I started shooting weddings a little while back. 1994 to be precise. Back then I was into video and a very dear friend of mine who has since left this world encouraged me to keep at it. About 4 or 5 years later I decided that stills photography was really what I wanted to do. So I put down the video camera, bought a Nikon and off I went. Progress was slow at first, which frustrated me a lot, and although I was getting bookings I didn’t feel I was quite cracking it the way I wanted to. But I kept going. Then one day I did this engagement shoot with Brett and Ali. Brett dropped Ali into the water at Blouberg by mistake. I got the shot, put it onto my site and my career changed forever. That photo struck a cord with people and I made the decision to start taking photos that were more edgy and that captured weddings in a more true-to-life style. The reason I’m telling you this is because it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get where I am today. I know what it’s like to fight for survival in this highly competitive industry. Then, a few weeks ago I got a call from Anne premier-pharmacy.com/product-category/skin-care/ Mann. Anne heads up Anne Mann Celebrates and is a well-respected wedding planner in the industry. She told me that her daughter was getting married at The Strandkombuis in Yzerfontein in 2 days time and unfortunately the photographer they had booked wasn’t able to make their wedding. Which brings me to my point. Not ever, not once, have I not pitched at a wedding. Not through, flu, broken ribs, my children in hospital. Never, ever, ever. Sure, perhaps there are times when the unforeseeable happens and a crisis will prevent me from pitching. But it would have to be one hell of a crisis. There are many, many folk out there who want to become wedding photographers, so here’s the thing – if you want to crack it, be respected, be taken seriously and ultimately fly, make darned sure that if you commit to a booking, you stick with it. Because if you don’t, you won’t last long. Luka and Clayton, you guys were pretty darned incredible and you sure stepped up to the plate having only met me for the first time 2 hours before your ceremony. Hats off to the two of you, it sure was a darned fine day! I’m chuffed I ended up shooting your wedding because you’re darned good guys.