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Ngqwele Dube
A WEDDING is one of the lifetime events that mostly come once hence every effort is made to make it as special and as memorable as possible.
From the planning stage, every step is taken to ensure the event is the best in the world. Selecting the right sound, venue, transport and of course the best wedding gown will be high up on the priority list of the couple.
Months are put into the meticulous planning process as couples aim to leave no room for failure.
Photographs and videos play a critical role as a store memory for special occasions and on one’s wedding day. Thus one would hire the best photographer who will be able to capture each and every detail and ensure time does not erode those great moments.
A photo session at Bulawayo’s Centenary Park has become one of the traditions that have been embraced by the people of the City of Kings and Queens and if not the park, then it is an alternative venue that offers a garden scenery with trees, flowers and a fountain, all reminiscent of the popular park moreso because people simply love nature.
However, instead of simply using a green background and one that has almost been clichéd, a group of photographers are literally thinking outside the box and encouraging couples to preserve their precious moments at scenic and iconic buildings and other venues around the city.
Instead of going to take pictures that will be almost similar to most people’s at the Centenary Park, Blaqframe Studios feels there are several places of historical and architectural significance that can be used by couples and produce an equally stunning background.
Places like the Railway Museum, Bulawayo Centre, Barbourfields Stadium, ZITF Grounds, Princess Court next to Bulawayo Centre, Douslin House which houses the Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo all provide a great background for memorable wedding pictures.
In an effort to move away from Centenary Park pictures and create photos that tell a story of origin of the city and some of its architectural prowess the studio has identified a lot more buildings that can provide a unique photo background.
“Digital technology is changing all the time, and we want to make sure we are offering our clients the very best of personalised documentation that connects them to history and the city. While one can look at Princess Court and ask what background it can provide, the photographers believe with the right settings one can get spectacular photographs.
“Everyone has become a photographer through the use of cellphones and other modern devices but memorable photography is more than just a click, lighting and ambience are critical,” said Auntony Zinyange of Blaqframe Studios.
He said they are studying several books, among them “Bulawayo Changing Landscape 1893-1980,” to learn about the history of local buildings.
“A football fan can hire Barbourfields Stadium say for 30 minutes at dusk and have the flood lights on thus creating a unique background. These venues are accessible to the public and the fees are not prohibitive. At the Railway Museum you pay a $1 per person and then leave a donation after the photo shoot,” said Zinyange, whose portfolio also includes video services for all kinds of events.
Online Reporter