From Behind The Lens

This is the first instalment in a weekly series where I am going to interview wedding photographers all over South Africa!

First up is Cape Town based Byron Rode

How do you describe your photographic style?

I can’t really put my photography into any real style as it differs for each type of shoot that I am doing. For example, when I shoot weddings I can definitely say that it’s not your standard “run of the mill” style of wedding photography. I tend to shoot at angles that most would think as skew, but my idea is to make the photos as artful as possible, while still capturing the emotions being portrayed. With music it’s the same, I try and capture the feelings and emotions that I feel when I hear a band or song play.

How did you get into photography?

This is a long story, but the short of it, was that I always had a pull towards taking photographs and I used to steal my mom’s camera a lot when I was younger – I loved the suspense of waiting for the film to be developed. As a result my Gran bought me a camera and how-to book for Christmas when I was about 8 and that was my kick start into taking photos. But it wasn’t till much later – about 9 years – that I really decided that I wanted to take photography seriously, and for that I have to thank my good friend and mentor Marcus Maschwitz, who still inspires me everyday to pick up my camera and shoot. It was on his advice that I took the leap, bought a decent entry-level Digital SLR and just started taking as many photos as I could, shooting whatever I could and built up my portfolio. Its been 6 years since that day and I love it more and more every day.

How long have you been photographing weddings?

I have only been shooting weddings for just over a year now, as initially, it was not something that I wanted to do, but after shooting a few friend’s weddings, I realized there was a lot of fun to be had and I love knowing that I have captured a moment in a couples life that will bring joy to them for years to come.

What has been the highlight of your career as a wedding photographer so far?

For me each wedding is a highlight on its own, as each couple brings their own energy and passion to their wedding photos. Each location, whether I have shot there before or not, is different every time around. I think that the highlight for me though is the recognition and feedback. There is no greater feeling than being told by a bride 5 months after their wedding that they have looked through their photos over and over again and are so happy with the outcome.

Which are your five favourite wedding photographs?

How do you market yourself?

With extreme difficulty

Currently, the only marketing I do is through word of mouth, social networking and my websites. The market at the moment is very saturated, so it makes it difficult to just advertise on any website or directory, as you are competing against many photographers and unless you have a solid hold on the market, you get lost in the noise. My target market though at the moment is aiming at the smaller wedding, and the couples that don’t have the extravagant budgets but still want quality and peace of mind.

What type of camera do you use?

I use Nikon. I have a Nikon D300 which is my main body and then a D60 which I use for the less intensive shots, like group photos or if I need to shoot and switch memory cards on the other body.

What would you love to add to your equipment?

Lenses and Lenses Many aspiring photographers think the most important part is the body, and while it does play an important role, the lenses are way more important. I am also looking at getting a decent lighting kit and radio triggers.

How important is a tool like Photoshop in your work, and do you retouch at all?

This is a debatable question and comes down to your style and personal preference. For me, it’s extremely important, it is my darkroom, and is where I can tone and adjust the colour curves and tones, and “fine tune” my photos. Like any film photographer who develops their own photos, it’s my digital developer and fixer, allowing me to tweak the colours to how I pictured them, which is sometimes not how they come out. Retouching and airbrushing is not something that I am very fond of doing. There does come a time when it is needed, like when a spot of dust is in a key area of the photo, or if there are any blemishes or little birds/bugs in the frame, but mostly, I only use Photoshop to adjust the colour output and for resizing. For wedding photography I do also have a few extra effects that I may add to the photo to give them a softer or romantic feel.

Which are your five favourite “outrageous” photographs? Give us a glimpse into your creative side…

If you could be invisible- with your camera- for a day…

If I had a Rand for every time I have thought this. Emotions. It’s the biggest thing for me. I love natural emotive portraits. Capturing the unaware. The stolen glances of 2 lovers, a mischievous child. There are so many times I have seen a persons face light up or their body language say something that I wish I could have captured. But alas, put a camera in a room or in any area with people and most people will put up their shields, and become guarded.

What advice do you have for photographers who are just starting out?

Advice in the industry:

Be honest, don’t give up and have fun with it – I know it sounds clichéd but it’s the truth. It’s not going to be easy! Weddings are not easy. You are gonna have many “Shit my finger was in the frame!” and “Why didn’t I try that?” moments. Don’t try and be a overnight success either. Many couples wont hire you in the beginning, but don’t let it get you down. Take your time, assist on weddings and shoots, learn by example, and keep at it. Every photographer starts at the bottom. As a photographer: Shoot as much as you can whenever you can. They won’t all be masterpieces but not every Picasso painting was either. My biggest piece of advice though. Do it for you. That’s when it is the most satisfying.

Where would you love to go for a wedding shoot?

I would love to do a wedding shoot in the jungle or on a long dusty road in the middle of nowhere, or in an abandoned building or rooftop of a skyscraper. I keep imagining the stark contrast between the harshness of the location and the beauty of the bride and groom.

Is there anything you’re learning to do?

Always. My style constantly evolves and I always see new styles that inspire me to try harder or learn a style that I have not tried before. Personally though I am learning to be more confident in my work and to have as much fun as possible doing it.

What will you be up to in 2010?

I have already got a few weddings booked for this year, but with the wedding season coming to a close here in Cape Town, I am trying to focus my energies into my other favourite areas of photography, namely Live Music, Portraiture, Food and Interiors.