De Klerk Productions specialises in both Wedding Videos and Wedding Photos

How long have you been a videographer / photographer and what made you decide to become a photographer / videographer?

I studied Graphic Design and Multi-Media at the Design School of Southern Africa Pretoria, and one of my main subjects was photography. I enjoyed this so much that I started freelancing and taking wedding photos while still studying. After graduating I started working at an ad agency where I got involved in the TV and video production sphere. My passion for photography was still the driving force and I ended up combining the two. I have actively been doing video / photography for the past ten years.

Tell us more about your job and what you do before, during and after a wedding?

We specialise in both videography and photography; because of this I combine the two throughout the whole wedding production.

After meeting with the wedding couple we start off with a pre-wedding photographic shoot at the venue, two weeks prior to the wedding. This gives me both the opportunity to familiarise myself with the venue as well as with the wedding couple, their likes and dislikes.

On the wedding day I ensure that I am with the bride well before the wedding to set her nerves at ease. I then film the make-up session and the bride together with her bridesmaids before departing for the wedding venue.

At the wedding venue I get general shots of the venue, guests, tables and the groom with his best men. We then film the entire wedding ceremony followed by the signing of the wedding registry.

After the wedding ceremony we film the couple followed by the reception which includes the speeches, first dance and the cake-cutting.

We then start the editing process which includes a highlights package, DVD authoring, designed DVD covers and disc label printing.

What do you love most about being a videographer?

I love capturing people's memories, being there for the moment they have been dreaming of from early childhood and then laying it out through an "artist's impression" in a meaningful and memorable way that evokes all of their deepest emotions.

Is being a videographer / photographer very stressful at times?

It is human nature to be concerned about the unforeseen. The most important part is being prepared for anything and staying calm.

What is the best advice you can provide a bridal couple when choosing a videographer / photographer?

Do your homework beforehand and then pick someone who is not only capable, but with whom you feel comfortable.

What are the most important photos one should remember to have taken at a wedding?

I think that your family group photos are very important because it will be valued by generations still to come.

Any tips for the bridal couples?

Do your planning and homework well in advance to get rid of unnecessary stress closer to the wedding date. Most of all: enjoy every moment on the day and try to take everything in.

What is your most memorable wedding event / bridal couple that you will never forget?

It would have to be the very first wedding where I was the photographer: the bride and groom were so relaxed. It was a bush wedding, she got married bare-foot, the wedding car was a game-viewing vehicle, and nature provided the backdrop for unbelievably beautiful photos.


What is the most exciting update / transformation that you have experienced in the wedding industry since you have joined it?

The most exciting event or add-on service in the wedding industry for me must be the "mess up the dress" / "trash the dress" commonly known as "trash the wedding dress" that became fashionable a little while ago. My reason for saying this is that it not only makes for awesome photos and video footage but it also gives the bride a feeling of true freedom and living.

The term "mess up the dress" / "trash the dress" is better described in "be careful with the dress on the wedding day". To walk into the ocean with your dress on or to sit on a gravel road with your wedding dress or to jump into a swimming pool won't necessarily "mess up the dress" but it is something that you wouldn't do on your wedding day. I think that it is something exciting that is also pushing the boundaries of modern wedding photography and videography. To "trash the dress" / "get dirt on the skirt" wil also provide some pre-wedding stress relieve :-)

De Klerk Productions offers the "mess up the dress" / "trash the dress" as a wedding add-on service offering. Should you be interested in this service, please contact us to find out more by visiting the "About Us" page on our website.

Click here to view our photography section on the Celebration website.