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Playing with 35mm film.

February 13th, 2012 — Yolande Snyders | 1 comment

There is something about shooting with film that just renews my love for photography every time. Especially when I shoot with an old camera. You never know how the images will come out. I decided to buy a plain Fujifilm 35mm roll for my 1985 Pentax P30 and just have fun.

It is tough to shoot with film, not because of the technical side of it, but because you have to be selfish with every shot. What to shoot? It will really drive you crazy, so I just went with it.

My gorgeous husband. ;)

Sealed with a kiss. {Cheesy, I know.}

At Chantel & Rigard’s Engagement Session.

Not the best shot, but there is something magical about it for me.

My Great Web page

Love, 120 roll film & Muizenberg

September 23rd, 2011 — Yolande Snyders | 3 comments

Since a very young age and many exhausting trips, by my mother, to Clicks to have my 110 films developed, I just fell in love with photography. Through the years my 110 films changed to 35mm and then eventually 120 roll film and then it changed to digital.

Lately I found myself missing that film “feel”, so I took out my Yashicaflex and found old 120 roll films to play with. They are still available at Orms & Cameraworld.

Jacques and I had the privilege to have our engagement session shot by Du Wayne Denton. Obviously my Yashicaflex went along. ;)

Sniper…

Jacques x

ISO 400
Aperture f/8 - f/5.6
Shutter speed 1/200 sec - 1/100sec
Post Production Adobe Photoshop CS3 (Levels & a “light” Sharpen)
Weather Sunny to Overcast
Processed C41 processed at Orms

My Great Web page

Sneak preview - For the love of 120 Roll Film

September 9th, 2011 — Yolande Snyders | 4 comments

Yesterday was an exciting day for me, because I had a black & white film developed at Orms.

Jacques, my fiance and I had the privilege of having our engagement shoot on Sunday by Du Wayne Denton.

Very nervous and excited for the big photo shoot, I thought I will bring a long my Yashicaflex and a Ilford XP2 ISO 400 Super 120 Roll Film. I think most photographers feel safe behind a camera ;)

Here is a sneak preview.

ISO 400
Aperture f/5.6
Shutter speed 1/100sec
Post Production Adobe Photoshop CS3 (Levels & a “light” Sharpen)
Weather Overcast

Happy Spring!!!

August 31st, 2011 — Yolande Snyders | 0 comments

The first day of September is always a good day, come rain or sunshine, because it is the start of a new season, Spring. I love this time of year, the hope and inspiration of new things to come, with every new blossom or flower you spot in your garden, you know it is time for a fresh start.

I wish everyone a Happy Spring! May inspiration find you, fresh flowers make you smile and may your dreams blossom.

To celebrate the first day of Spring, Tendai & I, decided to run a special on the Desert Rose Hangers. Buy any two hangers and receive a free heart hanger. This special promotion will run until the end of September.

The Desert Rose Project - Meet Tendai

July 27th, 2011 — Yolande Snyders | 9 comments

I am happy and excited to introduce to you, one of the most down to earth people I have met in my life. Tendai, is always friendly, even when it is raining in his outdoor “office”.

To read more about the Desert Rose Project, please follow this link.

An Interview with Tendai

Describe yourself in three words.
(Tendai took a while to answer this question. With his big smile, he answered this.)
I would say I am hard working, family motivated and self determined.

What is your philosophy on being an artist?
I have passion.

What inspires you?
My family being in need.

How long have you been a wire artist?
23 Years.

Why did you become a wire artist?
In Zimbabwe after school there was no work, so it was fashionable to become a wire artist.

What is your favourite pieces to make?
Lettering and the Big 5.

What makes you happy?
When I am busy with an order, I know then I can give to my family.

Why do you like about Cape Town?
Helpful people and the weather is also alright.

What do you think of the Desert Rose Project?
A good thing, sure ja. It is part of love as well.

Tell me more about the wire you use.
New and re-used wire, so I recycle, as well ja. Recycling is a good thing, it is good for the environment.

How do you feel about other artists copying your work?
You must be creative yourself.

Biggest challenge as an artist?
To set aside money for when you are not working.

Advice to other artists?
Don’t give up.

What is your favourite saying?
God love me.

Filled with love :)

The biggest, honest smile.

Tendai & Me taken by Nikon D700 ;)

Arnold, Tendai’s talented brother.

The following three photos courtesy from Jo-Ann Stokes

Beautiful Desert Rose labels by Pink Pigeon

Newest Desert Rose addition - the camera tag for something extra special

Please note, all proceeds go to Tendai. Courier costs are extra, seeing as The Desert Rose hangers are national travelers.

To order please contact me & feel free to leave a comment for Tendai.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel - a workshop presented by Du Wayne Denton

May 31st, 2011 — Yolande Snyders | 5 comments

Du Wayne’s workshop is a must do for future reference. I always try to do workshops and courses to improve my photographic skill and technique. It is important to develop your own style, but photography is based on technique and skill and no photograph will ever be great without it. I enjoyed Du Wayne’s workshop, because he shared his knowledge and then shared some more. You will have to go see for yourself.

As a photographer, I usually see “people” when I go out to a shoot or wedding and it was refreshing to meet fellow colleagues at the workshop. No Facebook, actually meeting new friends face to face. :) Awesome people!

The beautiful location, Webersburg, Stellenbosch ensured that the creative juices were flowing and had the added bonus of making two days feel like a week’s holiday.

Credits:
“Bride” - Jacqueline
Couple - Chantelle & Rudi
Wedding dress - Lace Blossom
Ideas Book - Zani Denton

New friends:
Heather Steyn
Trudy Joubert
Kim du Toit
Katherine van Eck
René Kruger
Christelle Rall

Good/old friend:
Nic Redelinghuys

Ideas Book

Crouching tiger, hidden Canon…

The Desert Rose Project

April 21st, 2011 — Yolande Snyders | 3 comments

I am very excited to share this new venture, The Desert Rose Project, with fellow wedding photographers and brides-to-be.

A lot of thought and detail goes into planning a wedding and out of personal experience I can say that when everything comes together, it looks spectacular. Unfortunately, there is only one thing that gets looked over, the hanger used to present and carry your wedding dress. The dreadful white plastic hanger. I get chills just thinking about it.

My love for recycling and the need to give back what I receive, presented me with the idea of customizable hangers to use for the “wedding dress” shot and as a gift for the bride. Something special goes a long way :)

In collaboration with local wire artist, Tendai, we came up with the following designs. Tendai is really talented and creates magnificent sculptures out of wire. His life size Madiba wire sculpture was the first thing that got me interested in meeting the artist. Tendai is always kind and ready for something new. I hope that the Desert Rose Project will help him reach new heights and enjoy a career as an artist as I am blessed to do my dream job.

This is my way of giving back and making a difference. If you are interested in ordering one or many of these customizable hangers, please contact me on yolande@ysp.co.za or 082 470 1918.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

PS: Watch this space for new designs and different styles.

Ouma Jessie, Hermanus & the Dassies …

February 24th, 2011 — Yolande Snyders | 3 comments

Firstly, I would just like to refresh my own memory by reading my first blog entry. “My blogging will be about my journey as a photographer and not as an individual. And if anyone would like to share their stories and findings with me, please do. I think it is important for photographers to share their experience with others.” So with this entry I am sharing something personal and trying something new. Usually photographers are very secretive about their techniques and methods, in some cases for good reason. The past year has been great for me and sometimes difficult, because of the fact that being a professional photographer has changed. Photography has become more accessible to everyone. I personally feel that even for professionals it has become “easier”. My experience has showed me that to get your name out there, you have to deliver a professional service and combine your style with your clients needs. Also, to be part of a photographers’ circle helps. It is like being in school and knowing the cool kids.

Inspiration has to come from everywhere. The internet, facebook, blogs, magazines. You can have your own style, but there must be this “in fashion” or “trendy” thread stitched through your work, to be recognized as good images. Where actual skill and technique have fallen away in some cases. ‘Mik & Druk’ photos can be shot with a DSLR. Funny :)

I am sharing my holiday photos with you, because in a previous entry I introduced my grandmother as my reason for becoming a photographer and because these photos are who I am. She is and always will be the fire behind my image engine. Hermanus has a special place in my heart. I was about seven when we first went to Hermanus for a holiday and it was at that time that I played with my very first camera, (AGFAMATIC S1000).
John Lennon once said, “Life happens to you, when you are busy making other plans.”
When time finally allowed us to go away, I was so happy. What can be better than having my Grandmother, Nikon and 50mm lens as my three companions on this holiday?

My Ouma Jessie is such a sport when it comes to photographs, she is 83 and has endless energy. At times I wondered if she was hiding Red Bull in her handbag. She sometimes confuses my name, Lande, with her dog’s name, Lucky. Which is okay, because I am very lucky to still have my grandmother and I can only thank God for that.

I hope you enjoy these photos with me. Not only did I have a wonderful holiday with my Gran, but I had an awesome time taking these photos. No stress, just me, my Granny and my Nikon.

Small tip from me: I realized with shooting my Grandmother, I was relaxed and just knew how to bring out her best, because I know her. When working with clients, take the time to get to know them, so that you can bring out their best. Just aiming and shooting will not bring out personality or that special moment.

Ouma Jessie
The reason why I am a photographer…

Ouma Jessie & I

Hermanus wildlife…

Old Harbour - the wall was built in 1904.

Laughing, because I said I wanted to take a shot in the middle of the main road…

Surprise! I love this photo.

Old Harbour

Spot the baboon…

Overberg Pincushion

Who is watching who?

Dassie is short for “Daar’s hy!”

Shot with 50mm lens. Standing very close.

Bunny tails

Wildebeeste

April 14th, 2010 — Yolande Snyders | 2 comments

Op my travels Sondagoggend toe ry ek verby die groep Wildebeeste by Clara Anna Fontein, Durbanville. Gelyk asof hulle ‘n lekker ‘Sunday brunch’ geniet by die watergat.

The reason why I am a photographer…

February 20th, 2010 — Yolande Snyders | 4 comments

The reason why I am a photographer today, is because of this lady, my granny Jessie.

Since I can remember she always had a camera with her. Unfortunately for her, dress up with me never went quite as well as she hoped, because I was more interested in her camera. Granny Jessie before she retired use to work at the Cape Town Archives, researching the history and captioning each photograph she worked with. She took me to so many museums and galleries growing up, always saying that photography plays such an important part in preserving history.

With these images I would like to share with you my inspiration into photography and to introduce you to a wonderful woman. Different than most.
I love you, Gran.

I took these photos on a recent outing to the Iziko SA National Art Gallery in Cape Town. If you have spare time, go see Alexis Preller’s work. Amazing!

Something sweet… with our coffee.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

December 24th, 2009 — Yolande Snyders | 0 comments

I always look forward to Christmas, not just for the presents, but for the quality time you get to spend with family and friends.
2009 has flown past and I would just like to thank my family, boyfriend and friends for all your support this year. You have been wonderful and I wish you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.