STYLE & STORIES PORTRAIT PORTFOLIO: Chante

By MARTIN

It is not first time that I have photographed beautiful Chante. The first time she was still at school and the next time for a hair shoot while she was a student. 

This time we proposed a glamour shoot with flowing, feminine outfits. 

One of the dresses Chante brought, the styled silver one, belonged to her grandmother. A sense of style definitely runs in the family.

As a qualified MUA working for a cosmetic house in Durbanville, she was also able to do her own make-up. And what a great job Chante did! Just look at these images.

SPOTLIGHT # 2: Portraits of a prize winner - To Kill a Mockingbird at the Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West

BY ERIKA

Martin was asked to do a shoot for promotional material for an adaptation of this Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee to be performed at The Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West from 16 to 24 May. 

The book was was first published in 1960 and deals with issues of the loss of innocence as well as racial, class and gender inequality in the American Deep South but also courage, integrity, moral strength and compassion. Yet the characters also reflects love, warmth, humour and hope.

Director, Darryl Spijkers has brought together an amazing group of people, not least the three kids who play a pivotal role in the play. Thanks to their grasp of their characters it was easy to capture it in a series of lovely portraits. Here we feature some f them. More images can be seen on the Playhouse Facebook page

To Kill a Mockingbird is a must see for  local Grade 10 English Home Language learners and Grade 12 First Additional language learners who are currently studying the novel and everyone else who loves theatre. 

The production supports Masikhule early childhood development programme. R5 of every ticket go to this worthy cause.

Thomas Agates is Atticus Finch

Julia Mattes is the tomboy narrator and Atticus Finch' daughter

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PS

A review and two of our images of the final dress rehearsal made it onto the home page of the Cape Times on Wednesday 21 May 2014. Congratulations to the Darryl Spijkers and the cast of the show! Well done.

RECIPE FOR A ROYAL MY TIE: Or how to concoct a couture cocktail using neckties

BY ERIKA

Question: How to concoct a couture cocktail using neckties?

Answer: Make a MyTie!

Ingredients:

• Rum red
• Lime green
• Yellow
• Orange and
• Curaçao blue

Method:

• Mix colours well
• Combine with paisleys, patterns, stripes and florals.
• Stir in a few corporate crests, cartoon characters and old school ornamentation on neckties narrow and wide.
• Add a splash pageant princess
• Decorate with three fashion designers and a good cause.

And hey presto, there it is - a royal my tie couture cocktail event that will take your breath away!

That is the recipe for the Save the Tie,Save a Child project that is turning a decorative but some will say, useless and outdated accessory into a fundraising venture for RoleModels Foundation and the children of Imfundo Project.

Chantal Witthuhn, Mrs Cape Town 2013 initiator of the Save the Tie, Save a Child project has individuals, business owners, learners etc. all over collecting as many ties as possible for three Cape Town designers to create enough outfits for a fashion show on 27 June at Emo Adams’ The All Star Theatre in Brackenfell.  

The designs by Saskia Wicomb, Hein Smit and Marshal Enyioma will be auctioned off at the gala event.

We are honoured to have been asked to be the sponsor photographer for the project so last week we attended the handing over of the first batch of ties to the designers.

From the scuffle that ensued, it is clear that each one already has a plan for what they are going to do with ties.

If you are want to see the outcome, loosen the knot around your neck and book your tickets at Computicket and join the Save the Tie, Save a Child Facebook-page.

 

Tie me up, tie me down - Saskia, Hein and Marshal selecting ties to transform into haute couture

 

Designers Saskia Wicomb and Hein Smit in conversation with Martin 

The very energetic start of the creative process - finding just the right tie!

STYLE & STORIES PORTRAIT PORTFOLIO: Aida

BY MARTIN

Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished – Michael Strassfeld 

Vivacious, vibrant and vigorous with enough energy for two people.

That is Aïda Steyn, public relations person and marketing consultant and tour agent for a host of singers including David Fourie and Bobby Van Jaarsveld.

We met Aïda in her capacity as PR for Emo Adams’ All Star Theatre in Brackenfell, Cape Town. In June, the theatre will be hosting a fashion show for the Save the Tie, Save a Child project and we have been asked to photograph the event.

Despite her businesslike, no-nonsense demeanour when discussing the arrangements with Chantal Witthuhn, whose brainchild the project is, Aïda was at the same time warm and sparkling. A combination of qualities just waiting to be photographed!

And that we did in typical Aïda-style, on the Monday between moving into a new place in Somerset West and jetting off to Jo-burg for work.

Hectic schedule or not, Aïda came well-prepared and posed and played around in the studio like a pro! 

Dit was heerlik om jou hier te hê Aïda! Ons maak weer so!


MAKE-UP ARTIST: Candice Harker http://www.mobilemakeupartist.co.za/

In the right light and at the right time, everything is exceptional - Aaron Rose

STYLE & STORIES PORTRAIT PORTFOLIO: Anzel

BY MARTIN

When you possess light within, you see it externally - Anais Nin

We met Anzel  when she came to the studio to model for a portfolio shoot for a friend who had recently qualified as a make-up artist. 

Despite it being her first time in a studio, she just worked so well in front of the camera, we just had to do a glamour portrait shoot with her. We also discovered that she lived just down the road from the studio so we got her back here as soon as we could. 

And Anzel did not disappoint! We love the images. It achieves what glamour portrait photography is about - getting to know a woman as she really is. 

Anzel's shy but playful personality is so visible in her beautiful smile and laughing eyes. 

Nothing less than exceptional!

MAKE-UP ARTIST: Candice Harker http://www.mobilemakeupartist.co.za/

In the right light and at the right time, every women is exceptional

- After Aaron Rose

Visit our website or call us today to discuss your time in the spotlight

BUSINESS PORTRAIT # 1 Happy Birthday & Cheers to Xtraordinanry Women, Somerset West!

BY ERIKA

Last week we celebrated the second birthday of the Xtraordinary Women’s Somerset West chapter as always with good company and good food but this time also with good wine spritzer from Jaydex Distribution.

What is more, we all received a gift from Jaydex owner and fellow Xtraordinary women, Janet Graham – a bottle of red wine with a personalised label.

I have been involved with this community of business women started by Gwen Kloppers, for only about eight months. Yet it feels like I have known these extraordinary women for ever and the support our studio has received from them, has been invaluable.

Since March this year we have had the opportunity to give back to the group when Martin was asked to document our monthly breakfast events at Erinvale for the Xtraordinary Women’s social media campaign. It is a privilege for both of us.

Happy birthday XWSW! May there be many more!

A very special birthday gift to Xtraordinary Women and members from Janet Graham of Jaydex Distibution, distributors of upmarket quality products, mostly associated with celebrations, romance, style and luxury.

 Xtraordinary Women members and visitors at the Somerset West chapter's second birthday celebrations at Erinvale Clubhouse