It gives us such pleasure to introduce you to Bron of Vanilla Photography. We have been faithful followers of her work for quite some time now and we were thrilled when she said yes to being featured on Ruby. We love the honesty of her work; how she manages to capture those special 'inbetween' moments that are so quick to pass and rare to capture. So sit back with a cup of tea and let's get to know her.
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.
I love cheese!
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.
How
can people get hold of you?
Or
call me: 082 780 6997
Please
finish these sentences:
Right now I am happy about
my new car!
Photography is my happy place. I’m very lucky to do what I love
every single day!
Rooibos tea
is over rated. But can be
delicious if I’m craving it!
I am so grateful for the
opportunities I have been given that lead me to where I am today. I have the
best parents anyone could ask for!
People would say that I am
friendly, outgoing,
sarcastic (but in a charming way), obsessed with animals.
I get annoyed when
my internet is down!
A photograph is a moment caught in time for people to forever
cherish.
In a year I will be still doing what I love! Just older and wiser.
When I wake up in the morning
I walk my dogs. Check my
emails. Drink tea. Occasionally go to gym.
I don't understand
how some people don’t
strive to keep learning.
I am terrified of
snakes! Losing those
closest to me.
Tomorrow I will be trying to spend some time looking for sweet flight
deals to our next travel destination.
If
I had a million Rand I would
be one step closer to
saving the world one dog at a time!
Vanilla Photography is all over the web! Find Bron here:
Labels: Durban photographer, Durban wedding suppliers, photography, Vanilla Photography