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

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

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 :)

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

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



 

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

Lovely Lara Smith and Family

Ahhhhh man, if this isn't one of the cutest happiest kids out there :) Rich and Nina you guys have created a fabulous little bundle of joy!! Love her!

Ok, so this shoot feels like an age ago but, better late than never, I'm happy to finally be sharing it with you. I had offered Nina's playschool a voucher as part of their annual raffle for a free family shoot - alas it was not used by the winner(????) so I offered it to Nina and Rich for some updated pics of Lara - who has grown up so much since I first took pics of her about a year ago!!

We met at Kirstenbosch Gardens where the family had set up a little picnic spot in the corner. Lara had the open plains to run around in and plenty of snacks and drinks to replenish herself on (it's tough work all this fun). Favourites of the day were definitely Ghostpops and strawberries. A seemingly odd pairing... but not when you're kid - anything goes!!! It also made sense, obviously, to get the all the Ghostpops out of the packet to be enjoyed all at the same time!! :)

My favourite moment / game of the day was after Lara had done a little run around with dad or mom or the ducks, and she would come running back to the blanket, lie down and gently but firmly say - " Mommy lie" - and so she would. "Daddy lie" and he would oblige. Then after a quick succession of giggles, she would hop up and make a run for it... man so cute!!!

It was a beautiful afternoon at Kirstenbosch and thanks to the Smith family for the treats, fun and catch up!!! We'll definitely be doing it again soon.

Enjoy and see you again soon,
Matti

Speechless.

A Little bit of inspiration for anyone looking today ;)

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

The Volkmann Family Shoot at Blouberg

For those of you having paid attention, you will recognise this awesome couple from their wedding shoot done at the end of last year [ http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/jeremy-morgans-wedding-boschendal.html ]. Little Cameron Volkmann follwed soon after and came out as chilled, relaxed and as cool as his folks. The couple wanted a family shoot on the beach with views to add and what better spot that on blouberg beach, near ons huisie, with table mountain looming and old style mykanos type houses in the background.

It was early morning on a perfect summers day and well one couldnt have hoped for better. Cameron was by the most well behaved little guy I have had the privelage of photographing and played along with all we had to throw at him, including the cold water and bright sun!

Anyway before I waffle on, thanks to Jem and Morgs and ofcourse my trusted creative director, handlanger and wife, Claire ;)

Anyway with winter upon us, have a browse and soak up the sun and love that follows.