In 2023 I decided to make a WhatsApp photography group as a way to create a community and connect with known and unknown photographers. Photography groups can often be cliquey and I wanted to break that mould and form genuine relationships with anyone who shared the same passion for photography. It didn't matter if you were a beginner or an expert - if you were willing to participate, share knowledge, meet up, create, and be creative then you were welcomed on the group.
Since starting the group I've arranged photo walks and meet-ups, but I've always wanted to get all of us together to explore our creativity and open ourselves up to new experiences. Most of us shoot outside on location using natural light, I thought it would be fun to book a studio slot where we could photograph each other and play with different studio techniques. We all had such a great time and would love to do this again in the future. What I found absolutely interesting was when everyone started to share their galleries how vastly everyone's photos differ from one another.
Here we were, shooting on a white background, with the same light setup, five out of the six of us all had the same camera brand, shooting the same "models" - you'd think the photos would be sort of similar, right? WRONG! And this is something I've been trying to educate people on forever! Your photographer matters more than you'd think. Their creative eye, the moments they capture, the moments they select to share, how they edit it, how they see light, it all have an enormous impact on the end result. And I'm so thrilled to share these results with you today so that you can experience it yourself.
So, without further adieu, let me introduce you to the dream team from left to right, with a colour photo and a black and white photo underneath. A lot of the photographers preferred to shoot with natural light in the studio but I tried to compare photos where everyone was using flash (excluding two photographers who chose not to deliver photos shot with the studio light).
*A special thanks to Rochester Studio in Woodstock for giving us access to your amazing space!
Sonia
Sonia is the proud owner of Spiral Studio. We first crossed paths while she was assisting another photographer at a wedding. She is still new and trying to learn as much as she can - but word on the street is that these days she's one of the best second shooters in town. I'm so excited to see her grow on her journey, it's always a joy to work with her. I'd describe her photo style as light, bright, and true to life.
Model: Laska
Bronwyn
Bronwyn is better known as Bronwyn Todd Photography. She is such an easy-going boss babe, a delight to know, and beloved by the whole wedding industry. She's a lekker human and I'm lucky to have worked with her in the past. As you'll notice, Bronwyn preferred not to shoot with the studio light on this little excursion. I'd describe her style and approach as natural, soft-creamy-dreamy with warm tones, and slightly more grainy than the rest of the group.
Model: Laken
Laken
Laken is from Laken Wilson Photography. This was the first time I got to meet her in person. She's got a smile that'll light up any room and a really warm and welcoming personality. I'd describe her work as having a soft glow to it. For me personally, she somehow blends this fun and effortless approach with perfectionism. You can see she takes time and effort when editing her photos. Somehow sharp, yet soft, with a warm warm overtone.
Model: Nadine
Nadine
Jip, that's me! Nadine, behind Nadine Aucamp Photography and the mastermind behind this little studio shoot adventure. I'd love to shoot more studio work, it creates a whole different dynamic having the perfect lighting set-up. I'd personally describe my style as true to life, although I was surprised to notice how much darker my photos were after comparing them to the group. All in all, I loved how the light amplified the texture of the dress and defined the curls.
Model: Sonia
Jani
Jani is the talent behind Glory Pixels Photography. I actually met her the first time while photographing a wedding where she was a bridesmaid. Jani actually preferred not to shoot with the studio light, the majority of her gallery were natural light photos. The studio photos I've selected don't represent her general style but even comparing this to the other flash photos you'll notice quite the difference. Her studio work is a lot more bright and light. Her black & white studio shot feels old school and gives me a sense of nostalgia.
Model: Bronwyn
Laska
Laska is the new kid on the block who recently rebranded her business to Laska Lindiwe Photo & Film. Laska did not have a black & white photo in her gallery that I could use as a comparison but she did have two different colour editing styles that I decided to showcase. For the untrained eye, it might not be the biggest difference but if you look closely you'll see the one is more creamy while the other is more crisp. She also preferred the natural light over the studio light.
Model: Jani
Food for thought
Every single photo is worlds apart from one another. Same location, lighting, and gear, with the only difference being the person behind the lens. It's like your handwriting, which rarely changes and differs from person to person. It's an art form. It's a unique amplification of how we see the world and how we choose to represent that vision. That's also why you should never ask a photographer to shoot like another photographer. I'm in awe of the results and I'm stoked to finally have a visual example of this phenomena.
So, when booking your next shoot with a new photographer make sure to thoroughly go through their work, view their galleries, blogs, and browse until your thumbs go numb. Make sure you know their work, you love their work, and can fully trust them to capture the moment in their unique style. What do you think? Please share your thoughts and continue the conversation!
You can view more snaps below and see if you can match it to the right photographer.
Want to join the group?
Click here or scan the QR code to join our little WhatsApp community. It's open to anyone who is a lekker human, willing to learn, share, teach, grow, connect, and actively participate. No lurkers allowed.
Nadine Aucamp Photograpy
I'm looking to build a network of top-tier assistants, second shooters, and associate shooters. Applications are now open to join the Nadine Aucamp Photography team. Anyone with a deep passion for photography, eager to learn or share their skills to capture incredible memories can click here to complete the submission form.
