Shooting in difficult locations

Shooting in difficult locations

One of the things I love most about photographing weddings is that I get to experience so many different types of cultures.  I love people and am always watching the way in which we interact and connect. Ritual is of particular interest to me and so traditional weddings become totally fascinating for me.

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Here are a few photographs from Andile and Langa’s Traditional Zulu wedding that happened the day after their Christian White wedding which took place at The Zunguness in the midlands.

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Traditional Zulu weddings generally happen at the Groom’s family’s homestead and they are filled with song, beautiful colours and sometimes even a bit of Zulu dancing! The main ceremony involves family members and important guests being presented with blankets.

Once the formalities were done which I shot in a documentary style, I wanted to capture a few portraits of the ravishing bride. Andile is drop dead gorgeous and a total fashionista, she oozes style and I wanted to make something special for her that spoke of her.

She looks like she’s standing in an African jungle in this photo but we were actually in an urban area with lots of cars, electric fences and razor wire which is typical in South Africa. As a wedding photographer we need to deliver no matter what the circumstances are, and Andile is a real fashionista so I wanted to create something really glamorous as she is.

I remember thinking to myself – Whats the best way to approach this Jacki Bruniquel.

And I slowed it all down and looked at the red of her outfit and changed my thinking to-
How can I solve this?
What goes with red!
Green is Red’s complementary colour
And off I went in search of a spot of green. Which we found in a vacant plot a wee bit down the road.

I used the Profoto B10 light to create some drama and fill in the shadows and a long lens to create some lens compression.

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If you would like to learn how to problem solve tricky shooting situations and take your flash off camera send me an email. I have a few spots free for my Durban Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography workshop that is happening on the 17/ 18 March 2020 and the early bird special is still available until the 30 January 2020. If you are keen to attend the Joburg workshop send me a DM and I will pop you onto the wait list.

For more information about the Unstuck Yourself Workshop, click here. 

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Unstuck Yourself Photo Workshop – Jozi 2019

Unstuck Yourself Photo Workshop – Jozi 2019

This workshop is life changing

This is what Claire Mallon had to say about her experience at the Jozi Unstuck Yourself Workshop in June 2018, and I have to say that this particular workshop was one that I will never forget!

Previously this had been a one day workshop but as there is just so much content to cover I decided that it would be better taught over two days. This proved to be an absolute game changer!

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Here’s what I teach on this workshop.

How to:

    •         Develop your own visual language and style
    •         Find the clients that resonate with you
    •         Turn tricky shooting situations into creative possibilities
    •         Take your images from drab to fab
    •         Make friends with your flash
    •         See the light and make the light
    •         Stay inspired and think out of the box
    •         Create emotive imagery
    •         Compose better
    •         Put your prices up
    •         Use mindfulness to reduce creative anxiety
    •         Take better care of yourself for optimum performance
    •         Put YOU into your work

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Your magic is found deep within you, and that’s what I want us to excavate.My Unstuck Yourself Workshop is for photographers who want to evolve, not for photographers who want to try to be someone else.  The results of my most recent workshop in Jozi affirmed this.

What I loved about having the extra day is that we were all able to really dig deep as attendees filled out their worksheets in the warm winter sun and experimented with the practical demonstrations with my help. There was also time to engage and learn from the other people in the class and this made for a wonderful atmosphere of support, sharing and growth.

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The Parks Natural Light Studio was the perfect place for this workshop and besides all the learning, laughing, worksheets, practical demos and Q&A’s, attendees were treated to a delicious lunch feast on both days and yummy cakes with loads of cups of tea to warm the winter chills.

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On the last night of my Unstuck yourself workshop we have fun with flash and made the last shot in the dark with some shebang, and then finished the workshop with a cheese and wine. We were like a family by that stage. There were some tears, hugs and lots of cheers and happy smiles.

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I really loved working with this bunch of awesome photographers!!!

Here are some of the images that I took of each attendee whilst demonstrating a different technique along with what they had to say about the workshop.

Mpho Mojapelo: If you can, attend Jacki’s workshop, not only will you learn about photography, photographic techniques, business etc, but you’ll also learn about yourself as a person and what you really want out of life and you career. It was great attending the course with other photographers who were all on different parts of their photography and personal journeys, so much to bounce off, and learn from everyone!

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Sophie Smith: I knew that I needed this course, but I had no idea how much I needed it. I knew I was stuck, but I hadn’t got to the bottom of why I was stuck, and how deep rooted those issues were. Jax is incredibly real and also so very generous in sharing her knowledge and experience, not just technical knowledge, but her understanding and her practise of creativity. The insights into her personal story, her work and her experiences are so eye opening and enlightening, from how she got that amazing shot, to what it looks like to burn out and how to avoid it.

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Kelly Harmsen: Thanks for creating a workshop that is so unique and relaxing, where photographers can share and be themselves. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and seeing things from a new perspective.

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Claire Mallon: This workshop wakes up that inner creative, unsticks the stuck mind and prepares you for making images in any situation. Jacki has helped me with the birth of my photography career and reminded me that anxiety is normal but need not be crippling. All I have to do is breathe and take the leap. This isn’t just a workshop for your photography business it’s a workshop for the photographers soul.

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Simone Osborne: The 2 days made me look deep into myself and be more mindful of my surroundings. I enjoyed every part and every minute of this workshop and it has motivated me to think outside the box and look at every situation differently. It taught me to look where the light is coming from and looking at different angles to be more creative. It was great to meet so many other like minded people as well and thoroughly enjoyed the many deep conversations, tears and laughs we shared as a group.

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Bernice Fisher: Jacki’s workshop was so inspiring, and a huge eye opener. I have changed my thinking towards photography and life in general. This is definitely what I needed to give not only my business, but MYSELF a reboot.

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Judith Belle: I felt so inspired and alot more confident after this workshop. It’s been over a year since I did it and I am still gaining the benefits. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving.

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Being human is a journey and our photography career is part of that. My teachings are holistic and are not just about putting up a light, clicking a button and making money. That’s the easy part. What I teach goes way deeper.  I’m not going to give you a shot list and tell you that my way is the right way. I will show you all the “how to’s”. I will show you so many tips and tricks that will enable you to take your images from drab to fab, but it is up to you to use them in your own way, because I want to teach you how to think, not what to think.  I want you to get over your own self limiting beliefs and stop the “monkey mind” that is constantly holding you back! I want you to get in touch with yourself and really stand out in this oversaturated market.

If you are interested in attending my next workshop please send me a message by clicking here and I will add you to my waiting list.

Click here to join The Conscious Creative Photographer Facebook group, or click here to join my Jacki Bruniquel Photography Coaching page to stay up to date with my latest news and workshop dates.

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Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography Workshop at The Parks 2018

Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography Workshop at The Parks 2018

What happens when you connect a bunch of creative female photographers on a mission to learn and grow?

Deep conversations
A lot of laughs
Much fun
Some silliness
A lot of questions
Expansion and transformation!

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Around about a year ago I hosted my fifth Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography one day workshop in Joburg at The Parks Natural Light Studio.

We got deep that day and immersed ourselves in a programme that is just not your typical wedding or portrait photography workshop! The Unstuck Yourself Workshop is not one of those workshops where there is a styled shoot with a model and a table of flowers to photograph. Nope it is so much more than that!

We look at

  • Mindset and how practicing mindfulness can enhance your photography and your life
  • The importance of creating your own visual language and how to do so
  • Skills that will have you thinking out of the box
  • Problem solving techniques that will help you transform tricky shooting circumstances into creative possibilities
  • Simple ways of getting your flash off camera and playing with strobe and constant lighting
  • How to take your images from drab to fab
  • How to find the clients that you love
  • How to create a brand that is totally you
  • How to stay inspired and creative
  • How to see the light and make the light
  • We get in touch with your why but I also show you my how!

I give you loads of practical demonstrations and teach you many photographic techniques but this isn’t a workshop where I just teach you how to use a technique I will teach you why!

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The day started with coffee and chats. It was a chilly winter’s day that day and so there was much tea drinking throughout the day. We began with an informal presentation in the “movie house” where I shared my story and how I have got to where I am as a photographer. I shared the secrets behind my triumphs but also shared my mistakes so that you can avoid making the same! Later we went out into the mid-day sun and this is where I began to teach how to light using reflectors and off camera flash.

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We had an absolutely delicious vegetarian lunch made by Chef Venessa Marx, which was followed by more talks and then even more demonstrations of photo techniques.

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The evening ended with a cheese and wine and a chin wag around the table and so there was loads of time for sharing and Q&A!

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Here’s what some of the ladies who attended had to say.

“This workshop has motivated me to push myself to try think outside the box for every shoot, no matter what” Tammy Holiday

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“Thank you so much for a wonderful workshop and giving so much of yourself! I have found it very inspiring and taken so much out of it!“- Melanie Nel

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“I really enjoyed this workshop and have put my prices up since attending. I am now fully booked for the next 4 month. I found my focus and my self worth which has also meant attracting the right clients.”– Merissa Venter

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“Thank you so much for an awesome workshop Jax. The authenticity and timelessness of your work has always struck me, I can feel that your work is strongly informed by your clients, you don’t just shoot to a ‘shot list’ or follow what is trendy. I felt like the same was true for your workshop, you didn’t just follow a script… You moulded the day to what we needed and felt was important. You made me feel like an artist again.. And reminded me that everything informs and influences what we do as photographers. I loved your honesty in showing us your ‘bad dutch tilt’.. Made me feel like there was hope for us all!”– Lisa Skinner

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“When you go on a workshop like this you are investing in yourself which is ultimately worth more than investing in gear! The Unstuck Yourself workshop was an intense but amazing day which has given me lots to think about and try out. Being able to see a talented professional’s workflow and thought process, in person is priceless.

I do a lot of online learning but the benefit of an in person workshop with personal interaction and discussion is so vital to your own growth. I loved networking with other photographers and I also enjoyed seeing the “live demonstrations” Seeing and hearing from other photographers (usually experiencing the same feelings & frustrations) is an inspiration and motivation.

I would definitely recommend this workshop.” – Anne Nieuwenhuizen

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” This is the best workshop I have ever been to!”– Jean Dohse

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“I had reached the point in my craft when it used to energise me it sapped my energy and depleted me. I had lost my love of creating.
Jax’s workshop helped me unpack my creativity and find new, seemingly simple ways to get creative and in the same way re-inventing myself and my craft.
It reignited my passion for creating beautiful imagery and carving a niche in my business. This is not just another photography workshop. This is a fantastic investment in your personal growth to set you apart in a saturated industry. “- Sinead Brook

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“Thank you for the workshop you did for us last year, it forever changed my life and thought process. What I loved was how the process of the workshop focused on doing things in a new way. I loved the mindfulness exercises and I loved the way you taught us how to see – this has greatly inspired how I shoot. The very location of your workshop was a challenge but I loved it because it taught us how to win in difficult lighting situations. The environment on the day was amazing, truly reflecting your energy. Thank you for creating a bootcamp for creatives that continues to develop them even years after they have attended and for creating a community that we can go back to when looking for assistance.”– Nockwaka Sinxadi

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I’m going to be doing two more Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography Workshops in 2019. One will happen in Joburg and one in Durban this June. I am toying with the idea of taking a year out to live abroad next year. So if you want to work with me, make 2019 your year as I am unsure whether I will be hosting these workshops in South Africa again, but that is another story all together!

These upcoming workshops will be slightly different to previous ones, as this time I will be doing them over two full days and not just one!! After doing some market research with all my previous attendees I realised that one day is just not long enough to really get through everything I share! I really want all attendees to be able to implement all the techniques once we finish the workshop. and so you will be practicing with me as your in person guide. We will also be doing some creativity exercises and journaling over the two days.

And then!! Just to make sure that you are on track I am going to be doing two zoom calls after the workshop so we can discuss the worksheets I give you to kickstart your creativity and get you thinking!

So if you book now you will get:

  • 2 full days of tuition, demonstrations and fun!
  • 2 lunches and teas
  • Late afternoon soup to warm up
  • 1 cheese and wine evening
  • Access to an online portal with all worksheets and other info
  • 2 group zoom calls after the workshop
  • Access to a facebook group where you can ask questions

And

If you book with a friend you will both get R3500 off the overall price.

Click here to find out more about the special

And click here to find out all the details

Credits to:

Venue: The Parks Natural Light Studio

Catering: Chef Vanessa Marx  

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Five star service versus two star service

Five star service versus two star service

I was so fast asleep I was practically dead!

24 hours of traveling from Berlin to Bali had me in a virtual coma the instant my head hit the pillow.

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All of a sudden I was ripped into a foggy consciousness by the sound of a whiney, disgruntled female voice.

She was just going on and on and on AND ON!!

 I couldn’t block it out.

I had to open my eyes.

And when I did I saw my newly arrived, fresh off the plane Australian friend being harassed by the Balinese lady who manned the front desk of the villas we were to call home for the week.

 She was shouting about a double booking and how Amy needed to pay for the other taxi.

Considering the fact that Amy had paid for the taxi she was in and never ordered another taxi to fetch her from the airport she was confused and stressed by her rude welcome to our villas.

 Somehow wires had been crossed and the villas had sent a taxi without the necessary confirmation from Amy  for the transfer from the airport. The desk lady was adamant that she must pay.

 This was not a good first impression on our first day.

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 The Taxi mixup was eventually resolved. Later in the week we decided to take advantage of a rare sunny day and find a hotel that offered a day pass to the pool facilities. After a bit of online research we decided to head to the Royal Pita Mahai, a five star resort in the jungle just outside of Ubud.

 Our arrival was a totally different experience. We were welcomed with a smile and given a cool, fresh towel scented with lemongrass to freshen up with. We were then offered a welcome drink and the receptionist explained their different packages and took us on a tour around the expansive hotel grounds to show us where the various pools were situated. We were totally blown away by the décor and gardens of this beautiful hotel, the attention to detail and the staff hospitality.

 We were not only made to feel special, we were given an experience.

We told so many people about the Royal Pita Maha. We did however not recommend the villas to anyone nor would we! Word of mouth is a huge marketing tool that should never be underestimated!

This really got me thinking about the business of being a photographer.

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What kind of welcome are you giving your clients?

What are you doing to make them feel special?

What kind of experience will they remember?

Will they remember you for your five star-service?

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 Here are some practical ways to make your client experience a better one as inspired by the Royal Pita Maha

  • A sunny welcome goes a long way. We don’t work in the corporate world. Smile with your emails.
  • Be approachable. Make things easy for your clients. Explain how you work and what your packages are.
  • Make things beautiful and a pleasure to be in. This includes your website. If things look good and it’s easy to navigate their first impression will be better.
  • Most people are getting married for the first time so if you want to serve them well, you will need to educate them about what you need in order to get great pics.
  • Your clients wedding day must always be about them and not you and your ego.
  • You are there to serve your clients and give them a beautiful experience.
  • Always do your best and be a nice person. Say please and thank you!
  • Don’t dress like a slob on shoot day and make sure you are groomed and looking like a five star photographer if you are wanting to deliver five star service.
  • Compliment people. Make them feel safe in front of your camera. Make them feel special! But don’t be false.
  • Under promise- Over deliver
  • Give that extra little bit that isn’t expected. This can be a gift, beautiful packaging, staying on for longer than expected, giving them a hand written note, delivering images earlier than expected. When people receive an added bonus that wasn’t part of the package they will feel special! This will help your word of mouth marketing.
  • Remember that failed expectations are the mother of all disappointments so make sure you deliver on your promises.
  • Definitely don’t ever respond to any miscommunication if you are angry or upset. Take some time to cool down so you aren’t reacting from an emotional space.
  • Please don’t write about your clients on social media if you’re upset. If you need to vent phone a friend you can trust. 

 And lastly remember that

  • Humans want to feel safe
  • Humans want to feel accepted
  • Humans want to feel special

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