On the Couch with Candice Bond

 Candice Bond


One of Newcastle’s most popular photographers, Candice Bond has made a name for herself in the world of photography. Her unique style of capturing beautiful moments has made her become sought-after. This easy-going, fun-loving mother of two beautiful daughters shared with Newcastle Express her journey into photography as well as how she balances motherhood and a demanding career.


Newcastle Express (NE): Growing up, what was life like for you?

Candice Bond (CB): I grew up in Dundee in a happy home with both my parents and my sister. When I was in grade 11 we moved to Durban where I completed high school. Shortly thereafter, my parents decided that the big city was not for us and we moved back to Dundee. I returned to Durban on my own and completed a diploma in beauty, which I have actually never used. I met my husband and moved to Newcastle in 2008 and started working at an armature winding company as a secretary. 13 years later I still work there but as a business system manager.


NE: How did you first discover your love for photography?

CB: When my husband and I got engaged, we did our first photoshoot and it was there that the bug bit. After our wedding was captured in the most beautiful way, I decided that I wanted to give this a go. So, a week later, I sold my wedding dress and bought my very first Canon DSLR camera and began playing around.


NE: What was your very first photoshoot like?

CB: My first photoshoot was of a girl from Dundee. She was 16-years-old at the time and she felt different from other girls her age and insecure. We took photos of her at a park and I hoped to show her how beautiful she was. I must have done something right because a few years later she asked me to photograph her wedding which for me was such an honour.


NE: You have a very unique way of capturing special moments, what is your secret?

CB: I love to capture the in-between moments where the family might be laughing together or just chatting or a stolen kiss between couples. I try my best to make all my clients feel comfortable in front of the lens so that the images look more relaxed and natural.


NE: What has been your most interesting or awkward photoshoot so far?

CB: The most interesting shoot was when I was asked to do a family shoot on a farm outside Dundee. I went in my Polo Vivo on the a hectic farm road and when I arrived at the family they wanted to go to a waterfall to take photos. So we all got loaded in the back of a farm bakkie. Here I was on a dusty cruiser gripping onto my camera bag while holding on for dear life as the farmer raced to the waterfall. When we got to what I thought was the waterfall, it was a nice long hike and climb down to the waterfall. It was quite the adventure, but a great end when we got back to the farm house and I was gifted with amazing home made biscuits and goodies for my trip back.


NE: How do you balance motherhood, being a wife and your career?

CB: Balancing is something that I still battle to juggle between being a mother of two beautiful daughters, having a full time job and doing photography as my passion. I try my best. I only book a maximum of two shoots per weekend so that I can spend time with my family and then editing is done at night when everyone else are sleeping and no one needs mom.


NE: What advice do you have to offer the younger generation who want to become professional photographers?

CB: If photography is something you feel passionate about then go after it and find your unique style. Something that sets you apart from everyone else.


NE: Who has influenced you the most throughout your career?

CB: I have so many people who have supported me from the beginning when I started in 2013. Professional photographers who offered to teach me when I knew nothing, all my clients, every single one of them who chose me to capture special moments and trusted me with bigger events. A big thank you to my husband who is my biggest supporter and who makes sure that I am able to pursue my passion by taking care of the children when I am out doing my shoots.


NE: What do you have in your handbag?

CB: Powerlips in three colors, purse, car keys, notebook, pen, probably some mints from a restaurant, Tommy Girl perfume and bobby pins at the bottom somewhere.


NE: Chocolate cake or salad?

CB: Chocolate cake definitely, although I should choose the salad.


NE: Favorite color?

CB: Black

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

At home with Jailoshini Naidoo

Image
By Yashika Ramautar YR: Describe your typical morning from the time you get up. JN: I’m not really a morning person, but my TV shoots often start quite early, so my mornings are invariably rushed, with me literally flying around the house trying to get ready on time.  Brush my teeth, shower, hair, make-up, dress up, (I often change clothes a couple of times before I’m completely satisfied). Breakfast is a bowl of cereal with some yoghurt, a cup of green or rooibos tea and a banana. And then I'm off! YR: How long does it take you to get dressed, from after your shower to looking all glam? JN: About an hour and a half...although I've learnt to do it in about an hour if I have to. YR: What are some of your favourite Indian dishes that you can prepare yourself? Can you make Woorunde or any sweetmeats? JN: I’m better at cooking than baking. I make a great curry. Although, as far as Indian sweetmeats are concerned, I make the best Chana Magaj. Got the recipe fr...
Read more

On the Couch with singing siren, Jae

Image
Singing siren Jae is back in town... Durban R&B beauty, Jae best known for her smashing debut solo single, "I'm missing you", is back in town performing at Surfs Up at Barnyard Theatre. Durban North News grabbed the opportunity to catch up with the three time SAMA nominee and find out what she is really about. DNN: So Jae tell us, when did you get your first big break as a singer? J: I didn’t get a big break, I created my own. I always thought I’d be ‘spotted’ by a talent scout and I’d become a star instantly. I was so wrong and had many disappointments. When I lost my dear sister, I wanted to quit music, then remembered how much she wanted to see me succeed, so I pulled myself together, had a new motivation and started my own record label with my manager and business partner. DNN: From the beginning of your career till now, what has been your biggest highlight? J: I have many... hearing my own song on radio for the first time was priceless, meeting and si...
Read more

On the Couch with Indian Idol winners, Sreeram and Sourabhee On the Couch with Indian Idol winners Sreeram and Sourabhee

Image
By Yashika Ramautar and Anusha Govender YR: As a branch of the Idols franchise, how do you think Indian Idol has set you up for an international market? Sreeram: It has made alot of difference, especially since I'm from Hyderabad, and the south is not that well known for commercial shows in the north or outside India. So, it has given me the scope of having an average of 8 to 10 shows, at least, a month which is not an usual scenario if I was not on Indian Idol. People don't know you as much so I would not have been exposed to such a huge market, had it not been for Indian Idols. Sourabhee: Every contestant reached a stage where they can expose their talent to every corner of the world, not just India. So it really gave us a good chance. YR: In terms of a judging panel, which judge's critique do you feel was most useful? Sreeram: I can't name one judge in particular because everyone played their part, from the first round auditions right till the moment I lifted th...
Read more