Step into the world of a photographer who thrives on capturing the pure, unfiltered emotions of children and their carefree moments.
It is not every day that you meet someone who takes a hobby and turns it into a business. But that’s what professional photographer, Anthea van Wyk did when she boldly decided to start Calendar Events Photography by Anthea Van Wyk in October 2020, right amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now, she’s built a thriving business, a studio and a reputation for capturing the inner light of children with her unique style of photography.
From hospitality to photography
Before the camera lens became Anthea’s life, she was already well-established in the hospitality industry. Anthea was born and raised in Durban. She initially studied hospitality management and earned a degree that made her move into the hotel industry.
Her early career was all about service and people where she gained experience in the tough world of hotel management.
Anthea then went on to get a second degree and worked at Emperors Palace. She worked full-time while continuing with photography as a hobby.
It was not long before she found that her passion for photography might be more than just a creative hobby. Her children, Olessia (12) and Lucan (9), were her inspiration, and she was motivated to explore children’s photography further.
However, when Covid-19 struck, it left a permanent impact on the hospitality industry, and several employees, including Anthea, were retrenched.
As her passion for photography kept increasing, she decided to seize the moment and channel her hobby. ‘I kind of knew that we would get retrenched, so I got my ducks in a row, created my website, and said, let’s see how far this takes me,’ she said.
And take her far it did. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into Calendar Events Photography by Anthea Van Wyk, her very own photography business. Launching in October 2020, Anthea took a leap of faith that proved to be the right move. ‘It’s been make or break for me,’ she highlights. ‘But I’ve taken my hobby and turned it into something full-time.’
The inner light of children
One of Anthea’s defining features as a photographer is her ability to capture the innocence of children. Her series, called Inner Light, is a perfect example of this. ‘It’s about seeing the inner light of a child come out,’ she says. ‘Children get into character so naturally. That’s when you see their light shine through and I love it.’
Anthea’s love for children’s photography was born out of her own family life.
Her children were her first subjects, and it was through experimenting with them as models that she began to realise the power of capturing children’s pure expressions.
‘I know it sounds weird but I even dream about ideas for photoshoots. And when I don’t have a client specifically asking for something, I’ll do a model call to shoot some new stuff.’
While Anthea is a specialist in children’s photography, she also possesses the skills for other genres like newborn, maternity, family, boudoir, and even cake smashes. Her true passion lies in the creativity of styled photo shoots such as farm-themed shoots with pet chickens or a boy at a desert marketplace.
One of the most memorable shoots was with a little girl, a pet chicken, and a farm background. Anthea had proposed that she take photos of the girl in long grass with her chicken. ‘I was surprised at how tame the chicken was but it was a huge success,’ says Anthea.
‘I always get my ideas from what is going on around me. The boy’s photo from the desert market was inspired by the half-finished floor of my studio. It was just so rough and sandy, and I suddenly got the the idea of doing a desert shoot. I designed the outfit myself,’ she says.
The art of capturing a moment
Anthea’s photographic style is often described as fine art, and it’s easy to see why. ‘Fine art photography focuses on every tiny detail,’ she explains. ‘From the wardrobe to the venue, everything has to compliment the vision. And I always make sure the children have something to do, so they get into character naturally.’
Her attention to detail always shines through. ‘The lens you choose can change the entire outcome of the photo,’ she explains. ‘I use an 85mm lens because it gives a soft background and focuses on the child’s facial expression and moment. It’s all about capturing the essence of who they are at that moment.’
Anthea’s family plays an important role in her business. Her husband Anton and their two children are often her models and her biggest supporters. ‘They know how important photography is to me,’ Anthea shares. ‘I pretty much drag them everywhere with me, and they always have a set of clothes ready for whenever I want to capture a moment.’
For Anthea, photography isn’t just a job – it’s a way to spend more time with her family. ‘The whole photography business has been for my family. I strive to do better for them and be there for them,’ she adds.
Inspiring others and looking ahead
As this passionate photographer looks to the future, she has big plans. ‘I want to get more recognition locally and internationally,’ she says. ‘But I also want to inspire other photographers to keep pushing themselves. Keep learning, keep growing, because that’s how you inspire others and improve your own work.’
Her advice for aspiring photographers, especially those interested in working with children, is simple: ‘Just pick up that camera and don’t stop. You’ll learn as you go, and you’ll grow with every mistake you make.’
At the heart of Anthea’s photography is a passion for capturing the fleeting moments of childhood. ‘Tomorrow is promised to no one,’ she expresses, ‘and I want families to be able to proudly show off their photos. I want children to look back at those pictures and remember their innocence and their joy.’
As her business grows, Anthea remains dedicated to her work and creating timeless memories for children and families in general. And with her passion, creativity, and dedication to detail, it’s clear that Anthea van Wyk is just getting started.
Make up: Liezl Zene from Eve Image
Wardrobe by – Nicky Stonebank from Vibrant Shades.
Make up by – Sigrid Shaw from Sigi.
Text: DESNAY PETERSON. Photo: CALENDAR EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHEA VAN WYK
