An intimate photo session (or more usually known as a boudoir photo session), is an opportunity for many women to show (and revel) in their sensual side, and share something  intimate with their lovers or husbands .. or just for themselves.  Many soon-to-be brides do boudoir sessions as a special (and surprise) gift for their husbands-to-be in the form of a beautiful book of photographs. 

With this in mind, I have recently launched a new website to show my boudoir photography,
the beat my heart skipped.

The photographs here are of Priscilla, who graciously allowed me to post a few of her images.

Dana & Chris’ wedding - Knoll Country Club, NJ

Dana’s excitement on her wedding day was visible from the start - and that always translates into it being a great time photographing it all.  Chris was also obviously enjoying the day and being with friends and family.  The shyness that I saw during the engagement session was gone as he also got into the photo session with him and Dana.   The rain from earlier the week had held off and it was just a gorgeous day all-round.

From earlier in the day during her preparation, Dana fitting her earrings ..

.. shoes ..

Oh, the shoes!

.
A final glance as Dana and her dad walk down the aisle ..

.
This beautiful moment makes it one of my favourite images of the day ..

The photo above of Dana and her bridesmaids, was taken by Monika Broz who worked with me on this wedding.

Dana’s irresistable expression while watching Chris and his mom during their dance ..

Dana and Chris, congratulations on your wedding day. 
It was a treat to be your wedding photographer!

NYC photo shoot - Linda & Gary 06-14 from Neil van Niekerk on Vimeo.
[ if the video is choppy, let the clip buffer completely first, or turn off HD ]

Linda and Gary’s wedding is coming up later this year. I met up with them this weekend in Manhattan. Here is a glimpse of their engagement photo session as we roamed the Meat-packing District and Times Square for some vibrant portraits.

Levitating .. or walking on air?  Who knows?  Shannon and Peter, I do know that I had a lot of fun photographing  the two of you during this photo session.   We’ll have to make this happen again on your wedding day!

I recently had the pleasure of 2nd-shooting a wedding in Manhattan with Monika Broz, a super-talented photographer friend of mine.  With oodles of personality, Jane and Graham were a couple that was supremely easy to photograph.  And here you can see, while walking from the church to the reception venue, it needed no prompting with this dynamic bridal party to make the photography exciting.

.
Waiting at a busy Manhattan intersection ..

.
From earlier in the day with Graham’s preparation, where Graham and his groomsmen resorted to YouTube clips to figure out how to tie a bow-tie.

Opinions were diverse on whether that endeavour was entirely successful .. 

.
Jane and her dad entering St George’s Church ..

 .. and leaving with Graham by her side.

 And finally, at the reception:  Jane listening to the toast by her maid of honour ..

 Jane & Graham - congrats!  Monika, thank you .. it is always a treat to work with you.

Kristen & Theo’s wedding at The Imperia in Somerset, NJ

Sometimes it is simpler for me to not even try and describe just how much fun a wedding was, but to just show the photographs .. and let the images show the energy and personality of the bride and groom, and everyone else involved.

Here is the bridal party ..

.
From earlier in the day, during Kristen’s preparation - getting a boot in to help tighten the lace-up wedding dress ..

.
Yes, Kristen actually made a flying leap into Theo’s arms!

.
The outdoor ceremony …

… and the reception.

Kristen and Theo, I really had a great time at your wedding.  Thank you!

On Tuesday, a group of about 50 photographers, (along with 5 models), converged on the Meat-Packing District in New York for another photo-shoot-out that Rob Nicholson arranged.  I helped rotating groups of photographers, showing some lighting essentials with flash. 

An exotic model in a bridal dress;  some great light and some Photoshop fairy dust … and here are two images I really like.

Angela and Mike, thanks! It was nice to just roam around with the two of you for your photo session.  See you soon again at your wedding!

I met up with Colette and Chris in the early evening at the Hoboken waterfront.  With beautiful light and real chemistry between the two of them, the photos just had to look great.  Colette & Chris, it was great to work with the two of you, and I look forward to your wedding.

Ashley and Fred is another couple who I hadn’t met in person until their engagement photo session - which is why the engagement sessions are ideal to get to know the couple before the wedding day.  Ashley and Fred, with all your personality and energy, I know it will be fun to photograph your wedding.  I look forward to it.