1. What type of photography do you offer?
I'm a wedding and portrait photographer.
2. When did you realise that you wanted to be a professional photographer?
It’s a difficult one. There were many times that I realised that this is really what I wanted to do. The first time in a darkroom when I saw an image appear on a piece of photographic paper in a tray of developer liquid, I knew that this was something magical. The first time I walked into a studio and used studio lighting. There’s just something indescribable about using and manipulating light to create images.
3. What is your favourite photography shoot so far?
There’s been so many and they all have different reasons why they were memorable. For weddings it’s generally the ones where the couple, venue and food all just fit together so perfectly that you couldn’t have wanted it any other way. It’s so important that couples remember that the wedding day is about them and their tastes, not their guests. It’s a reflection of who they are and the road they’ve travelled to get to their wedding day and sharing that with their friends and family.
4. Do you shoot on location?
Yes, I do. Being a wedding photographer I get to work in the most amazing places! That’s another reason I enjoy the engagement shoots as well as they can happen anywhere and anytime. However, I did do studio photography for 5 years and I do miss it. Currently, I’m planning on introducing it to my clients again as an option, which will give a totally new twist to engagement and wedding photography.
5. What inspires you?
Other photographers. I really believe in sharing and learning from others. I have a long list of photographers, both locally and internationally, who’s work I admire. There is some amazing talent out there and it’s awesome to see what others do in the same location that you shot as well. My clients also inspire me. During my chats and meetings with them I work with them to find out who they are and what makes them tick. This has an influence in the way that I would shoot them, locations that we use and eventually the outcome of their final images.
6. What are some of the highlights you've had this year so far?
The amazing comments that I receive. It’s an awesome experience to receive a message from a stranger saying that they’ve just seen your work and that they love it. I’m grateful for them all!
7. Have you had any strange requests for shoots?
Yes, there have been. But, I’m still waiting for a couple who want to get married while skydiving!
8. How do you spend your free time?
I have an amazing group of friends who are constantly hounding me to come around to their homes and take some photos of their babies, dogs, cats, cars, families…when I’m not doing that I enjoy eating out (too much!), taking the dog to the beach and how could I forget Grey’s Anatomy!
9. How would you describe your photography style?
I would probably say something in the lines of documentary but with angles. I love trying a shot from 5 different angles and I’m constantly up on a chair, lying on the ground or jumping. There is a lot of energy in my shoots and I try and keep them at a pace that keeps my couples excited and wanting more. That way I get to spend more time doing what I love and that’s making images!
10. What type of photography packages do you offer?
I offer two wedding packages. It doesn’t sound like much really, but I try and keep it simple. I’ve heard of other photographers offering up to 7 wedding packages and the only difference between the packages are the amount of prints or the size of the prints. By offering the two packages that I do, all my wedding packages end up being tailored to my clients, we set a base and then work on that so my clients never feel ‘boxed’ into a package that they bought, it’s more about them and who they are.
11. How can potential clients get in contact with you?
The best way is to get in touch on my phone, email, facebook! New website is going live in this week and they’ll be able to get in touch there as well!
12. Do you have any last words for aspiring photographers out there?
Shoot, shoot, shoot! Take photos of everything and everywhere you go! If you want to be a wedding photographer you have to be able to shoot so many different subjects as you’re not just shooting people at the wedding. There’s the food, the fashion, the kids, the gifts, the dancing and of course the couple! Read blogs and don’t be afraid to get in touch with photographers, most of us will be more than willing to answer some questions.
Phone: 076 015 4708
Email: drikus@drikusleroux.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dlrphotography
Web: www.drikusleroux.co.za
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dlrphotography
