Thanks to you, our dedicated Orms community, the 2023 Look Up South Africa Competition was a tremendous success. We received thousands of stunning photographs and were amazed to see all the weird and wonderful ways you interpreted the brief. While we narrowed down the thousands of entries to just six, we gave you the power to choose the winner. And you did. We are proud to announce the winner of the 2023 Look Up South Africa Competition is Sharyn Hodges. Sharyn wins the DJI Mini 3 with Smart Controller valued at R18,995.
We caught up with Sharyn to hear how she feels about winning the 2023 Look Up South Africa Competition and what her plans are for her new DJI Mini 3.
How do you feel having won the 2023 Look Up South Africa competition?
Honestly, I didn’t even expect to be a finalist. I was following the hashtag, and some of the images were just unbelievable and thought I had no chance and forgot about it until I was tagged by Orms as being one of the finalists and then yeah… To win was obviously AMAZING and unbelievable because I have never won anything when it comes to my photography. But a huge THANK YOU to EVERYONE who voted, shared and commented. Also, to Alex and Jade in the photo, I wish people knew what these two had to do to get into that pool.
Drone photography plays quite a big part in your photographic practice; what is it about this style of shooting that you love so much?
One word, perspective. Before I became a “wedding photographer”, I loved shooting landscapes, but to become a landscape photographer (full time), the success percentage is low, so I thought, well, how about I put people in the landscapes? I love showcasing how BEAUTIFUL our country is, and small people in big landscapes are my ultimate favourite.
In your opinion, what essential elements make up the perfect drone shot?
I love putting people on cliff edges (they might not enjoy it) to showcase the entire landscape. I love some good golden light and making sure my clients are either holding hands a little bit apart from each other, so you know there are two people and just a dash of a little something something. Shadows play a huge part too. People walking along the water’s edge with long shadows, or even when I am taking my dogs to the beach, I love the shadow play. I am a huge ocean lover, so if anyone is keen to float or lie over a bridge whilst the water is crashing under you. Goosebumps!
How will your brand new DJI Mini 3 up your photography game?
I LOVE how small and compact it is. It will definitely make my camera bag feel a bit lighter, but I am looking forward to the quality of the photographs. And the fact that it shoots RAW is so amazing!
What DJI drone do you currently shoot on?
My precious baby Mavic Pro 2 and the Avata!
You’re a pretty heavy hitter in the wedding photography game and have been doing this for quite some time; what keeps you inspired and motivated?
Very kind of you to say that, but I don’t think I am. This might sound corny, but I am so inspired by my clients’ love and their love story. I have never heard the same love story twice; each one is unique. Photographically I am inspired by our rugged coastlines, hidden gems (that I find all the time), the seasons and how they change where the sun rises and sets. I want to make bangers, photographs that my clients are proud to hang in their living room. When their friends and family come over, I want them to tell the story of the crazy photographer who used her charm to get them in the freezing water or made them hike at 03h00 in the morning for 3 km. I want them to remember the smell of the forest or the noise of the crashing waves. I want that photograph to be a story.
What motivated you to incorporate drone photography into your wedding photography practice?
Your wedding day is probably one of the biggest days in your life. I found that photographers would photograph in the same spots at wedding venues, and I didn’t want to be that photographer. I wanted to give my clients something unique, like climbing in that canoe in your wedding dress for a banger photograph or hiking on Robberg so we can create a photo worthy of your wall.
Besides wedding photography, you enjoy photographing the stunning marine life off the coast of Plettenberg Bay with your drone. What is it about photographing these beautiful creatures that you love so much?
Where do I even begin with this question? I have been so incredibly lucky to have lived in Plettenberg Bay for 24 years. As a kid, I fished, dived, swam, and spent hours and hours on the beach. I love and respect our oceans so much. I love watching the dolphins surf the waves and wait impatiently for them to jump out the back of the wave; it’s my favourite. Every winter, the majestic Southern Right Whale graces us with their presence, and before I had my drone, I just saw this little black stripe come out of the water with two blows, not fully understanding HOW BIG THEY ARE! When I got my first drone, I flew over them for the first time; it literally BLEW MY MIND! I couldn’t understand how HUGE they were. To watch them from above, how graceful they move, how playful they are with their calves and how they interact with dolphins. I found a new respect for them. And I have loved them more and more.
The Great White Sharks have definitely become a little obsession of mine since last year. I’m addicted to finding them and watching them. I fall in love with them every time. I have NEVER seen an animal so anti-social towards their own kind, yet they seem fascinated and curious at the same time. I have so many questions about Great White Sharks. Much like watching whales move gracefully, sharks are on another level. They glide through the water effortlessly, yet can move with such force with devasting results to anything that gets in their way. I can’t wait for them to return.
Have you ever thought about doing underwater photography?
Absolutely. Many times, as a child, I would snorkel around the rocks, fascinated with life under the sea. I know this is a sad excuse, but I just don’t have time to learn another facet of photography. I need to find a clone machine!
What are some of your favourite photographic gear to shoot with?
I am never without my Sony Alpha A7R IV with an 85mm 1.4. My shattered nerves. So beautiful!
What essential equipment do you need with you on every shoot?
As a wedding photographer, I shoot with 2 Sony Alpha A7R IV bodies. My Sony 85mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4 lenses and the best versatile lens, the 24 – 70mm 2.8.
You’re a big lover of nature and incorporate it in many shoots. What advice would you give aspiring photographers who want to include the natural world in their shoots?
DO IT! Our lives are so focused on instant gratification and social media that being in nature gives you a sense of being grounded and being on nature’s time. We can’t make a sunset quicker or slower or replay it; it happens on her own time. Enjoy it. Do your homework regarding locations. Find out what time the sun sets, if it’s accessible during certain times or tides, is it safe for your clients, etc. Never stop exploring and finding new spots. I love trying new places to shoot at because I know I am giving my clients something no one else has.
