Ruby + Swallow: Photography Feature: Vanilla Photography

How did you get into photography? Was it a hobby that expanded into a business, or has it been a dream since you were young?

I had been taking photos since I was around 13 years old (maybe even younger!), and had always dreamed of shooting fashion models for magazines, or having my own magazine! But I’m a woman and I’m allowed to change my mind. So I studied Interior Decorating and went into that. I then worked in the fabric industry for a while, and just was not feeling totally fulfilled. So I decided to quit my job to travel Europe. Taking my camera with me and snapping away at beautiful people and places just gave me the push I needed. From then, I knew that I could do this forever. I’ve never looked back…

Tell us about yourself in three words.

What were you doing prior to becoming a photographer?

I worked in Interior Decorating and fabrics. I’m still very passionate about that as well, and adore trolling Interior Blogs at night for some inspiration. Beauty is everywhere!

What did you study?

Interior Decorating & Photography

Where are you based? And do you travel for your photography?

I’m based in Umhlanga, but will travel anywhere in the WORLD for a shoot. I have serious itchy feet when it comes to travelling.

How would you describe your photography "aesthetic"?

I think my work is natural, light and real. The smiles are real. The moments are real. When it comes to portraits and weddings, I prefer to just let the moments happen, with just a tiny bit of direction to get the frame right. I don’t enjoy studio style work, and much prefer natural light and using our gorgeous country as the backdrop!

What inspires your photography?

Everything. I can’t put my finger on what ‘everything’ is. But as I said before, beauty is everywhere I look! Our country is gorgeous, and full of so many amazing people and places. I also love visiting other countries and taking time out from my ‘day job’, to photograph other people and places. It gets the creativity flowing again, and opens a new eye. That’s inspiring! As well as other photographers. I so enjoy trolling through other blogs and feeling inspired by other’s work. I just LOVE photos and all the emotion they divulge.

Besides photography, what are your other loves?

Dogs. Cheese. Travel. My friends. My family. Beautiful interiors. People. Kids. My boyfriend. Tea. (Not necessarily in that order)

Do you shoot anything else besides weddings?

Weddings and kids are my passion. I shoot everything from family, maternity and newborns, to weddings and fashion. I have dabbled in a bit of commercial work as well.

As a design and wedding blog, we have to ask: do you enjoy photographing weddings?

Enjoy? I LOVE it! There are so many real moments that go on in between the stuff that everyone else sees. I strive to capture these. The happiness and love shared on someone’s big day is indescribable. Not to mention the beautiful décor….

If you had to choose a photographer to take your own wedding photos, who would it be? Who inspires you?

Catherine Mac. She’s a Cape Town based photographer. Although we’ve never met, I feel like I just ‘get’ her, and her style ‘gets’ me. She inspires me so much, although I don’t try to match her style. Don’t get me wrong- there is SO much talent in Natal. I just am totally hooked to her work, it keeps drawing me back!

What do you see in the future for yourself in the next few years?

More travel. My own wedding. Saving the world one dog at a time. And many, many more spectacular clients! I hope to shoot some more international weddings too! (starting this month in the UK! Yay!)

What are your wedding/engagement/general shoot rates?

My Engagement Packages start at R1250, and weddings start at R 10 000.