2022-02-02 was a wedding day for many. To me, it was the day that Judith and Sander first reached out. At first, I didn’t think much about it – I receive quite a lot of enquiries for photoshoots in weird and wonderful places that never turn into anything. But as soon as I replied, Judith returned my email. And so our communication kicked off until we finally met last week Wednesday to go through the final arrangements of their photoshoot in Sossusvlei.

Sander and Judith got married in their hometown, Rotterdam in Holland on the 15^th of July after which they flew to Namibia. Just like most couples, they had a full, traditional wedding with a photoshoot and then a big party. But they also wanted something more. They wanted a photoshoot in Sossusvlei in their wedding attire. And did I think it will be possible? Of course, yes! In fact, I did a happy dance at the suggestion. Who wouldn’t want to take photos in one of the most iconic locations in Africa?

Judith sent me their itinerary and we started planning. I called in the help of my friend Charlotte over at ATI Holidays to help me with the planning and the arrangements. (I’ll share a bit more about our journey in a later post.) And after months of planning, waiting and a very excited photographer, we finally left for Sossusvlei last Wednesday morning. Everything went smoothly – I mean, even the weather was perfect for our photoshoot.

As the gates at Sesriem only open at 7h45, we had breakfast at 7 am and then got ready. On the 60km drive into the park, I got to know Sander and Judith. We talked about everything, but mostly we talked about the recent pandemic that has not only hit Europe but even hurt us here in Namibia. And while we talked, we stared in awe at the beauty that surrounded us. There is nothing, quite as spectacular, as sunrise in the park. I wanted to capture the dunes as they changed colours, but no camera can really capture the true beauty of what is Sossusvlei. So I just drank it in and stored it in my memory. I also knew that we had to get on with it as the sun doesn’t play around in Deadvlei. Once the shade is gone, the heat is on.

Looking at these photos, I know, I can do a dozen more of these and that they will all be different from one another. There is something about these ancient trees on the dry white clay surrounded by the dunes that are just never quite the same. If these trees could talk, I wonder what stories they would tell us.

I hope you enjoy these photos with me and that you can feel the heat on your face, and the sand against your legs as we walk through Deadvlei looking for the most beautiful spots. And if you happen to love it so much that you want to book a photoshoot – just scroll down for my contact form or email directly at [email protected] with your dream.