Hey there, I'm Chantelle
This is where i tell you about me, and my love for photography
When i first held a camera in my hand i was 15 years old, i had no clue what i was doing or where i wanted it to take me. This was a selected class i chose for year 11 and 12. I was by no mean a professional and my images were at the time what i thought was amazing, but if only i could go back and tell my 15 year old self "don't give up now a journey and career are over the horizon waiting for you" Once i graduated i had only learnt a fraction of what i know now and since then i have always been
captivated.
My Experience
I didn't resonate with weddings when i started my business, it at the time wasn't something i thought i would like to do, until i captured my sisters wedding.
Bridesmaid dress and all running along side other photographers capturing her bridal photos through my lens. The photos were so beautiful and not just because of her, but because of what i had created too, i fell in love with weddings and i knew i wanted more. I started advertising for smaller elopements to get my bearings and see what i was getting myself into. I knew i wasn't the person for receptions, i am a quiet introvert who loves to be at home reading a book when the sun has gone down, but slowly have been indulged with the night life after the formalities of the day are done, everyone is fired up for a good time and when the dancing gets going and the party is well underway, you will find me darting around the circle capturing it all. Its strange to think that i say no to things i think i wouldn't enjoy, but now am slowly learning more about myself and what i actually do enjoy.
I am a Wedding Photographer
Let me tell you everything that i know...
As a photographer i have been so lucky to be apart and trusted on so many weddings over the years. I have had the joy of capturing these special moments for so many different couples. Not only did i get to attend these events i also got to learn and grow from them, i learnt the importance of capturing the moments from the very beginning until the very end and all the memories in between. I learnt how to improve my skills through every session i have captured and made mistakes along the way too. Through my years of experience its shaping me into who i want to become, what i want to capture and the skills i will need heading into future weddings. And as your friend, let me be honest with you after all that experience: the quality of a photograph is determined by two things: (1) the photographer, and (2) what is being photographed.
Let me explain: The photos with stunning lighting, not only had an incredible photographer to capture that moment,but the actual lighting was probably already there. Photos with beautiful backgrounds were likely shot in beautiful locations. Happy, candid photographs were likely shot during happy, candid times. Are you following me ? (don't worry it has nothing to do with your budget or faking these moments). As your photographer... it is my job to create amazing photographs no matter what! i will make anything work! It is my experience, my knowledge and my job to make the moment look even better than it was. But these are all the things i would tell my best friend too.
Instead of sending you what i can "make work", i want to send you my best work. I want you to be blown away and speechless when i send you your previews and your galleries. This is why i am giving you this information, from my experience with photo shoots, here is what i have learned on what does and doesn't work, what makes it easy and what makes it hard and everything in between. I WANT to send you the absolute best version of my photography that is worth every single penny you spend and every single hour you prepare, in order to do that i need your help.
Getting Ready
Getting ready photos are a great way to capture the beginning of your special day. These moments are the small intimate moments that are irreplaceable, the moments your soon to be husband and wife wont get to see, until they see the photos. Some people opt for skipping these photos, but i recommend not to these photos are simply timeless memories.
Keren's Wedding- 25.02.2023
The Start of the Day
Wedding days usually start of slow, stressful and a bit off schedule. Allow yourself time to let that happen without the time constraints if you can. Try and have a space for getting ready and allow enough time for each group beforehand. Often this can be the most confusing time for wedding parties when they don't know when and where they're supposed to be getting ready. Setting your expectations before hand can be so helpful.
Choosing a Space
Try to use a space with lots of natural light from the windows as you possibly can. an uncluttered space with neutral/ white walls always photographs well. Wherever you are getting ready if it will be at home or a rented space for the bridal parties to get ready, always try choosing the best space. I know how hard it can be to keep the space clean and clutter free during these times but if your bridal party members can try to keep the space clean, the more you will stand out in your photos
Ceremony
Lets talk about what is important in your ceremony, the moments that you will cherish forever, the photographs that trump all the others.
WHATS IMPORTANT TO YOU
Everyone will have different moments of importance during your big day. Lets be honest when you think of capturing the ceremony some initial moments you will be drawn to having captured include; The grooms reaction, the bride walking down the isle, the moment their eyes meet and of course the first kiss.
These are all your moments that will be of most importance for your big day. Well Chantelle, how can you think there's much more than this? Let me be clear, this is your day and all of these will be of the biggest importance to capture firstly, secondly we have your bridal parties reaction, your family and friends in the seats. Following up we have the exit, how will you decide to exit the ceremony as a newly married couple? Have you thought about doing anything that isn't just walking out together? Maybe the guests will be throwing flower petals or blowing bubbles. Any idea you have that's opposed to the basic exit is worth capturing and thinking about. Its your day make a scene and celebrate your first moments as a wedded couple in style
Emma's Wedding - 01.04.2023
Optional Extras
its your day, why not go all out.