And the winner is: Catherine Jenkin!
Well done! Thank you so much to all who entered and to Eileen for this giveaway!
*winner picked using Random.org.
Eileen has a wonderful gift - she is able to capture beautiful moments in the making! What sets her skill apart is the fact that she can capture both classic weddings as well as quirky ones, while still bringing out the true personality of the couple. Today she shares her inspiration and knowledge with us!
See more amazing photos:
Brightgirl Website & Blog
More about Eileen in her own words:
Why
photography?
I studied Fine Art and decided to major in painting and photography, as
photography was always something I enjoyed. I loved playing with my dad’s old
Minolta, winding the dials and watching the blue light meter inside change due
to the different F stops (I don’t think I ever actually took a photo with
that camera). The idea of freezing a memory has also captivated me.
What lead you to this career and what keeps you passionate about it?
I never wanted to be a wedding photographer, as I thought I would make my money
off my paintings but life has a funny way of working itself out. I found myself
teaching art for a couple of years which I thoroughly enjoyed but I reached a
point where I wanted to enjoy my own creativity so I resigned and bought
my first digital DSLR. I started photographing families and newborns, watching
new mom’s and dad’s soak up the tiny faces of their little creations. I loved
it! Capturing moments and recording memories for other people. Then the
wedding bug bit after I had photographed a colleague’s wedding and things just
developed from there. I was addicted to the adrenaline and nerves and excitement
experienced on a wedding day... and I still am. Long hours, no social life
except for capturing a couple’s day and watching their interactions and acts of
love on their wedding day followed by then hearing how they love their photos
makes everything worth it.
How long have you been snapping happy moments and love stories in the making?
I’ve been snapping my own happy moments for more than 17 years when I bought my
first camera. I shot my first wedding 5 years ago.
What inspires you?
When I photograph families I always think about what type of photos I would
like taken of my own family - real moments, family interactions and characteristics.
Photographing real emotions and honesty shared between a couple on their
wedding day definitely inspires and stimulates my creativity. I also love
capturing a look, or a moment shared by a couple which may not have been seen
by anyone else.
I follow a few photographers’ blogs; my favourite family photographer is Deb Schwedhelm. I love Braedon Flynn, Austin Curtis, Benj Haisch and Jen Huang.
What tips do you have for bloggers who want to improve their photography skills?
I learnt the most about my camera when I photographed a 365 project. I shot
different objects, people & places in different lighting conditions pushing
my camera to its limits and experimenting with different settings. I would also
recommend attending workshops with other photographers in your field. I
really learnt a lot from watching other people and seeing how they do things.
There is always something new to learn.
It must be amazing experiencing and capturing weddings what advice do you have
for a bride and groom on picking a wedding photographer?
My advice for choosing a wedding photographer would be to look at their whole
portfolio and consider the different lighting conditions in each photo and how
that photographer has successfully used the available light. I would also look
at whether the couple’s character has been portrayed in the photographs
and if the couple appear real and relaxed in the photographs.
What’s in your kit?
Nikon D700
Nikon D200
Nikon 24-70mm F2.8
Nikon 85mm F1.4
Nikon 50mm F1.4
Nikon 35mm F2
Nikon SB 900
Nikon SB 800
Pocket wizards x2
Pocket Wizard Flex TT5 Transceiver
Sigma 50mm Macro
Loads of CF cards and batteries
Giveaway:
This is a really valuable and amazing giveaway for Durban readers (Eileen is based in Durban).
A couples shoot to the value of
R1200: 1 hour shoot with 30 high res images on disc. What a prize!
How to enter:
Like the Brightgirl Facebook page and leave me a comment to tell me you have done so.
For extra entries:
Like the Cupcake Couture Facebook page.
Blog about the giveaway (please post link to post in comment).
Tweet about the giveaway.
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.
Closing date:
Thursday 10th May
Wishing you all loads of luck!
P.S:
This wedding below belongs to one of the sisters from Glee Projects! If you are a bride to be or planning a party - then be sure to get in touch with these two for some added inspiration, invites or decor! They come highly recommended! Plus they friend's of Eileen and recently planned her daughter's ballerina party...so cute!
