance when Dani said they were all for a beach vibe setting. The location did not disappoint but add a dash of Dani and Xander spice and we had a whole new kettle of awesomeness to work with. They were fun, spontaneous, energetic, full of love and up for pretty much anything - all I had to do was point and shoot!

By the end of the session, you'd swear we'd been friends for ages. As the sun set behind us, it was the perfect end to a great weekend. Thanks so much guys, I cannot wait for the wedding - it's going to be a rock star event!

Before you get to the photos, just one last word (if you are still reading) from me - I recently said that some people put far too many photos in a blog post and you race through them to the end - ironically I'm guilty as charged in this post. There were just too many great photos not to share them all. I do hope you stick with it and make it all the way to the end - it's worth it!

Keep your eyes posted for more to come soon. Until then...
Cheers

Matti