We last interviewed JCclick in 2017 and we cannot believe how far they’ve come!
What is your photography story and how did JCclick get to where you are now?
The story of how I became a photographer seems to me these days like a fairytale. I woke up one morning at the age of 8 and made a conscious decision that one day, I would become a photographer. I was fortunate enough to have a father who took an interest in photography. He had an old school film camera as well as a digital camera and I remember his words as if they were yesterday, “My girl, you’re welcome to use my digital camera once you have mastered the art of a film camera.” This helped me understand things like shutter speed, ISO, and F-stop – to not only take a photo but know that the camera has a limited amount of frames and that I should treat every photo with patience and thought.
The most remarkable thing happened when I was 17 years old, I met my husband. I always thought that the fairytales of “love at first sight” were cliché and only happened in movies, but true as Bob, when I saw him I fell in love! We had so many interests that aligned, photography being one of them. (We spent two years at Vega National School of Photography to give ourselves a fighting chance in an over-saturated market and instead of drowning, we just learned to surf and started working towards our future.)
How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to doing it full-time?
I started photographing small events and kids parties and at the age of 16, photographed my first wedding. I was scared to death facing so many people but knew what I wanted. Each time I put myself out there it was like mentally throwing a rock in the water, realising that a ripple effect will take place. With all great things, we must learn patience and persistence to help us grow.
Are there any photographers you draw inspiration from?
With this being a fast-growing industry, multiple photographers inspire me but if I could just name a few it would be Sue Bryce and Peter McKinnon. Sue transformed the portrait industry while changing the lives of so many women who once felt insecure while Peter’s energy and creativity would get any person to fall in love with photography while also being great with the technical side of photography.
Follow photographers who inspire you because what you focus your time on, is what you become. Looking down on others’ work to boost your ego won’t help you grow. Fix your attention on improving yourself every time you go out to shoot.
How do you go from conceptualising to result?
Conceptualising an image is like going shopping for a canvas. I start with who my subject is and what would complement them as an individual. It makes no sense to buy a square-shaped canvas and use it for a landscape and forcing something to be what it is not only results in mediocrity. Location, clothing, and makeup all play a huge role in colouring my canvas. Once I have a clear vision of who my subject is I find elements to enhance the message I want to portray.
Pinterest is a great way of finding what it is you want to achieve. I usually make a folder and combine bits and pieces of what I find and then create something new. Once your vision is clear it makes it easier to convey the message and make the subject feel confident with you, making the painting process a smooth one.
What gear can’t you go without?
It would be my Sigma 50mm Art Series and Canon 70-200mm lenses. Using the 50mm makes you feel like you’re capturing a private conversation, while the 70-200mm lens makes your clients say “Wow, I didn’t even know you got that shot!”. It’s a beast of a lens and treats them with a surprise.
We’re currently shooting with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR and Canon EOS 1DX Mark III DSLR cameras. Even though the latest bodies are beyond incredible, upgrading would feel like I’m parting from a lifelong friendship.
What kind of post-production do you do on your photographs and what tools do you use to get to your result?
The programs we use for post-production range from Lightroom to Photoshop. Lightroom is a phenomenal program that helps with quick edits on multiple images. If I can let you in on a little secret… One of my favourite tools in Lightroom is the Linear Gradient Tool – this tool can transform a mundane sky into a remarkable image by darkening and changing the tint to the desired look and feel. Another secret is the brush tool, then selecting Skin Smooth – this allows you to give your brides that smooth glamour skin look. Photoshop on the other hand is needed for a more complicated task like removing an object in the background etc.
Have you won any awards?
We are very fortunate to have won 4 awards – the first one was at the Top Vendors Awards in 2017. We entered the Africa Photo Awards in 2019 and have won for 3 consecutive years in a row.
What do you feel makes a winning shot?
I love to push the boundaries and create images that make our audience wonder in awe. I feel a photo that stands out is the one that can’t easily be replicated – a moment timed perfectly. Nature is a huge part of the reason for us winning images at the Africa Photo Awards. The first image that won at the African Photo Awards was a photo of a bridal party perfectly captured with a big storm brewing in the background. It was such a crazy moment, with a bunch of crazy people willing to stand in a wind that will easily blow you off your feet.
How did COVID affect you as a creative?
Covid affected so many people, some good and some bad. I can truly say Covid has influenced us in such a positive way. Even though we took a knock financially, we were able to reinvent ourselves and take the time to grow and transform into better photographers. I believe it’s the unknown that shapes and empowers you to do the impossible.
What motivates you to continue with photography?
What motivates me most is probably that although the weekends are fully booked, I’m quite free during the week. I also get to see magical places and meet different people and personalities. Every time I shoot there’s an opportunity for me to change someone’s life and how they feel about themselves. I am fortunate enough to have found my passion at such a young age, truly living my fairytale, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Is there a specific message you want to convey with your photographs, and how do you do it?
Passion is the one word that comes to mind. Photographing a wedding or a portrait should always aim to bring the best out of your subject. If it’s just about the money, the image will always come second. I want others to see that it’s more than just a career but rather a passion for transforming what’s given into something amazing. I get those results by always making it about the client. No matter what happens in my personal life, I never bring it to the shoot.
What paper do you prefer to print on and why?
Art of Print always creates everything with precision and love. Upon meeting them to discuss paper options they first looked at our editing style. With our warm tones, they recommend Textured Silk to compliment our work best. The work I receive is mind-blowing, every time! I would highly recommend you to take a few minutes of your time to sit down with the wonderful team at Art of Print and discuss the best paper options for your brand.
Which framing options do you feel finish off your final piece and why?
I’ve always loved the Box Frames as it feels like it gives the images a bit of extra depth and mystery.
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