For Life photography

If there’s one photographer For Life would love to work with, it’s our friend and renowned wedding photographer Christine Meintjes. We took some time to ask her a few questions pertinent to wedding photography, and her life in general…

When did you take that first shot and think “WOW, this is what I should be doing”?

I don’t think I had a specific first shot that made me think that way.  I was inspired by all the beautiful things around me and I wanted to capture if forever.

Do you have a favorite lens… If so what is it?

Yes I do! My 50mm 1.2 is my favourite lens by far! I love the depth of field and just love the quality of the images. I only recently bought it, but before I used the 50mm 1.4 it was my number one lens.

What is the least favourite part of your job?

Not being able to answer all my emails. I really love people and I love relationships, but I recently had to employ a PA to help me with my emails. I really wish I could answer each and every one personally.

Which photographer inspires you?

David Jay has been my biggest inspiration. He no longer shoots weddings, but he is my mentor to a big degree. He has such a heart for people and business and it inspired me to see my business as something bigger than just me. I love his philosophy of sharing and love. Another big inspiration for me is Jasmine Star. I love her approach to personalizing your business and that’s the way I run my business too. I am the brand.

Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor/formal training that showed you the ropes?

I didn’t have any formal training in photography, but I did assist a photographer from the age of 14…so I’ve been around for some time.

If it was feasible these days, would you shoot on film or stick to digital?

I’d rather stick to digital. I started with film way back, but I love digital. Maybe one day I’ll just shoot on film for fun, but for weddings I’d stick to digital.

Have you had any cringe moments, any major fluff ups?

Yeh..I believe we all have them, some people just wouldn’t admit it

How important is Photoshop in your work and what do you think is a healthy balance, is it cheating?

I think editing is really important, but only to a certain degree. The most important part is to shoot the photograph with the correct exposure from the start. Then after I add a bit of editing to enhance the beauty of the shot. In my opinion, editing is like applying make-up. Make-up is there to enhance the natural beauty of a person, not to change them. Just on a technical note, I hardly ever use PS, I only use Adobe Lightroom. Much more user friendly and I can edit much faster.

Everyone with Photoshop thinks they are a great photographer; help us dispel this horrible myth.

Yes, this is definitely not true! I think too many people focus on Photoshop and forget about photography. So many times when I shoot at a wedding the guests say, “He isn’t here, but just Photoshop him in”…seriously! People should go back to the basics of shooting and then just use Photoshop to enhance. Photoshop should ideally not be your saviour!

In general, during a session, how many pics would you say you take to find “the perfect one”?

I use about 1 out of every 3 to 4 shots. Eg. At a wedding I’ll shoot about 1600 – 2000 and I’ll use about 750.

How do you keep your eye fresh and mind inspired?

I love design, magazines and blogs. I get inspired by looking at the latest trends and the internet plays a huge role here.

Is being a wedding photographer as glamourous as people think?

To be a wedding photographer is a lot of fun and I love it, but it’s also a lot of stress. You need to be on your toes and really quick. There is no time to do something over, you need to get the shots and make sure your settings are correct all the time. Glamourous? I don’t think so!

What is your advice to get the most flattering portrait shots?

I love to take portraits from a slight angle. A little bit from above and I love shooting on 2.2! Especially on the 50mm 1.2. Soft light is also a key thing when I shoot portraits of the bride. A well lit room with soft light from a window is always flattering.

When taking photos of a group of people, how do you accommodate different skin tones? For example a flash can white-out pale skins but the faces of people with dark skins are lost without a strong flash?

That is a tricky one. I normally don’t shoot with flash, but I once did a shoot with different skin tones and then I exposed for the pale skin and edited the black skin a little bit lighter. It worked very well.

What would be your dream shoot?

A wedding in the Maldives or South America! Those two are my dream destinations!

Apart from weddings, is there anything else you like to shoot?

Yes I love details, travel and food.

What’s the number one bit of advice you can give wedding photographers just starting out?

Don’t compare yourself with anyone! Ever! You are unique, your path is unique and your photos are unique. Keep your passion and do what you love! (That’s the philosophy side) On a practical side: Get to know your gear, Lightroom and learn from other photographers!

How do you help the bride feel relaxed when her picture is being taken on her special day?

I always compliment my brides. Like they say, a girl can live on a compliment for a year!

You have taken so many pictures. Which is your favourite?

This one…I love the “clean lines”, soft light. The details say “wedding”, but it’s not a typical shot…and the protea says Africa. It’s like my personality and brand is wrapped in that photo!

Truly inspirational….Thanks Christine, we can’t wait to see you again soon! For more on Christine, check out her stunning site and beautiful blog.

Monday, September 20th, 2010, 2:24 pm   |   Other wedding related things  |  RSS feed Comments and pings are currently closed.