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

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

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

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!

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

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

Robyn & Amy - Coming up next.

COMING UP NEXT....

Robyn & Amy: A Mother and Daughter shoot

Stay tuned.

Full post now available at: http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2013/04/robyn-amy-mother-and-daughter-shoot.html

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

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

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

Claire's home made Bump Shoot

It's not often you get to do an entire shoot in somebody's back garden and feel like you're in a secluded corner of Kirstenbosch. With Claire and Riley, however, a whole new world of possibilities was presented. So much so that it took me a while to decide on a spot to start with... under the massive tree maybe with the light shining just in the right spot over the opposite bushes? Or what about amongst the flowers around the corner? Wait... no, by the pool and the white flowery bush? The little secret garden by the back gate to the park? They were all awesome - #lovetheoptions. Ultimately I think we did probably use most of them as the evening progressed and the sun set through the trees.

It did really feel like a trip to the park and Riley and the dog running around the tree really topped it off :) Claire was glowing just as much as the setting sun and although there were some unsure nervous moments, she really didn't have to do much to look fabulous. I think you will all agree that everyone looked the part - even little Devon (the bump to be at the time) made sure he put his chest out and sat in just the right position, so that he could be seen as much as possible!!

There were lots of laughs, fun and love in the secret garden and It was such a great way to end the weekend. Thanks to all, including Rocky (the dog), for putting on their best smiles and for making it so relaxed. Thanks as well to my lovely wife for all her help as usual and making sure everyone is not short of conversation :)

Enjoy the Bump and watch out for pics from little Devon who arrived just two weeks ago.

Cheers for now,
Matti

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

Speechless.

A Little bit of inspiration for anyone looking today ;)

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

The Maglit Bump Shoot @ Rhodes Mem.

Twas a sun-filled, fun filled, slighty dozy, lovey dovey, friendly Sunday afternoon at Rhodes Memorial when I got to shoot Kez and her glorious baby bump! Jamo, you were also pretty glorious that day too - haha!!

It seems so far away amidst the current winter rain in Cape Town but the smiles below are sure to brighten your day. The little soon to be Maglit, at the time, was well and truly bursting to come and join us in the grass. It would however still manage to hold off for a few more weeks before joining the world and blessing the Magni with it's presence. Jocelyn Lily Magnus (the sex of which was unknown at the time - hence the reference to 'it') was born on the 25th of June 2012. More about that later though ;)

Kez was a truly glowing pregnant woman... and I'd like to just add that she was wearing her normal pre baby jeans that day ;) Jamo was in his shorts and shirt as usual... and one times coolio hat to "hide the sun"!!

It was a perfect setting - the birds were tweeting, and apart from the sometimes constant flow of cars, we felt very far away from the city :) Our day was made ever more surreal when joined by a rather friendly praying mantis. A brown little guy that we would later hear meant that 'it' was to be a boy... however the next week Kez encountered a green one, which assumably meant a girl... looks like the green guy trumped his friend ;) Sorry browny!

Anyway it was a great afternoon and thanks to Jamo and Kez for being super cool and making sure the laughter never died! Lots of love to you both....

[Jocelyn's newborn shoot to follow soon, so keep watching this space]

Candi & Vink Got Married PART 3

    Post 3 as the final post in a 3 day 3 post series celebrating Vandi :)
See part 1: http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/candi-vink-got-married-mayerskraal-part.html
See part 2: http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/candi-and-vink-got-married-part-2.html

POST 3: The AFTERPARTY!!!

Ok... so the nerves had subsided, the formalities of the ceremony were over, the most important bridal shots done, the drinks had begun and now it was time for the big entrance as Mr. and Mrs. Lategan!! Vink donning his dougal cap welcomed the papparazi that faced him and Candi floated in on cloud 9!

The evening was one of fun, laughter, joy and celebrations. Everything ran according to schedule and everyone looked the part. The speeches were heartfelt and meaningful, the cake was magnanamous, the dance floor a place for the party people and the fairy lights set the mood :)

Ok, so you've heard a lot from me now if you have been following from part 1, so this is where I lay the camera down so to speak. One thing i can see, is that there is nothing quite like a super cold hunters dry in the corner after 10 hours on your feet... and then the party started :)

Thanks again to everyone involved for all their help and support and to the people of Mayerskraal, you created the perfect setting for a great weekend. To Scholtz the videographer, thank you for working so well with me and I look forward to reliving it all again soon... this time form the comfort of my couch.

Enjoy the last part!!

Big love to Vandi!

Matti :)

The Smiths SA Family Shoot @Blouberg

Kelly, a friend of mine, got hold of me to do a shoot of her brother and family that were down from London for her wedding. As a treat, Kel organised them the shoot as a present, and to fit in with times and plans we would do it at blouberg near her house one evening. A favourite spot that we used in http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2012/05/volkmann-family-shoot-at-blouberg.html but this time we were at the opposite end of the day! The perfect eve came it's way and I watched the sun set ever more from the traffic into blouberg - clearly no one was in a rush except me. I arrived with a bare minimum  of sunlight left and it was A for away as I hit the ground. We snapped off a few really quick ones on the beach while little Alex played and without blinking we were off the the next spot for the mounatin and sea shot. I dont think we even hit much over 30 mins for this shoot... and I'm still amazed at what came out of it :) Needless to say that it couldnt have been done without an amazing, relaxed and appreciative family. Their little Alex was too cool and cute for words and Gareth and Kay went with the flow so effortlessly and without question. Gran and Auntie kept Alex looking in all the right directions and smiles were endless.

By the end of it all we had quite the bunch of followers that I hadnt even noticed until the time we called it quits... it was an awesome blitz of fun!

Thanks to everyone who was there and for the drink at Blue Peter afterwards. Kel, Kent, Gareth, Kay, Alex, Peg, Cara, Neil, Tom and Claire - you all rock my socks!

Enjoy the pics :)

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.

The Magic Magill Family Shoot in Kenton

So this is the last of the holiday posts... and what better way to have gone out that with a magical evening at the kenton / bushmans river mouth. We'd been in touch and rescheduled many times until our last opportunity we said it was now or never. The wind had been howling in the morning and the skies were overcast, but not in that cool moody photo feel - just dull and boring. Nevertheless we stuck it out and by 18:00, the skies had opened up and the wind, although gusty, had managed to contain itself. If you've been to kenton / bushmans before you'll know the setting is really something special. Now take the setting sun, the slow flow of the tide, fisherman, dog walkers, swimmers and kite surfers and add to it the coolest, friendliest and best looking family and kenton and you have a magical scene -  if i messed this up then there was no hope whatsoever :)

We had a relatively quick shoot but james was laughing, enjoying the water and sand and mom and dad were willing to let me do whatever i felt ;) They were just as patient waiting for the photos and your excitement levels and apprection certainly didnt go unnoticed. So big thanks to everyone and to my wife, claire, for lugging the bags and holding the flash.... it was a fabulous team effort.

Big love to all... .and this is what it all came together as :)