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jess holing

@bythislight

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by @starting.tosee
Light-led, authentic visual storytelling 🌾
— photo + video
— family, couples, weddings
— cape town | SA

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this is a quiet beginning —
but it’s been a long time coming.

if you’re new here: i’m jess.
i capture moments that hold memory and meaning.

ever since i can remember, i’ve had a camera in hand. whether it was attempting a documentary of my grandparents’ story in high school, sneaking unnoticed shots of my parents walking on the beach with my first tiny silver handheld camera in 2010, or making little videos of special trips as time went on, the viewfinder of my lens has always been latched onto people.

over the years, i’ve had incredible opportunities to capture special humans’ weddings, engagements, families, children and relationships through photography, film-making and writing, but i’ve never really created a space to share these.

this may be because “it’s just something i’ve always done”, making the line between career/passion, gift/service and overflow/business very blurred.

but — i’ve decided it’s time to allow myself to share some of this work. i think it’s time to be more clear that “yes, i actually do weddings, films, family shoots etc…” haha.

i’ve always believed that how we see matters —
and that storytelling isn’t just about capturing a moment,
but honouring the person in front of us.

so, long story short(ish), welcome to @bythislight — a space to gather the work i’ve been entrusted to witness. weddings, families, the blessing of children, quiet moments of love. and everything in between.

a platform to show what i do,
and more importantly, why i do it.

my style is simple, authentic and sentimental – keeping the main things the main things. people-focused, not picture-perfect.

i’m learning to see the world the way God intended.
Jesus has been teaching me to see His people in the same way that He does:
with compassion,
drawing them into a love that acknowledges your brokenness and covers you in acceptance all at once.

so, i’m here to tell your story – be it a love story, your family’s story, or the story of the people who’ve shaped you.

i believe we are all made to see others, to really really see them.
and there is a Light that makes this kind of seeing possible.
His name is Jesus.

and this is how i am starting to see –
by this Light. by @bythislight

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a year ago

a garden wedding of dreams. 🪴

@embeth.maarsingh en haar liefste promised forever surrounded by the people they love most and the garden she’d always dreamed of.

so many details and special moments about this day that still leave me feeling a warm glow as i edit! more to come soon ✨ by @bythislight

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17 days ago

the light this family carries shone through all of the mist grotto bay could throw at us.

only treated to a few rays of sunshine in the last few minutes of the shoot, the Myburghs are so full of laughter, fun and a deep love for one another that we hardly noticed!🌞 taken in Grotto Bay by @bythislight

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a month ago

a few favourite portraits from the most joyful time with the Gerbers 🌞 by @bythislight

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a month ago

BABY BOSHOFF!

under Pneil’s brightest pink mountains, these two celebrated the creation of new life and all the excitement that this new season brings.

absolutely nothing like watching one of your dearest become a mother 💛 by @bythislight

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3 months ago

absolutely miraculous 🐣

capturing the last few moments before finally putting a face to a name. watching love grow and expand into a little life, a little person, who is so loved before he’s done a single thing — what a joy.

@donnaholing you have navigated this new season of motherhood with childlike excitement, resilience and grace 🌾 by @bythislight

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4 months ago

slowly starting to share some of the love stories i’ve captured over the last few months… and these are the first few titbits of the most incredibly special day with @katherinegracejoubert, the most radiant and relaxed bride you’ll ever meet! by @bythislight

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4 months ago

things have been quiet around here — and they’ve needed to be.

life has required more time & presence (in real life!) and some special people very close to me are entering into very exciting seasons… this photo is proof!

that said, i’ve been so blessed to be able to capture some beautiful stories behind the scenes over the last while… weddings, families, couples, pregnancies. i can’t wait to slowly share some more of them 🌿 by @bythislight

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5 months ago

what an absolute feast with these two!

nothing more special than watching old friends & high school sweethearts step into such a new and exciting season together 🥰

cam & caits, you two are absolute gold 👑 by @bythislight

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8 months ago

alex & taegan 💍

what a full circle moment to photograph this special couple on their special day, after meeting taegs in high school in our synchro days! such joy from these two and their God-centred relationship 🌅 by @bythislight

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9 months ago

some landscape favourites from this special engagement session!

⛰️🌄🏔️🌿🍂🍃 by @bythislight

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10 months ago

gosh — the energy radiating from this family was TANGIBLE!

absolutely loved capturing the authenticity that the Gerbers exude, bringing their joy to African soil all the way from the Netherlands!

this felt more like a play date than a photoshoot! what a joy @joycegerberkite @kimgerber_ by @bythislight

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10 months ago