Ocean Driven Media and Photography

Shake it out at Westville Boys High School

Wade Howard — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:04:47 +0000

Last Friday we went to watch the musical revue Shake it Out at Westville Boys High School and I was completely blown away at the talent and passion shown on the night. The lighting was spectacular, the dance routines were phenomenal, the enthusiasm and excitement shown by everyone on stage was inspirational and the whole experience unfortunately went by too quickly. As I was watching I thought that I had to come back and photograph this outstanding show which I obviously did thanks to Devin Moller. One always has a favourite or two and mine was Aury Livingstone whose voice and humble presence on stage was something to admire. His rendition of Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror gave me goosebumps on both occassions. It was such a privilege to see how hard the dances and singers worked and how much effort they put into each song. It is not often that you come away from a show feeling so inspired and as though your soul has just had a complete overall. Was this really done by school kids? Wow, it wasn’t the same in my day when Oliver Twist or Shakespeare were the preferred plays to be put on. A huge congratulations to the following: Devin Moller and his co-directors and choreographers,Togs Dressmaking for the enormous range of costumes, Selbys lighting and sound, the outstanding band, the behind the scenes children and of course all the performers who can all be extremely proud. I highly recommend that anyone who has not been to Shake it Out to try and get the last few remaining tickets before the show closes on the weekend.

The KZN Coast delivers

Wade Howard — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:34:19 +0000

Just another fantastic morning on the KZN Coast where the wind, swell and sunrise combine to turn on the magic once again.

Chad le Clos’s 21st Birthday

Teagan Cunniffe — Fri, 10 May 2013 06:09:05 +0000

A few weekends back, South African swimming legend Chad le Clos held his 21st at Czar’s on Florida road. Wade and I went along to photograph the event on behalf of Heat Magazine. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Chad, but was very impressed after meeting him on his level of groundedness and how tight-knit his family are. His sister, Bianca, welcomed us into the venue as if we had known each other for ages and everyone was incredibly accommodating. This was my first taste of what it must feel like to be paparazzi, with cameras flashing and people pushing to get the shot. It wasn’t quite up Wade’s and my alley to say the least!! We both much prefer meeting and establishing a relationship with the people we photograph. After the initial buzz died down and most of the media photographers left, things got a lot more relaxed and we began enjoying the event taking place around us a lot more.

Czar’s is a really sophisticated venue, with a sweeping staircase and dark wood practically calling for glamourous evening gowns and cigars. There were quite a few celebrity faces to be spotted, from Terence Parkin to Top Billings presenters and Carte Blanche’s Derek Watts. Guests mingled about, everyone looking resplendent as they congratulated him and chatted amongst themselves. I was surprised to se a lot of faces that I knew, then remembered that Chad had been from Westville and would obviously have friends within the same circles as myself.

Speeches started soon after all the snacks disappeared and once more we were giving an insight into how deeply caring Chad’s closest friends and family were of him. The speeches had a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek 21st stories from friends, but were also balanced by heartfelt words and a very moving poem by Bianca.

The evening ended off (for Wade and I at least) with the cutting of Chad’s multi-tiered, sparkler-filled cake and a last family photograph.

We wish him all the best for his future and were glad to have been a small part of his birthday!

Top Billing presenter Lorna Maseko with Chad le Clos

Chad and his proud parents, Bert and Geraldine

Bert’s exuberant personality coming through!

Chad with his cousin Simone (left) and friend Candice (right)

Surprise visit by athlete Terence Parkin

Speeches by close friends

Ryan, Leith and Ze saying their speeches

Swimming coach Graham Hill and Bianca

Bert giving Chad his first alcoholic drink

The family

Durban evening

Teagan Cunniffe — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:27:47 +0000

Some friends of mine, Ciske and Tinus, were keen to come up with me to the cocktail bar on top of the Roma Revolving building. I think on Tinus’s part, the lure of the bar may have been more of a driving force than the view! However the area is only open on a Friday and Saturday to patrons and we had to content ourselves with some magnificent scenery instead. The view from the top is really stunning and I’m so glad I finally went up there!!

Looking forward to going back, hopefully when there are some more dramatic clouds and lighting.

the beautiful City Hall through some of Durban’s more bland buildings

Rather high up!

One fine winter’s morning – surfing in KZN

Wade Howard — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:59:41 +0000

It is always a gamble waking up early and heading down the coast to find some perfect waves but some days you win while others you try to forget. I spent a few hours the night before trying to decide and eventually made a decision to just go. I got up at 4:20am(actually woke up at 3:30am but couldn’t go back to sleep in case I missed my alarm) sneaked through to the lounge where all my gear was waiting and then drove the car in stealth mode down the drive without waking any of the kids up. First mission accomplished. I then took the slowest drive that I have done down the coast as I knew it was too dark and early so I had to fight off the urge to race down and be the first one in the water. At first glance it looked disappointing but once it got light enough to see my excitement levels went sky high. The next dilemma was to either photograph the beautiful morning or jump in and catch a few before it got too crowded. I compromised and took a few snaps to capture the sunrise and waves and then jumped in and caught a few waves of my own. One can’t complain about the lifestyle that we live in KZN, it’s magic.

Wedding shoot in the Drakensberg with Ridwaan and Aysha

Wade Howard — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:09:00 +0000

Ridwaan and Aysha asked me if I would do their photoshoot for them on their honeymoon in the Drakensberg. No problem. I spent most of the day in the the car but it was worth the drive just seeing the breathtaking scenery of the berg once again. Wow we live in s special country. Unfortunately we picked the hottest day for the shoot along with a clear blue sky which may sound odd but for me I prefer some dark clouds etc to spice things up. If it is not too bright it is too dark or the skies are too clear or it is raining, gee you would think by now I would just be grateful for whatever the situation. I just expect perfect or should I say dramatic conditions especially when you have traveled so far so you want it to be extra special. We did find some magical backgrounds and settings for the photoshoot and made the best of the lighting that was available. Thanks to the stalling of the photoshoot I managed to get to know Ridwaan and Aysha a little better which made the trip that much more satisfying. It’s not just about taking great pics but also taking the time to experience life with other people which is what makes my job so interesting and worth while. Thanks Ridwaan and Aysha for the opportunity and may your lives ahead be filled with even more breathtaking views and experiences. I have to say that through the stifling heat, walking in the long grass and climbing up and down a steep hill Aysha in her elaborate wedding dress and Ridwaan in his hot suit never once complained or showed any irritation which makes me look like quite a grump. Well done guys.

The winter waves of KZN

Wade Howard — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:58:46 +0000

It’s taken ages but the consistent land breezes that blow in the mornings in KZN during winter are finally here. If I walk out the house in the morning and feel a cool, fresh breeze on my face then my surfing brain automatically kicks in and I can just imagine perfect lines rolling in on the coast, it’s not always the case but the mind can play funny tricks. The toughest part is making the decision whether to surf or take photos and in this case the camera won. I took a gamble going to a beach that I guessed would have waves but it paid off with not a sole in sight. I ran through the bush, along the beach for a few kilometers, crossed a river full of rapids, ran a few more kilometers and then settled on a few spots to capture those perfect winter waves. Was it worth the effort, you can be the judge.

Hillcrest Matric Dance

Teagan Cunniffe — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:35:12 +0000

I have known Chelsea for quite a few years now, and when she asked if I could shoot her and her friends’ matric dance photographs I gladly agreed.

So last Friday the 19th April, I found myself inside a very vibrant house with loud music playing and rain thundering down outside, surrounded by parents, family and the impeccably turned out Matric Dance attendees. The girls’ dresses were gorgeous and the men all cleaned up handsomely, making my task a complete pleasure to do. Spirits were high despite the weather, and everyone was eager to have the best evening possible.

After the pre-drinks, we went to Hillcrest High School were the dance was being held. Chelsea and her friends had organised a ferris wheel on which to arrive and it was guaranteed to be a novel entrance. Unfortunately the ferris wheel was rather.. precarious to say the least!! But it held up for the occasion and the couples arrived at the entrance amidst much cheering and camera-snapping. The evening looked set to be stunning and I hope that they all had a fantastic time.

Glydd and Carla at Cranford Country Lodge KZN Midlands

Wade Howard — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:41:16 +0000

After photographing Glydd and Carla’s engagement shoot I thought that we would all be chilled and it would be an easy wedding to photograph. It was until I met up with Glydd, the most stressed out groom I have seen in a long time. The poor guy was so full of emotion and on top of that had to deal with a half working leg, thanks to his Bulls Party escapades. Thank goodness we knew each other so that part made things a little easier. Carla was relaxed and enjoyed the getting ready part with the help from her bridesmaids. Carla is a horse fanatic so it was no surprise that she chose Cranford Country Lodge as her venue with it’s beautiful Appaloosa horses, ok so it is also a pretty venue and the service from Debbie, Alex and the rest of the staff is second to none but I think it was the horses that did the trick, sorry Debbie haha! Carla also arranged to be taken to the chapel in a horse and carriage which added a special touch to the day as well. Glydd’s nerves almost got the better of him standing at the altar but thank goodness he stayed standing and managed to get through the rest of the service. It is quite something to see a groom so emotional and open to admit it afterwards too. Well done Glydd you have my respect. The overcast skies got us going quite quickly after the service and we managed to just finish off the photoshoot when it started to rain which was a relief because it bucketed down. Glydd and Carla even braved the down pour during a break in the reception to go stand outside so that we could get a long exposure shot which turned out just fine thanks to Teagan’s help and her standing in the pouring rain as my subject and assistant. Glydd gave a moving speech and then a huge sigh of relief as well. He was now free from the pressures of the formalities and could enjoy the rest of the party. Thanks once again to Debbie, Alex and co. at Cranford for their fantastic hospitality and of course the delicious food(how can I go there without mentioning that). Thanks to Teagan for assisting and capturing some stunning pics. Glydd I am sure is the happiest man now that it is all over and he Carla and their beautiful daughter can enjoy the future together as a beautiful family.

Kyle Mitchell at Home – Newborn baby shoot

Wade Howard — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:49:57 +0000

Kyle was born two weeks or so premature and I knew he would be small but I have forgotten just how small babies can be(you wouldn’t think so after having three of our own). Even his baby grows which were the smallest sizes were way too big. Anthony had even bought a superman baby grow for Kyle to come home in from the hospital but as you can see in the pic it was just too huge for him. Kyle is a superboy none the less and in no time at all Leigh and Anthony will have forgotten just how tiny he was, hence the need for photographs. Congrats again Anthony and Leigh and I hope the quiet, calm feeling in the house continues for some time.