This is the same little farm that had all the animals that were basically pet friendly. Not quite a petting zoo, more like a petting farm, from pottery rabbits to this little fella - keeping an eye on proceedings.
The owners of this farm worked in Johannesburg, but you could see that they spent every possible moment on the farm. So much love and warmth everywhere.
There were too many shots that just didn't get used on the web or SoMe that have never been seen, so thought this would be a wonderful place to show them.
Who says winter can't be beautiful with its rich creams and browns, just a beautiful valley. One of the valleys that lead to Clarens in the Free State, South Africa. Deep winter was a time where farmers were protecting their and all the lands from fires as everything was so dry, so alongside all the main roads and farm roads had fire breaks. It was a special day to photograph an area with no smoke in the picture.
Sometimes the most unexpected image makes for a stunning B&W pic. I loved this pic as, thought it showed how time stood still on a farm, trees quietly shed their branches while life carried on slowly in the distance. It felt like no-one had been down here in this part of the farm, there wasn't even any animal scat to be found. Just huge, bare willow trees.
This is Marley, you ever had one on those people who are just so photogenic and quite frankly won't get out from in front of the camera. Well, Marley was my bud.
She's a proper sheep dog, used to push me in and around and there was always drama when it was time to leave. Miss her.
These images above and below were innocent hand held shots taken in various places. I used to put together a collection of shots and show the client before using across the various mediums.
Client explicitly pointed out these two images and said 'Can't use - phalic overtones.' He He. Hysterical. Still can't believe I found these images.
The next pic they 'banished' was one that had a half a lamb on the spit. Can't really blame them, it was a chunk of meat and never looks good, even if the event was a lamb on the spit luncheon. It was a full house and a successful opening if I remember correctly.
I moved on to the bar and was busy shooting this expansive room, a chap walked in from outside and got caught in the shot. The story was about all the caps that over the years had been left behind, the barkeeper started hanging the caps in case folks came back to retrieve them. Apparently there were some wonderful stories attached.
I tried a couple of moody shots in the evening. I do remember enjoying myself and was a long day. Truly a wonderful place, I miss that life and wish them well. Look forward to bringing forth some more memories.
