Zuurfontein a farm near Brandfort were the setting for the wedding of Jacques and Elrie on 24 October 2009. I took the photos of Elrie on the farm which lend itself with some wonderful opportunity for some interesting angles.

After that we were of to Brandfort where the church ceremony took place in the Methodist church. This was quit a big occasion because it was the first wedding ceremony in 30 years to take place in the church.

The photo session with Jacques and Elrie took place on the farm and we got some amazing photos with nice warm evening light. The reception took place in a marques tent and with a lot of young people attending it was quit a lively affair.

What a wonderful day which i enjoyed very much.

Gerhard

My Wedding Portfolio

Wedding Pricing

Go to Gerhard Steenkamp Photography and have a look at my Wedding,Corporate and Portrait Portfolios.

Gerhard

On 19 November i did the yearly product shoot for Martinet and her team at Crazy Daisy in Bloemfontein. It is always a pleasure to go and take photos there. Apart from all the lovely food and products they are a very sufficient team and also very friendly.

I did the shoot on location with a Nikon D3 and a Nikon 200 mm F2 and a Nikon 105 mm f2.8 lens. For photos like these i always opt for the prime lenses for the extra bit of image quality. Zoom lenses just don’t give the same sharpness, saturation and contrast.

Setting om my camera were plain and simple. Aperture priority with the highlights function activated on my screen so i can see whats is going on. Then i just kick the brake and petrol by spinning the back wheel on my camera to the left and to the right. To do this go to your settings and set to auto exposure compensation. By doing this you don’t have to press the button in front and turn the back wheel on the camera. You can set your exposure by just turning the back wheel. On normal if you turn it to the right or ant-clockwise it will under expose and to the left or clockwise it will over expose.

White Balance on Auto with one notch to the left to add a bit of blue. ISO vary between 200 and 640. All the images were taken with available light only.

Gerhard

www.supermedia.co.za

Well i don’t know if Bennie McCarthy is the right player to save Bafana Bafana’s dreams for the 2010 World Cup but i heard that CJ vd Linde is injured so maybe this is the right guy to go and save the Boks at prop. And if it is starting to going bad in the kicking department he can also sort the kicking out.

Looking at the next photo you will see that Bennie can still  jump so maybe he can also sort out the line-out out if there might be a problem om Saturday against Italy. I’m telling you this is the guy for tight head prop………..just a joke, i think he is still a very good player. Maybe 15 kilos lighter and he can safe Bafana Bafana as well.

Photo taken on 17 November 2009 when Bafana Bafana played Jamaica at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein.

Gerhard

www.supermedia.co.za

Got a mail from my photographer friend in the UK Matthew last week and it went like this;

“How are you using your lens, do you have a 400mm with a 1.4x converter ? It is very sharp if it is, I guess thats the advantage of Nikon over the Canon I use”

I answered him like this;

“At the moment i’m using the 1.7 converter on the 400mm which give you a 680mm F4.8. Then the camera can switch between full frame and a 1.5 conversion which give you a 1020mm F4.8.  So if i sit behind the pitch i’m using it on the 1020mm setting on the far side and on 680mm on the closest wickets”

Here an image of Graeme Smith on 15 November 2009 in the game between England and South Africa at Centurion.

Gerhard

More images on www.supermedia.co.za

Congratulations to the Bulls and tough luck to the Cheetahs. Fourie du Preez was outstanding to create three tries against the run of play.

At least the Cheetahs won two of the three national titles with the 0/19 and 0/21 teams beating the Lions and the Sharks selectively in their finals at Loftus on Saturday. Well done Cheetahs were all proud of you!!!

Here an image of Victor Matfield running onto the field in his 5oth game for the Bulls.

More images of the three games on www.supermedia.co.za

Gerhard

Searchingforchin (or sometimes Searching For Chin) was awesome!!!! And I’ve been wanting to post this band for a while. Only it took me forever to collect what I could find from them. When they started in 1999 they were a lot more metalcore, but pretty quickly progressed into a mathcore outfit. Really great stuff.

I’ve had a lot of trouble tracing some of this stuff around, and same goes for the information. I know they had a few line up changes, but Jim Meloche was always the vocalist and Jesse Martinez was always the main guitarist (both of them would later form Orphan Choir together).The band was foremd under the name Provoked.  They released a demo in 1999, and then again another demo in 2000 (but I think this later was just a compilation of already released stuff, or stuff that would be released on their self-titled album).

Then came their self-titled full length out on their local scene’s most important label, Sounds of Revolution. The year after, they put out a split 7″ with The Wake on One Eye Records, the year after that a split with Recension on Sounds of Revolution (which for some reason also included the songs from the previous split) and finally in 2004, a split with The Wolfnote on Jim’s own label, Tragicomedy Records. All the while, they had a series of tour compilations made from these splits and occasionally a few new songs.

I’m not too certain of the compilations this band appeared on, but the ones I did read about didn’t have any exclusive songs. In 2005 they released their final album, ” Context”, also on Tragicomedy. The band had decided to breakup, and would openly announce it with a last tour. Their last release was supposed to be a split with Back When but that never happened.

Searchingforchin Myspace
Searchingforchin Discography

Hotels, private Unterkünfte und Jugendherbergen sind zur WM 2010 in Kapstadt,  Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Rustenburg und Umgebung so gut wie ausgebucht.

Aber wer Land und Leute vor Ort noch besser kennenlernen möchte, selber gern ein Gastgeber ist und eine wirklich andere Möglichkeit des Reisens sucht, ist bei belodged.com gut aufgehoben. Selbstverständlich werden zur Fussball-Weltmeisterschaft die Mitglieder von belodged.com aus Südafrika genau so mit Anfragen überhäuft. Also wer clever ist, nimmt jetzt schon Kontakt auf.

Weltweit kostenlos übernachten – belodged.com

JoMell Virtual Solutions has the honour of helping Whoo Business / Company Directory  or Listing (Whoo.co.za) with Internet Optimisation. Today before the launch, we could not find Whoo’s Business Directory or Listing page. Whoo.co.za is probably near the bottom (28,000) business listing / directory, or (83,000) company listing / directory  sites for the Bloemfontein Area.

Our aim today is give this new Business Directory / Listing site an internet presence on the top three pages with a search for “Business Listings or Directories” and “Company Listings or Directory”. Our further aim is make Whoo.co.za an attractive alternative to the thousands of other Business Listing and Directory Sites. When people are looking for something, they just type in a keyword or two like “painter Bloemfontein” and get what they’re looking for. Linked to: http://www.hotfrog.co.za/Companies/Whoo-co-za-By-Jomell-Virtual-Solutions

Bloemfontein / Mangaung Suburbs and Areas: Directory Listing Bloemfontein / Mangaung Businesses and Companies in all suburbs and areas. Suburbs include Brandwag, Ehrlichpark, Fauna, Fichardtpark, Fleurdal, Gardeniapark, Generaal De Wet, Hospitaalpark, Kiepersol, Langenhovenpark, Lourierpark, Park West, Pellissier, Uitsig, Universitas, Westdene, Wifgehof and Willows, Arboretum, Bayswater, Dan Pienaar, Helicon Hights, Heuwelsig, Hillsboro, Hillside, Hilton, Naval Hill, Navalsig, Noordhoek, Pentagon Park, Bainsvlei, Woodlands, Ferreira, Oranjesig, Kwagafontein, Phahameng,  Bochabella, Rocklands and Waverley. Bloemfontein North, Bloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein South, Bloemfontein East, Bloemfontein West and Bloemfontein Area.

Bloemfontein Area, Brandfort, Dealsville, Tweespruit, Dewestdorp, Reddersburg, Edenburg, Thaba Nchu, Botsabelo, Boshof and Bultfontein. These small towns have a lot to offer the Bloemfontein Business Market.

Market Types:

Tourism, Accommodation, Conferences

Resaurants, Take Aways

Media

Finances, Insurance, Banking

Vehicles, Transport, Repairs

Properties, Builders, Developers

Excerpts: Whoo-Bloemfontein Businesses Listing / Directory in South Africa, Whoo-Bloemfontein Company Listing / Directory in South Africa, Whoo-Brandfort Bloemfontein Business / Company Listing / Directory in South Africa, Whoo-Ladybrand Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Whoo-Dealsville Bloemfontein Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Whoo-Mangaung Bloemfontein Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Whoo-Dewetsdorp Bloemfontein Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Whoo-Reddersburg Bloemfontein Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Whoo-Thaba Nchu Bloemfontein Brandfort Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Whoo-Edenburg Bloemfontein Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Whoo-Tweespruit Bloemfontein Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Who-Boshof Bloemfontein Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Whoo-Bultfontein Company / Business Listing / Directory in South Africa. Other words for Bloemfontein. Bloemies, Bloemmies, Bloem, Bfn, Blm, Bloemfontien, Bloemfontyn, Blomfontein, Blomfontyn.

Recentemente tive a oportunidade de fazer uma viagem de carro até Cape Town, África do Sul, na companhia de alguns amigos. Como forma de poderem acompanhar esta nova aventura de 4931kms, vou nas próximas semanas escrever um breve “diário de bordo” da viagem. O Dia 1 começa agora mesmo…

A grande viagem até à Cidade do Cabo estava prestes a começar. À nossa frente tínhamos 2000kms até chegar à costa Atlântica. De um certo ponto de vista, a nossa viagem seria uma verdadeira coast to coast trip!

15 minutos antes das 5 horas da manhã, eu, a Andrea e o Aldo partimos de casa. Os raios de Sol ainda não cobriam os céus e um manto de fresca chuva cobria a cidade. A primeira paragem, ainda antes de deixarmos a capital moçambicana para trás, foi a casa do Martim. Esperámos, esperámos, esperámos… nada! 5.10h e nada… 5.15h e nada… Mandei uma SMS “O último a chegar paga o pequeno-almoço!”. Às 5.20h lá aparece o Martim… atrasado, mas apareceu! Se o elevador tivesse deixado ele estaria cá em baixo há muito mais tempo! Atafulhámos ordeiramente as malas na pequena mala do nosso super Suzuki Escudo e lá partimos em direcção à fronteira.

Ressano Garcia e as centenas de quilómetros sentados

A passagem na fronteira, embora já muito além do nosso horário inicial, foi rápida. Até é de admirar, pois a uma sexta-feira o trânsito na principal fronteira terrestre de Moçambique é um autêntico caos! Do lado sul-africano, as cerimónias de carimbos nos passaportes também foram céleres.

À nossa frente estavam mais algumas largas centenas de quilómetros. As únicas paragens resumiam-se às áreas de serviço para reabastecer o depósito de gasolina.

Joanesburgo… e as centenas de quilómetros sentados

Estrada, estrada, estrada… montanhas, montanhas, montanhas… campos, campos, campos… durante várias horas foram estas as vistas! Dos quatro passageiros a bordo, apenas eu e a Andrea tínhamos “autorização” para conduzir. De início tínhamos combinado que de 2 em 2 horas, mais coisa menos coisas, mudaríamos de posição, deixando um de ser piloto para passar a co-piloto. Mas, tudo não passou de uma fantasia nossa! Os turnos, sim, verdadeiros turnos de condução automobilística, passaram a ter a duração de 6 horas, o que dá uma média de 500kms a cada um. Um conduzia de manhã… o outro ficava com o turno da tarde. Os restantes passageiros, “parasitas” como vieram a ficar famosos, ora dormiam ora andavam de máquina em punho para registar a qualidade das estradas sul-africanas (diga-se, de excelente qualidade!).

A meio dos primeiros 1000kms de viagem cruzámo-nos com a capital económica de África: Joanesburgo.

Ao longe um skyline de edifícios altos indicava que a grande cidade estava perto! Foi com alguma admiração, excitação direi eu, que constatamos a “maravilha” da arquitectura sul-africana nos arredores de Jo’burg… é o que dá passear na companhia de 3 arquitectos (desculpa Aldo, eu sei que não és arquitecto… mas para simplificar as coisas ficas neste lote!). Resumindo, durante cerca de 500kms os temas de conversa foram o GPS do Alberto e a arquitectura dos Sul-Africanos! Interessante, não?! 

Bloemfontein… e as centenas de quilómetros sentados

Depois de Joanesburgo, o nosso destino final já se encontrava mais próximo: Bloemfontein.

A “fonte das flores”, tradução do Africânder para Português do nome da cidade, é a capital Judicial da África do Sul (recordemos que a África do Sul tem várias capitais). A cidade, fundada oficialmente pelos Britânicos em 1846, é, de igual forma, capital do Free State, uma das províncias que constituem este país.

Situa-se no meio do nada! Deserto praticamente! Não tem nada! Umas ruas “ao alto”, um casório extenso e nada mais. Não se passa nada nesta cidade e até os próprios habitantes reconhecem esta fama menos agradável de Bloemfontein.

Chegámos era já noite. Procuramos a guest house que previamente tínhamos visto na internet, descarregámos o nosso super guerreiro Escudo, fomos jantar e por fim estreámos as camas. O bem que soube uma cama ao final de 1000kms sentados! Uuhhfff…..

Sometimes life is just better in Black and White and that also apply to Sport images. If you get bored with your images in color it’s always worth trying some black and white images.

Open your image in Photoshop. Press Shift – Alt – Control – B and the Black and White page will open. Set your contrast to your liking and press okay. That’s it, as simple and easy as that.

Here two images of the game between the Cheetahs and the Leopards on friday 2 October in Bloemfontein South Africa.

JW Jonker on the run.

Nico Breedt over for a try.

Gerhard

More images on www.supermedia.co.za

Celtic beats Kaizer Chiefs yesterday 1-0 and stay at third place on the log of the PSL. Kaizer Chiefs with seven points remain at 11th position on the log. Prince Olomu scored celtic’s only goal in the last five minutes of the game. Vodacom Park nearly erupt when over forty thousand supporters went crazy and were ecstatic with their home team playing so well at the moment.

At half time the noise levels were so high, the announcer ask the spectators to calm down because the players couldn’t hear each other talk in the dressing room. I think this will rate as one of my top 5 atmospheres i experienced in my life at a sporting event.

Here an image of Prince Olomu, the goal scorer for Celtic FC.

I used a Nikon D3 and a 400mm F2.8 lens with a 1.4 converter fitted to it. My settings were as follow;

Shutter: 1/800 sec

Aperture: F4

ISO: 3200

White Balance: 5000  Kelvin

Gerhard

More images on www.supermedia.co.za

In a Currie Cup match in Kimberley today Griquas keep their Currie Cup Campagne alive by winning the Lions 36 – 31. Here an image of Jonatha Mokuena the Captain of Griquas taking on Earl Rose full back of the Lions.

I used a Nikon D3 with a Nikon 400mm F2.8 lens fitted to it. The settings on the camera were as follow;

Shutter:  1/1000 sec.

Aperture: F4.5

ISO: 320

White Balance: Auto

Gerhard

More images on www.supermedia.co.za

1.  Nikon D2X Body

2. Nikon 28-70 mm F3.5 – F4.5 Lens

3.  Nikon WT – 2A Wireless Transmitter

All in excellent condition

Price – R18 000

Call Gerhard  at +2782 453 2345 or email – info@superimage.co.za

I covered the Gestetner Diamond Eagles vs Cobras Cricket match today. For the first time i used the Nikon 1.7 teleconverter in the field and must say i’m very impressed. the contrast and sharpness is remarkable and i really can’t see the use of a 600mm anymore specially if you look at the ISO capabilities of the Nikon D3. One loses one and a half stop light with the 1.7 converter but no problem, just push the ISO one and a half stop up and you’re fixed.

The next photo of Richard Levi i took with a Nikon D3, 400mm F2.8 lens fitted with the 1.7 teleconverter. Further i switch to the 1.5 crop factor on the camera which give you in effect a 1020mm F4.8 lens.

My settings were as follow;

Shutter: 1/1000 sec.

Aperture: F5

ISO: 360

Just a few tips when shooting cricket:

1.  One must see the players eyes in the photo (if possible).

2.  The ball must be in the photo ( if possible).

3.  Keep the background as clean as possible.

4.  Throw the background out of focus as much as possible.

5. It is always nice if there are more than one player in the image for instance the batsman and the wicket keeper.

6.  Keep the shutter speed above 1/1000 sec. if you want to freeze the action.

7.  Remember rules are there to be broken. So always look for something different.

Gerhard

More images on www.supermedia.co.za

I got the Nikon 1.7 teleconverter today and tested it on my model, Lucas the Jack Russell. One can always rely on him for a good performance and a quick run.

Although the autofocus seem to be a bit slower(I must admit that the light was a bit low which can make the focus considerable slower) it still were more than capable following the tiger deluxe running straight at me. I can’t see any problem with the sharpness at all although theoretically it must be a bit softer, and also considering the fact that i used a ISO of 3200 due to the low lighting conditions. I used it on the 400mm F2.8 lens which convert it to a 680mm F4.8.

Overall i’m happy and can’t wait to shoot my first cricket game with it on Wednesday when the Eagles play the Cobras in Bloemfontein. Next week i’m covering the ICC Cricket Trophy in Gauteng where i will also put it through some testing.

My settings on the camera(D3) were as follow;

Exposure:  1/800sec.

Aperture: F5

ISO: 3200

Gerhard

www.supermedia.co.za