Meet Me

Hi! My name is Charlaine Pienaar.

Ever since my dad bought me my first camera for my 10th birthday – I’ve been in love with photography!

I studied Photography at the Central University of the Free State, starting with black and white film photography in my first year and digital photography from my 2nd to 4th year.

After obtaining my degree in photography, I worked at a photo lab and started working on my portfolio, shooting weddings over weekends.

I met my husband in Bloemfontein, we got married and now live on a farm with two beautiful children. Any mother who can work from home and raise her own children is very blessed – that’s how lucky and blessed I am.

Photography is my passion! I simply love capturing moments between people. A photograph can stir up so much emotion in each one of us. It takes you back to an exact moment in time that you will never get back again. This is why photography is so important to me. It ‘freezes’ time…and takes you back to a moment, an emotion

I believe that photography should be full of emotion, spontaneous and honest. I have a more documentary approach to photography.

Join me on this amazing journey of life and love!

Some of the family photos: Seven Quarters Photography, Our wedding photos: Life on Earth by Lynne Slettevold

What to wear

#1 Do not match, coordinate instead

Matching clothes for a photo session is out. Coordinating colours really bring the wardrobe together.

#2 Be comfortable in what you’re wearing

If you don’t feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, it may show in the photos.

#3 Express your own personal style

Makeup, hair, accessories – just be you!

#4 Plan outfits

It’s the easiest to start with 1 outfit you really love and build from there. Lay everyone’s outfits out on the bed.
This will give you a good idea if everything goes well together. Play around till you’re completely happy.

#5 Add an accessory

Why not add a hat or scarf? Have a little fun with accessories. It’s easy to create a second look with only accessories.

#6 Layers for winter

Especially during winter times – layers! Blankets, jerseys and all things cosy. This gives great dimension and depth.

#7 Flowy dresses for summer

A pretty flowing dress can make amazing photos, plus any woman looks good in a maxi dress.

#8 Keep the location in mind and dress according

Think about the colours of the location. If the location is going to be very green – do not wear too much green. Think about the feel you want to create.
Examples: Formal city session or a casual family picnic.

#9 Wear those heals!

‘Dem heals! – they can make you feel and look super sexy. If you feel the part, you’re sure to look the part.
Take along a pair of flats for walking in between locations if you want.

#10 Add patterns, but don’t overdo it

Patterns can be a great base to coordinate wardrobe colours from.
Just be careful to not overdo it. 1 or 2 pattern items are sure to be enough.

#11 Play around with textures

Denim, cotton, lace etc. Play around and see what goes well together. Textures can also express your personality.

#12 Kids – stay away from characters & fluorescents

Barney the purple dinosaur may love everyone and we’d love to love him back in the family photo session… But he won’t do a photo any justice.
Keep it simple. A pop of colour is always great, just stay clear of fluorescent colours.

#13 Just be yourself and HAVE FUN!

Just have fun and be who you are! That’s when the truly beautiful photos are captured.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than You.” – Dr. Seuss

Wedding Timeline

So it’s time to plan your wedding day timeline. So many things to think about!

Firstly – for the photos, it’s very important to consider sunset time! Especially during the winter months when sunset is earlier – make sure to set the ceremony time at least 2,5 hours before sunset.

The same won’t necessarily apply for summer weddings. Many venues have a closing down time at 00:00 and you have to pay extra to continue the party. Some venues don’t even have an extra time option, so only starting the reception at 20:00 just won’t work. After all – the reception is the best part where all the nerves have settled down for the two of you, and you can relax.

It’s always a good idea to give a little more time for preparing for the ceremony. The last thing you want is to feel rushed and anxious on your wedding day.

Prepare yourself for a possible glitch and don’t freak out when something goes wrong! This is all part of your wedding story and may just make for a more epic tale to tell one day.

This is just a basic timeline with two photographers:

11:00

Bridal hair starts

Photographer – venue & decor shots

11:30

Photographer arrives at bride

12:30

Bridal make-up

14:00

Bridesmaids get dressed followed by bride getting dressed

The second photographer arrives at groom

Groom starts getting ready

15:00

Bridal and bridesmaids portraits

Groom and groomsmen portraits

15:30

Groom arrives at church to welcome guests

16:00

Ceremony

17:00

Family portraits followed by bridal party photos along with the bridal party

The second photographer takes photos of guests and canapés

17:30

Bridal couple session

The second photographer can come along to get other angles or stay with guests – your choice

18:30

Bridal couple enters the reception

Welcome and speeches

19:30

Dinner is served

20:30

First dance

21:00

Garter and bouquet toss

21:30

Photographer service ends

It’s been a long day and an early start for us, and we need to get back home safely.