Eyes wide open

An African landscape and my sister’s wedding… I admit it’s an odd combination – but both have provided me with a newfound appreciation of professional photography. 

My sister got hitched last weekend. It was a lovely wedding, filled with the appropriate amount of frivolity and tears – and a few surprises.  Not the nasty “the flowers (or groom!) didn’t arrive at the church on time“ kind, but the “wow, I really didn’t realise that before today” variety.

I’d already absorbed a lot about the whole wedding planning process leading up to the big day. Important stuff like the proper etiquette for addressing a wedding invitation, but it was during the bridal party photo shoot that my eyes were truly opened.

Eager to show off the gorgeous newlyweds (and, let's be honest, my hot bridesmaid attire) on Facebook, I snapped away with my iPhone. But no matter what Instagram filter I applied, I just couldn’t capture the moment.

I had just rationalised that it was actually impossible to document the “love in the air” when I got a glimpse of the photographer’s camera. Absolutely stunning images. Better than real life.

It was then that I realised the value of professional photography.

I admit that I’ve always thought that it was a simple case of “point and shoot.” And that it was all really to do with the equipment and canvas and only vaguely related to skill.  Yes, my equipment was lacking, but I had a beautiful glowing bride as my canvas. So, no excuses… except for the fact, I am NOT a professional photographer.

Needless to say, I have a newfound respect for photographers.

We were recently sent a wonderful photo of an African landscape by talented photographer Adrian Steirn, which we’re about to put on our office wall.

I have to admit that when we first received it, I took the stunning shot for granted. After all, the African wilderness is the ultimate canvas – surely anyone can take a decent shot? How wrong I was.

Upon closer inspection with my newly-educated eyes, I can see that this photograph is so much more than a holiday happy snap.  The symmetry, texture, composition… it’s almost perfection.

Although, I suppose I should expect nothing less from a man who’s photographed Bono and who has earned himself a stack of other accolades. Steirn was Photographer of the Year at the 2010 African Photographic Awards and is the Photographer-in-Residence at WWF South Africa.

We’re dealing with the crème de la crème of the photography industry here – something no Instagram filter can compete with! I can’t wait to see what he comes up with in his latest project, 21 Icons.

While I’m sure my sister’s photographs won’t turn out anything like Steirn’s fabulous shots (elephants and wedding days don’t generally mix anyway), from the small sneak peek I received, she should still be over the moon. And happy that she invested in a professional photographer to remember her special day.

Did you hire a professional photographer for your wedding day?