Travelling Circus Shoot #FlashbackFriday

My artsy sis Jacky is a genius behind the photographic lens and every now and again she gets a crazy creative concept for a shoot she just feels like doing for fun. Which in turn allows me to play model and her to build on her varied portfolio for her company The Playroom Photography.

About two years ago she had this vision for images of a travelling 'night' circus with vintage-inspired and textured characters, almost with an editorial feel. So she began strategically planning a whole intricate shoot on location and with a varied cast of characters. Our good friend Marno van der Merwe (who also modelled for the shoot) allowed Jacky to shoot all of her images at their beautiful farm in Rustenburg which really lent itself to incredible backgrounds she had in mind and so many options to choose from. On top of which we got to stay in their gorgeous guest houses on the property! My beautiful friend, Tandi Gavin was highly pregnant with her first little boy at the time and she looked just gorgeous in the soft vintage rose dress my sister chose for her. We rented all of the wardrobe pieces and props from Hollywood Costumes in Krugersdorp before driving through to Rustenburg and it all came together beautifully on the day.

Ferdinand, Tandi, Esta, Marno, Diani

Marno was cast as the 'strong man', hubby Ferdinand had a 'ringmaster' inspired look and my own theme was a mix of trapeze artist meets horse trainer. Even our Golden Retriever boy Eli was featured - not that that's anything new for him, by now he's become a veteran of the stage and screen, lol!

Jacky's friend and model Esta (above) was dressed in a 'lion tamer' inspired look and was absolutely golden to shoot in the afternoon sunlight. In this shot below she is captured with Tandi, where they had tossed glitter into the air to create the hazy golden glow effect. 

We got a little crazy and had lots of fun with it, in the end I think Jacky captured some truly magical shots. The shoot turned into something of a weekend getaway with partners and parents in tow. It was beautiful to shoot on the farm and is still a special memory for me. I even got taught by Marno to properly ride a horse for the first time, no pictures of that I'm afraid. (My very first time on a horse I attempted to gallop and fell so hard onto the beach sand at Noordhoek, but that's a whole other story for another day!)

Hope you enjoyed these images! If you do, go and like the Facebook Page for The Playroom Photography here, and check out more of Jacky Joubert's work.

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Chat soon!

Weekend in Warden #PhotoPost

Just outside of Warden there is a beautiful farm called Gryskop where the family of Greylings farm with sheep, cows, corn, soya beans and a whole lot of love. Here are some 'diary' photographs from this past weekend visiting on their farm.

Wonderful to get out and experience nature every once in a while!

Chat soon peeps,

Gustav Gerdener Photoshoot #BehindTheScenes

Location shooting with the talented photographer Gustav Gerdener!

Talk about locations... a very cold and early morning shoot in Delta Park with graffiti walls, library steps, and a beautifully misty dam to an industrial office park with winding metal steps, an artistic textured wall, elevators and a parking garage... and each new location made for incredible new backdrops.

I can't wait to see what Gustav's creativity will bring about!


The goal for this shoot was to focus on actress head shots and portfolio material, but there's so much variety and so many wonderful moments captured, it is going to be extremely hard to choose!

This time around I had to do my own styling and soooo longed for my Follicle Hair Atelier team! (read Follice Friends and Iris.Grace Photoshoot) But I don't think I did too badly all by myself...







My looks ranged from casual, to grungy, to bohemian and glam. It was fun to play around with a few different style options but quite a feat to get changed (unseen) in the car in between 'looks'!



Gustav is great to work with, he puts you at ease, he's creative and aims to get the best shots or moments possible - it was such a pleasure.
Thanks Gus! x

Check out his FB Page Gustav Gerdener Captured, and follow him on Twitter at @gusg79.

Chat soon peeps,

Iris.Grace Photoshoot #BehindTheScenes

Last week I had a fabulous photoshoot with Iris.Grace photographer Clarice Pieterse!


Focusing on a model 'test shoot' feel for my portfolio, we shot some dressed up 'glam' shots, some casual 'nothing-but-me' shots, some grunge 'I'm a hard-ass' shots and some floral feminine shots. It was so much fun to play around with different looks and different approaches in front of the lens.
(It is always a plus when the photographer is genuine, warm, encouraging and a friend!)

And what an amazing blessing to be able to rely on the styling experts at Follicle Hair Atelier for my hair, make-up and nails... they are magic-makers and just divine when it comes to styling and enhancing the best bits of 'you'! They are my absolute dream team! (If I had to take part in the Hunger Games, my Follicle stylists would give Cinna and his team a run for their money!)

Clarice shot most of my looks at her Joburg-based studio and later, just as the sun was setting, also took me to location in a field where we shot some great, warm and feminine moments.
I am soooo curious and excited to see the results!

I am an absolute fan and encourage you to check out her work on these social media platforms.
Follow Iris.Grace Photography on Twitter: @irisgracephotos and Instagram: @irisgracephotography and 'like' their FB Page here.




Dankie Clarice vir die super fun shoot en al jou moeite!




Watch this space, I'll share some of the final images with you soon!


With grace and love,

Witches of 'West Rand' #FlashbackFriday

Photographic Flashback Friday! Make-Up on this one was done by the wonderful Gerlia Groenewald and magnificent photography and editing by Jacky Joubert at The Playroom.
Don't get a fright... it's a glimpse into my darker side.. hehe. I love exploring characters and particularly enjoy the opportunity to be the villain for a change.

Have a wonderfully 'witchy' weekend!