Steve Madden Event Photography

December/09/2022

A star studded event

I recently did event photography for the Steve Madden Summer launch here in Cape Town. Wow! What a star-studded event, there were influencers where ever you looked! I'm sure mobile networks were maxed out with uploads. 

With Bonang Matheba

The evening was a plethora of happenings, starting with Bonang Matheba who partnered with Steve Madden for this year's Summer launch. The vivacious Bonang is a South African multi-award winning radio presenter, television host, MC, global citizen ambassador and style icon. Find out more about her here.

An event photography challenge

Because there was so much happening, this was an event photography challenge. I couldn't be in two places at once, so I roped Riekert Cloete, good friend and fellow photographer, to help me get through everything. 

The event breakdown

It started with the arrival of everyone. We had to capture general shots as well as include branding and marketing material in the pictures. This all led up to One of the main events. Yes I said one.

Like being at the Oscars

It was like being at the Oscars when Bonang arrived, fanfare galore and what a personality this gorgeous lady has! Then there was the fashion show! Guests were clearly impressed with the new range! I also loved the acrobatics incorporated into the show.

We wound down with speeches, Steve Madden SA thanked everyone and it then party party party. 

Pictures that "POP!" 

If I can, I avoid those hard-flash pictures, the ones you normally see. Yes, they work, but they can look so much better. I hold my flash away from the camera rather than mounting it in the normal place, it looks so much better! I also often place a 2nd flash behind (If I have the time) my subjects. It gives a great edge light which makes the shots look like studio, but in a live environment. It really makes the pictures POP! 

I encourage madness

Lastly, I work with personalities. If people want to do crazy things, I encourage it. This way we get brilliant pictures that look real, because well, they are!!