Real Happy Pictures Photography

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  • Model & Actor Portfolio Photos

    Model & Actor Portfolio Photos

    Your agent needs good, professional photographs of you to put forward for castings and auditions for Commercials, TV, Film or Stage. There are subtle variations and I want to help you create pictures that highlight your strengths in every genre. I have been working in the entertainment space for 20 years, my experience can help you. Let’s create the impression of a confident, competent and interesting artist that producers and directors will love to work with. Some say that you can’t teach someone “The X-factor”, I think you can.

    Time in studio: 60 minutes

    We’ll select and process the images that fit with the roles you might play.

    Ideal For

    Models/Character Models who would like to expand their reach. We can cover several looks in headshots, mid-length and full-length.

    The background is plain for a reason – these photographs show you, as you are, to directors, producers and advertisers. By stripping away everything that is not essential, we allow them to see only you.

    These people see thousands of pictures every day during castings. If they remember you and talk about you as “the lovely smile” or “mysterious eyes” it will fix your face in their minds. If they talk about you as “that garden shot” they won’t remember your face as well. Anyone can look sexy in a garden, but only you have your face and personality. Being you is your biggest asset.

    What to Bring

    Bring at least three outfits: formal wear, smart-casual & casual clothing. You can also bring hats, ties and accessories to complement your looks. You may only wear the most essential jewellery, if any.

    Your sportswear, if you play a sport – all with appropriate shoes.

    Please arrive with your hair ready to shoot.

    Guys might need some powder to prevent shine, but please arrive with nothing on your face. Ladies only need the basics. I prefer “nude make-up” (sparingly applied, close to your own complexion – check out this Youtube video with brillian nude make-up tips by Ale Jay

    It can’t be overstated that you need to look like yourself in headshots and portfolio photos – your agent will be using these to introduce you to directors, casting directors and clients and they need to recognise you when they see you in person. So rock a look that you can do for every casting or audition.

    How I process your photos

    Selective Invisible Enhancements:

    I’ll adjust the lighting for proper colour rendering and do some dodge and burn to improve light levels in areas if needed. I’ll remove temporary blemishes and perform minor local adjustments to highlight your best features. I’ll go over the images lightly to smooth the skin & perform selective sharpening. I might soften focus in certain areas to ensure that attention is drawn to your eyes first.

    I may spend more time on some images, editing them for a more glamorous appearance. My aim is always to minimise any problem areas without removing them – these pictures need to look like you. If you have a facial scar or visible tattoo they need to know about it, and it might be what lands you a job.

    Whatsapp Chat with me and Book A Photoshoot

    Whatsapp Dirk

    Each of these photoshoots includes an optional intro video of around 15 seconds, these are essential for online databases like YouMe&Co and Portfoliopad, services your agent may subscribe to to get international clients.

    All photographs and video styles will be similar to the gallery images on this page.

    All photos are only supplied as digital downloads and will be forwarded to your agent at your request.

    Please mention the modeling agency you’re with as some have negotiated special rates. You may qualify for a discount!
    SAGA members     get an automatic 20% off on the presentation of their membership card.

  • A Day at the Beech

    A Day at the Beech

    2025-11-01

    You can find a video I posted to Youtube:
    https://youtu.be/69FAvH9QcmM

    My visit to the beech was prompted by the NSRI Swim Out to commemorate everyone who died in the sea this past year, and to pray for grace and protection for rescuers and visitors to our beaches. I’m so grateful they issued an open invitation to the public, and that I made it in time to capture these moments. Afterwards, I had to get into the waves and point my camera at the young kids playing on their body boards. The waves were awesome.

    On the way home I spotted Innocence, who’s sand sculpture of a life-size horse drew attention and contributions. I also found the castle he’d abandoned later because the sand is too dry between the dunes near where I live. He said he’ll return to that spot if it rains.

    I had an awesome day because I had a reason to go outside with my camera, and these are memories that will be preserved.

    I’ve uploaded some videos and screen grabs from those videos: I still love stills because they capture moments you’ll never see unless they are frozen, I’m so grateful I have the opportunities and the equipment to capture these images.

    You can watch the video of my day here:

  • Melkbos Ateljee – Artist Portraits

    This year, Gillian Bentley is helping out with PR and Press for our annual Art Exhibition. She’s needling the artists and creating quite a stir, but we need to get our articles in before the three month deadline to get into magazine issues ahead of 21 September. Sooner if we can.

    We aim to get several of our local artists featured in magazines, since Melkbos Ateljee is all about the people behind the art. Artists living and working in Melkbosstrand, Cape Town.

    Gillian and I go back a couple of years, but that story can wait. She knows my work, it seems all that a little act of kindness and a lot of patience has earned me an ally, now I have to honour her trust in me. It’s amazing what a difference it makes when you have a cheerleader, I’m very grateful. I have bills that are behind, but I understand that I’m not the only one in that boat. Even though I am charging artists a fee, I am giving everyone involved my best price. I know there is value in a good photograph.

    During the event you’ll visit artists in their own studios, or publicly accessible spaces along the walk & drive routes. Of course you’re free to explore the map at your own leasure on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September 2024.

    I ask each artist to do their own hair and make-up for a set of portraits, and to bring some aspects of their art to illustrate some of what they offer. I’m getting plenty of practise setting up my portable studio backdrop and lights to do a quick 15 minute session in different rooms at Blessings Coffee and Creative. This is where I will be exhibiting my pottery, water colour paintings and another project I’ll reveal closer to the time.

    Esmarie Du Plooy (Jeweller, Gold Smith)
    Mario Du Plooy (Knife Maker)
    Willem Breedt (Poet & Artist)

    My Own Bonus Project: Self Portrait

    While I had my portable studio set up last Sunday, I decided to spruce up and take some irreverent portraits of my own. As you can see I haven’t gone the full nine yards with the make-up, keeping it close to “nude” a la Bobby Brown (I did her MasterClass during the Covid19 Lockdown) – it pays to experiment on personal projects.

    Dirk Jonker, Angel
    Dirk Jonker, The Other One
    Dirk Jonker, Sky Captain

    Dirk Jonker is your friendly, Real Happy Pictures photographer. He believes in kindness and equality and works well with animals, children and the elderly. He is patient, kind and generous with his time and attention.

    “I’m a visual thinker and I enjoy making images. I draw, paint and make prints, among other things. My other interests include acting, music and fitness. You can find me here on social media:

  • Fine Art Photography Tips

    You’ve created a painting, print or drawing and you’d like to photograph it for your portfolio, before you send it to your eager client, or to the gallery owner for approval before you pack it up, but did you consider making prints of you work and selling those on ETSY?

    5 Considerations That Complicate the Process of Photographing Fine Art for Reproduction

    Photographing art for reproduction is a complex task that requires careful consideration to ensure accurate and high-quality results. Various factors can complicate this process, and understanding them is crucial for photographers and artists alike. Here are five considerations that add complexity to reproducing art through photography:

    1. Lighting: Capturing art in a way that accurately represents its colours, textures, and details requires controlled lighting conditions. Proper lighting setups, avoiding reflections, and minimizing shadows are vital for faithful reproduction.

      How I deal with this: I have constructed special lighting equipment that allows me to eliminate most highlights. This setup is also ideal for photographing high-end watches, where you’re dealing with transparent and reflective surfaces stacked together that interact with light in the scene. The lights have to be arranged to illuminate any direct reflections and I then do a number of exposures. Later, I overlay these in photo processing software so I can show or hide different aspects of the surfaces I photograph.
    2. Colour Accuracy: Any artist will tell you: colour is complicated. It’s not just because we perceive colour through eyes that are constantly changing to make the best of current conditions, but also the different technology we use to capture and display images react differently to light than the original media. Translating the precise colours of an artwork into a digital photograph is challenging and in some cases, the best we can hope for is an acceptable approximation.

      I have found: It’s best to think of a photograph of your artwork as a separate entity. It will be displayed differently if it is shown on an illuminated display. Different adjustments need to be made to translate the digital RGB image into CMYK colour for printing and even the choice of media can affect how we read the colours and details in an image.

      There are several things I do to ensure that my photo is an acceptable approximation of the experience of your art. The most important is photographing in RAW and getting a good white balance (though even that is a moving target sometimes).

      I will sit with you to do fine adjustments to balance colour, contrast and other factors, and I’ll maintain a digital copy for future adjustments.
    3. Texture and Dimensionality: Reproducing the physicality and texture of art, such as brushstrokes or surface irregularities, is demanding. Capturing fine details while preserving these features of the art requires judgement and control. It’s a delicate balance.

      Whenever I photograph art, I invite the artist to collaborate. I feel it’s best to discuss the fact that this is a derivative work in another medium, not an exact copy, and since you’re the artist, your judgement has to be my guiding principle.
    4. Composition and Framing: Deciding on the ideal composition and framing to capture the essence of the artwork requires artistic judgment. Proper alignment, symmetry, and perspective are crucial in creating an accurate representation.

      While certain lenses will introduce distortions, or different results at different distances to a piece, I use my best judgement in compensating and eliminating unwanted perspective, especially in photographing flat paintings.
    5. Reflections and Glare: The presence of glass or glossy surfaces in art, such as frames or varnish, can introduce unwanted reflections and glare. At times, different parts of a piece can have variations in glossy or matt surfaces, I always discuss the artist’s intent when planning to capture photographs of a piece. Skilful lighting and careful positioning are necessary to make the most of this aspect of art.

    In conclusion, photographing art for reproduction is a complex process that demands attention to detail involving lighting, colour accuracy, texture, composition, and reflections. By understanding and addressing these considerations, I create faithful reproductions that capture the true essence and beauty of the original artwork.

    As a professional photographer with some years of experience, I know the strengths and limitations of my process, and I’m always looking to improve. Your feedback helps me realise your vision and improve my offering.

    Dirk Jonker is your friendly, Real Happy Pictures photographer. He believes in kindness and equality and works well with animals, children and the elderly. He is patient, kind and generous with his time and attention.

    “I’m a visual thinker and I enjoy making images. I draw, paint and make prints, among other things. My other interests include acting, music and fitness. You can find me here on social media:

  • Melkbos Ateljee – Artist Profile Photos

    Artist registered with Melkbos Ateljee can get their profile photo for only R175 (that’s half price!)

    I’m doing this to highlight the fact that I now have the ability to photograph fine art with a high level of accuracy, even if the work is glazed or varnished. Have your first batch of up to five paintings/prints photographed at only R150 per image!

    This is an introductory offer and is open to any artist registered at Melkbos Ateljee who hasn’t been to Real Happy Pictures. Obviously, I can’t keep working at those prices, but let’s chat about reasonable rates for photos that will allow you to sell prints online and build up a catalogue or portfolio of your art in a digital format.

    Whatsapp Chat with me and Book A Photoshoot

    Whatsapp Dirk

  • Portraits for Movie or TV Extras

    Cliff Notes: Let your agency take your pictures at their offices for free or for a small fee. They send them off in batches, they might as well make them in batches.

    When I started out in on-camera performance, it was as an Extra and I got no respect. I was a student, and I was studying design and I needed a part-time job. This wasn’t a great solution. I was also really shy, so being in the background in movies and TV series while other people acted closer to the camera suited me well.

    I don’t regret being an extra. I learned a lot about filming and who’s who and what they do. It helped with my self-confidence and I earned a little money.

    I do regret not having the courage to get out of being an extra sooner. If you’re hoping to be an actor, this is not the way in. Either way, you will have to study the craft of acting if you hope to achieve anything.

    Yes, I know what I’m talking about from personal experience.

    If people get to know you as an extra, changing that perception of you is going to be difficult. In South Africa, film and TV production is a small and highly visual industry and the people who work in it and can offer you opportunities will get to know you for what you do.

    By all means, start here, but when you get the itch, reinvent yourself and find a professional agent who will represent you as an actor. Get a drama coach, take classes and do workshops, join Toastmasters, get on stage in community theatre and develop those acting muscles. When you do, professional photos and well prepared monologues are going to open doors for you. Remember who told you.

    Dirk Jonker from Real Happy Pictures.

    General Advice (how you know you can trust me)

    As an Extra or Background Artist you don’t get paid a living wage, so it doesn’t make sense to spend that money on professional photos. Rather spend it on food, rent and transport. Lots of extras spend what they earn on petrol and smokes. Try not to start smoking. Rather have some of that free tea and coffee from the craft table.

    (Note to my fellow actors: if you ever struggle to find Craft Services, find and follow an Extra. They’ll know where it is. Don’t speak to the Extra unless you want to be in the business of kingmaking. The first thing he’ll do is tell his friends how nice you were, like a name-dropper at a cocktail party. It’s what I would have done.)

    The simple fact is, as an Extra, or Background Artist, your only responsibilities are:

    • show up on time
    • be presentable
    • stay with the others
    • sign in when they come to you and only on the official sign-in sheet
    • Go to hair and make-up
    • during shooting, pretend not to be making a movie
    • don’t look at the camera
    • don’t mess up the shot
    • sign in
    • don’t complain
    • stay with the others
    • don’t even look in the camera’s direction
    • don’t sign any other piece of paper on set unless you’ve cleared it with your agent first
    • be quiet!
    • do what the AD (Assistant Director) or 2AD tells you to do. Time it according to the main actors’ actions.
    • don’t look at the main actors
    • if anything sucks or seems dangerous, phone your agent. They will call the right person and get it sorted out. That’s what they are there for, as far as you’re concerned.
    • At wrap time, give everything back and collect all your stuff
    • remember to sign out before you leave

    Long list, short money.

    Spend the time while you’re waiting around by making friends, and whatever you do, don’t start checking the time while you’re on set. If one of the extras tells you you should join his agency, don’t. If he tells you he is making a movie, smile and nod, but don’t go and be in it. I didn’t, but I know someone who did.

    Mostly, stay with the others and don’t talk to anyone who isn’t an Extra, only say yes to the AD’s unless they ask you to sign something, then phone your agent.

    Basically, if making a movie or an ad was a school play, you’re the rock or the tree. Maybe the turtle. But definitely not something that speaks or attracts attention. You are there to hide the ugly background and make it look like there is a world that the actors are moving through.

    Some of those actors aren’t even actors, they are stunt doubles. Try not to stand too close and definitely DON’T VOLUNTEER TO DO A STUNT. And don’t touch anything or offer to carry anything for a crew member. Nobody’s insured for that.

    Portrait Advice

    Extras only need headshots and they don’t have to be particularly good, so your agency can take them. They only show type and build. You will spend most of your time off-camera or out of focus, so don’t stress about it.

    If a random photographer approaches you, don’t fall for the “I can take your pictures and make you famous” scam. That’s not how it works. If you do, try not to talk about it except to the authorities.

    If you want to take your own photos:

    • use a blank wall as a background (no nails, cracks or scratches)
    • make sure the lighting is GOOD – if it feels too bright it’s probably right
    • check that you’re not casting a nasty shadow
    • Get someone else to take the picture or use the timer and a tripod. Your arms aren’t long enough to do it yourself.
    • adopt a neutral pose, relaxed but alert and upright
    • smile gently and drop your chin very slightly. Most of us have a tendency to lift our chins.
    • don’t get cute
    • look directly into the camera lens while taking your headshots and full-length photos.

    You’re welcome. This is free advice brought to you by https://realhappypictures.com

  • Fine Art Photography

    It is my pleasure to collaborate with artists to create images that accurately translate their own work into other media.

    I’ve developed a method for photographing oil paintings so I can control the glare from varnished, painted surfaces. It involves taking multiple images under controlled lighting conditions, then stacking them to produce an accurate rendering of the original painting for reproduction.

    My process works even for work that has been framed and glazed. I ensure that the texture of the painting, canvas, brush strokes and embossing are also shown to the best advantage.

    My process allows me to make detailed reproductions of paintings on canvas up to A2, or slightly beyond, depending on the media. Download an A4 sample here.

    I have used the same process to capture etchings behind glass, pencil drawings and water colour paintings to reproduce the subtle textures, impressions and to remove reflections and glare.

    Price

    I can photograph your art at R250 per image, plus a R350 set-up fee per session. It makes sense to have several artworks photographed at the same time.

    Fine Art Photography Sample A4
    Fine Art Photography Sample, printable, A4

    A note on colour fidelity, brightness and contrast:

    While I ensure good colour fidelity on my digital display, please note that your perception of colour changes as your eyes adapt to different levels of light in your environment.

    While your artwork isn’t internally illuminated, a digital display is and any device might have its own colour profile that will affect your perception too.

    Please ensure that the person printing your work has access to the original painting, since they will need to make fine adjustments to the colour curves – every digital printer renders the colours differently, and the Red/Green/Blue channels of a digital display has to be translated to be printed in the yellow/cyan/magenta/black inks used in high percision digital printing. Every display and printer has it’s own colour gamut that will effect how dark the darks are, how bright the whites, and the colour cast on every other colour.

    Every image is different, as is the colour gamut of every process. I will sit with you to make final adjustments if you feel I missed the mark.

    Whatsapp Chat with me and Book A Photoshoot

    Whatsapp Dirk