The Odendaal Family

The winds blew but it did not fall

because it had its foundation on the rock

So on this very beautiful summer day in December, in the Western Cape, the rain did not come down, the streams did not rise, but the winds blew and beat against this house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Never have I ever had such incredibly difficult conditions to shoot in, the sand literally blew into my lens making focussing incredibly difficult! Never have the sand hurt so much and never have I had so many closed eyes in one shoot, in my entire 14 year photography career. However, never have I ever loved so many shots in one shoot, and funny enough, the not so perfect ones turned out to be my favourite!

I have known the Odendaal’s for a few years, and this day, with this shoot, on this rock with this wind, just signifies exactly who they are, strong because of their rock solid foundation, and cannot fall, because together they are unbreakable. During my editing there was only one thing that kept coming to mind, Matthew 7: 25 “ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” And even though I know, no family is perfect, I know that family with all its faults, are perfect!

Thank you for this incredible time spent with all of you!