How everything started
I sometimes wish I could say I did photography since I was a toddler. Crawling around in a dark room developing film and looking cool. That is, however, not the case.
I grew up a typical Afrikaans boy playing sports and being outside the whole day until the street lights came on. Open the Gates” and King were my favourite games of all time. I did get a camera when I was 13, though. I was not happy. I wanted a Super Springbok leather rugby ball.
After school and studying international trade I was ready to take on the world!
2001
London
The seed
In 2001 I went to London for two years. I am going to TRAVEL THE WORLD and save ONE MILLION DOLLARS! It didn’t quite work out that way, but I did manage to buy a decent camera (Fuji Finepix 4900) and fell hopelessly in love with photography.
2002
London and Port Elizabeth
The water
In 2002 my friends started getting married and I would tag along as a “back-up photographer”. Somehow I managed to get some decent shots. So much so that they started using my photos for their enlargements going up on bedroom walls.
(And yes, sepia tone was a thing back then)
2003
Cape Town
The push
The doubts were still present, but after a stern speech by a good friend one night along the lines of “Moenie jou talente wat die Here vir jou gegee het onder 'n maatemmer wegsteek nie” I realised I found my calling.
So my business was started. I did my first paid wedding on 14 February 2004. I moved to Cape Town. It ALL would change. NEW EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING NEW!
(This was my first logo for my business)
2007
Riebeek-Kasteel
The ONE
On 3 March 2007, I did a wedding in the Riebeek Valley. As I entered the bride’s dressing room I saw a girl in the corner. She was breathtaking. I immediately took a picture. The hair and make-up artist was busy applying her make-up. I soon figured out she was the bride’s sister, and her name, Iza.
Nothing came of it but we did become friends over time. We then started dating and I soon realised she is … THE ONE
April 2009
Graanendal
The proposal
We got engaged on a plot of land that I owned at the time. I built a house made of fairy lights. I’ve been known to be a hopeless romantic at times… I had help from a friend and, granted, it was not architecturally speaking the MANSION OF LIGHTS I had envisioned, but it wowed Iza enough for her to say YES! So our journey together truly began!
December 2009
Eaglesvlei, Stellenbosch
The wedding
We got married in December 2009 on a Wednesday. It was and still is one of the highlights of my life and a day that I will NEVER forget. We did it our way, on our own terms.
My good friend Greg Lumley did our photos and to this day I treasure them immensely.
2014
Durbanville
The first one
On 13 February 2014 our lives changed irrevocably. Wilhelm Hendrik Cloete was born. Gazing down on his tiny little nose, and him looking up at you as his hero - wow - THAT is a feeling that transcends all earthly feelings, I am sure of it.
Words cannot describe the extreme emotions that a baby brings to one's home. Ranging from absolute frustration to a joy that is incomprehensible, and a love that is endless.
When he was born I also made the scary decision and leap of faith to quit my day job (crazy, I know!!) and do photography full-time. It was something that was a long time coming and although we have other stresses since we both work from home – it was the best decision ever.
2018
Durbanville
The second one
Jan Frederick Cloete was born on 21 June 2018. He was a breath of fresh air. Our sunshine child, as Iza calls him. Finally our puzzle was complete. We are our own little complete family now.
2020
The world
The pandemic
The wedding industry were destroyed in 2020 and I had to pivot my career to keep my doors open.
I "paused" my wedding photography business and started working in the real estate industry.
2023/4/5
Western Cape
Round number 2
In 2023 I made the decision to actively market my media services again. It is amazing how you appreciate something once it gets taken away.
I am extremely excited about the future and meeting all my future clients!