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

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!

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

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

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

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



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

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

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



 

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

Christine: Inside Access

IT IS HERE.... The full inside access to Christine Pearson!!! :)

Make-up by  the talented Kerryn Olivier - please show some love at: www.facebook.com/KerrynOlivierProfessionalMakeUpArtist  or contact her on 072 146 3821

Thank you, thank you, to my friend for an awesome fun filled afternoon. And especially for finding her unlocked hidden talent in front of the camera :) "Smouldering!"

The forces may have been against us on the day but I think we rocked it none the less. Then there Access Park and the blue gate... seriously who would have thought! :)

Prepare to have your socks rocked....

Cheers,
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

Isla Greta McLagan - a little angel!

Please welcome Isla Greta McLagan :) To the clan McLagan another one is born... Mom and Dad besotted, Mac the dog overly excited and Grand Parents couldn't be happier. McLagan Photography and all the other McLagans are and will be totally infatuated with this little gorgeous bundle of joy :)

The McLagans are historically male dominated, that sounds terrible, but from an all boy original family, girls have been a dime a dozen over the years. Treasured so that each time a new one arrives there is a little dance of joy ;) So welcome Isla, and rest assured you will have many McLagan men to watch over you!!

Us McLagans are Scottish by decent and Drew and Tina decided to stay in tradition with the name Isla. Isla, a Scottish river, also comes from the word 'island' - and Isla, they say no man is an island, you however my girl are your own magical Island!! Yes I can be dramatic too :)

Ok so enough of the history lesson and so on... I'm so excited to share these photos with you :) Just the cutest little girl and a fabulously good looking family. We had such a good morning - Isla was intrigued and relaxed, totally loving the white fluffly blanket and her ballerina outfit! While Drew wasn't keen on too many tutu shots, he'll have to admit that she pulled it off like a superstar. We even had the blue jeans out, just to bring things back to the more fashionable!!

Ok so before I carry on waffling away... you guys are a super awesome family and I was honoured to be able to take some photos for you... I can't wait to see you guys more often and watch little Isla grow.

Now enjoy the trip to Isla Island, I hope you like :)

Until the next time,

Matti

 

Jacob Martin @12 days.

Jacob Martin was born on the 20th of August 2012 at 7:59am, 4 weeks prem, weighing 2,36kg and measuring 46cm in length. I first met Jacob at just 12 days old... which would, technically, have made him minus 16 days. He was sooo tiny and fragile.... but so cute. Mom and Dad are totally in love!!!

Our afternoon was not short of ideas and props, ladders and goodies. Including an abdundance of toasty treats and good conversation. I've known Andrew (Dad) since pre-school and we both met Claire (Mom) at varsity.... and I still claim having a little hand in bringing the two together ;) Nevertheless they are both great old friends and I was super stoked for the arrival of their little guy and to be asked to take some pics for them.

 

Jacob was super chilled most of the afternoon - he even had the hand under chin pose to prove it. Towards the end of a long day however he let out a few small groans to let us know he was done and he rounded off his appreciation on the last shot, with a glorious fountain straight onto mom's face - a sight that put everyone into total hysterics thereafter! Other incidents included poop on dad and near miss for me (props not so lucky) :)

 

All in all an awesome afternoon, the weather and light were perfect - definitely one to be remembered. Oh, and some pictures I hope will be memories forever!!

 

Thanks to Andrew and Claire for being so comfortable, easy going and hospitable... I look forward to doing it all again soon :) You guys rock!!

 

I am super proud of these photos, so there are lots to get through, but take the time - I think you'll love!!!

Cheers for now,

Matti

Marcia's Great Big Family Shoot

So its been a while since i did this shoot.... which is testatment to how far behind I am with my blog :) nevertheless all good things come to those who wait :)

Marcia and Celine got hold of me months ago about doing a family shoot for them. Marcia was down from London and the majority of family was all together - right from Celine's newborn twins to their folks who will be married for 50 years this November - crazy cool :)

It was a pretty chilly winter afternoon, so we were confined to the indoors, and the house was abuzz with activity ;) We did the formals, a mini family shoot for marcia and a few more of the crowd as we went a long. I particularly love the model family by the fire... and not to mention some of the cutest kids eva!!!

A wonderful afternoon - thanks to everyone involved for tearing away from the cricket and listening to me try and herd them around :)

Cheers for now,
Matti

Introducing Christine Pearson... with make up by Kerryn Olivier

Model: Christine Pearson

Make up: Kerryn Olivier

 

FULL POST COMING SOON - WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

The Smashette Family Shoot @Lonehill Park

Ashleigh, more affectionately known as Smash (too many stories to tell here ;)), found out via fb that I would be in jhb for a weekend. She was all over it like peanut butter on toast... yes its almost breakfast and I'm hungry ;) Anyway I digress... and after very little pleading needed I was as keen as a bean.

We decided on Lonehill Park as the location, at the time basically cause it was close enough for all of us to get to but ultimately turned out to be such a hidden little gem. And I have to give a big shout out to the JHB winter weather Gods... 24, blue skies, no wind!!!

Smash, Taylor and Paige are truly one of the most gorgeous family's ever. I loved loved loved doing this shoot and I hope that I have done them justice. Paige was our little model of the day... pulling out poses left right and centre and being able to turn it on and off at the blink of an eye. Taylor had her own special way with the camera, more subtle, but just as beautiful. Smash said to me that she didn't really want any photos of herself... and I wasn't quite sure why.... ok so we all don't like photos of ourselves... but I stand by my original statement and Im sure all will agree that you are just Smashing!! Last but not least was "Granny" - and really only by technical terms as she is just as stunning as the rest of the family :)

All in all - beautiful people, beautiful setting, some champagne to ease the nerves, fun, sun, laughter and love - a recipe for awesomeness!! Thanks to everyone for a superb afternoon and bubbly post shoot sundowner... Cant wait to do it again!!

Big love.

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

Featured Inspiration

Featured: <3 I do Inspirations - Candi and Vinks Wedding

Feeling Inspired again today - thanks to Pips & Cath at 'i do inspirations' :)  Candice and Vinks wedding was featured on their blog yesterday and I've just got round to having a look at it. So awesome to see my stuff up there. Feel like I have been nominated for an Oscar - haha!!

Anyway... for all things wedding - from the admin and budget side of your big day, to dress and decor ideas and all the way to honeymoon destinations,  this is the site for you!!

So dont waste anytime and go have a look at the blog and feel inspired!!!

http://www.idoinspirations.co.za/blog/real-life-wedding-candice-vink

CHEERS!!!

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

Speechless.

A Little bit of inspiration for anyone looking today ;)

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