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

Taryn & Ryan Engagement Shoot

Ahhh... Taryn and Ryan, such a cool couple :) We all know about couples not being the best of rockstars behind the camera. Ryan was intitially one of those, to the point that Taryn hadn't told him until the day before that they were having some photos taken ;) Nevertheless like all good couples, once the flashes started going they warmed up to the camera. The lens did the rest!!!

It was an awesome themed picnic, park, scrabble and blue skys day out...  we had triple word scores and beautiful light. We had round abouts, swings and bridges over madison county!!! Love was in the air and true to Jhb life we had blue skys and clear air.

Im so glad that Taryn found me on FB on my trip up to the big smoke... such a magical day and great times we could spend.

Hope you survived the hens party T and all the best to you both for the future!!! x

Speechless.

A Little bit of inspiration for anyone looking today ;)

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

Caitlin & Dylan Engagement Shoot - La Dolce Vita

Caitlin and Dylan originally approached me for just one save the date picture. They had a great idea, a location and had given it all the thought needed... so pretty simple, I'd just have to pitch up and take a pic, apply some editing, maybe, and vioala :) As easy as that all sounded, I had an inkling that there was much more potential here... and I started by laying the seed for an engagement shoot - who knows maybe I would do their wedding ;) Anyway how much claim I had to the end idea was minimal. They came back to me with a full on production for a shoot, which would include the original shot or two for a save the date. La dolce vita they said... cigars, dresses, suits, long eyelashes... they were set. No pressure :)

Anyway I did some research, even though I had an idea of what la dolce vita would mean. Research never hurt anyone. So, as many of you may know... it means: "The good life, full of pleasure and indulgence." The origin: This phrase entered the language following the success of the 1960 film La Dolce Vita. So 60's italian style, living the good life. Sweet! The location was Cavendish Square due to the fact that Dylans surname is Dreyer, and in between the two buildings is the Dreyer Street Market. So named because Cavendish Square borders on Dreyer Street. Just some facts. You'll figure it all out below.

Anyway, I had the intent all lined up but the implementation had left me a little nervous... Luckily for me I was teamed up with my ever super duper awesome calming creative wife, Claire, and Caitlins amazing bridesmaid Bianca "light please" Bouwer, who by the way did all the make up and beautifying of the happy couple (Even Dylan was subjected to a little powder puff :)), not to forget her posing direction from behind :)

Once those first flashes went off, I hit the zone (and attracted a small crowd too). Caitlin and Dylan were amazing to say the least. Besides being an uber hot couple, they were fun, relaxed and just made for each other. A remedy at the end of the day for some of my proudest work. This one really really made me quite happy ;)

So sit back, relax and check out what the sweet life looks like!!! Cant wait for the wedding... going to be totes amazeballs! ;)

Candi and Vink Engagement Shoot

So although this was done a while ago, I figured it was appropriate to start off the first blog post shoot with one of cooler shoots i've done :)

Candi and Vink, or VANDI for short, are the most awesome couple and full of fun! Candi was so excited for the shoot that we were planning for weeks before. It was a perfect day in the fields of Rondebosch Boys high and the shoot options were endless!

I had the whole family there supporting and picnicing in the distance - a cool glass of champers every now and then kept the schmodels and photographer going!

At the end of the day we had a great time and the happy couple shined for some great shots. We started out with a  true patriotic rugby shot - the bulls vs province - testament to opposites attract :) Anyway enough from me... enjoy the pics and thanks VANDI -cant wait for the wedding!!!

Follow the read more link to see the photos :)