Our Story

We are an awesome team of professional photographers and videographers that love what we do. Although we are Cape Town based we look forward to any opportunity to travel. We understand that finding the right fit in terms of photography and videography for your event is not easy. Please feel free to ask questions. As our client, making you feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera is our number one priority, wile providing a professional service and producing a quality end product. Capturing your special moments and creating everlasting memories is important to us, because at the end of the day, happy clients are good for business.

Chat soon..

Bernadette & Team

Email: bernadette@ruthandco.co.za

Tel: 072 7888773

Meet the team

Bernadette Whittaker

Hi, I’m Bernadette – the heart behind Ruth & Co Photography & Film and BE Photography & Film. I’m a full-time photographer and filmmaker based in Durbanville, with over 20 years of experience in this beautiful, ever-evolving industry.

Photography isn’t just what I do – it’s who I am. I’m a creative free spirit with a deep love for the outdoors and a mind that’s constantly buzzing with fresh ideas. I adore people almost as much as I adore my camera, and I bring a joyful, bubbly energy to every shoot. I’m a “glass-half-full” kind of person who handles any situation with calm confidence and a smile.

I’m also a very happy wife, proud mom, and a passionate animal lover with three shelter dogs who bring endless joy and chaos to our home.

Over the years, I’ve had the honour of being widely published, winning multiple awards, and working with some of the biggest brands out there. Some of the weddings I’ve captured have even been broadcasted on television, which has been an incredible highlight in my career.

But what brings me the most joy? Capturing love stories, celebrating real moments, and creating timeless memories for couples on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

I truly believe God gifted me with this talent — not just to take beautiful photos, but to connect with people, tell their stories, and freeze their most precious memories in time.

Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. 

Rone Deetlefs

Hi, I’m Rone — a wedding photographer and videographer with a deep love for storytelling and a camera never too far from reach. I’ve always been drawn to creating visual magic — from studying photography to gaining hands-on experience, each step has shaped my foundation in authentic storytelling. A romantic at heart, capturing love stories through photo and film quickly became my calling — documenting weddings as unique as the people in them, and helping couples relive their day not just in memory, but in feeling.
I bring energy, heart, and creativity to every shoot — your professional third wheel, part of the magic, never in the way. If you’re looking for someone who not only captures your memories but helps create them with intention and heart, you’re in the right place.
Let’s create moments you’ll not only remember, but feel forever.

Andre Kok

Originally from Pretoria, I relocated to the beautiful Winelands during the COVID pandemic and quickly fell in love with the charm and natural beauty of the Western Cape. My journey into photography began with another lifelong passion of mine — aviation. I spent years attending airshows and visiting airports, capturing aircraft in action from every angle imaginable. That’s where my love for visual storytelling truly took flight.

From there, my interest naturally evolved into the wedding industry, where I discovered a deep passion for videography. I love the challenge and creativity that comes with capturing movement to tell a heartfelt story. There’s something incredibly special about documenting a couple’s most important day, and I feel honored every time I get to be part of it.

Jaundre Vorster

Hi, I’m Jaundré Vorster a passionate videographer and photographer with a love for working with people and telling their stories.
Since 2016, I’ve been exploring the world of photography and videography, specializing in a wide variety of projects including weddings, product shoots, couple sessions, and family portraits.

I enjoy diving into new adventures within the creative industry and constantly challenge myself to develop new techniques in both filming and editing. My preferred gear is my Canon camera, and I especially enjoy working with my 50mm lens.

I’m happily married to my wife, Chanelle, who is a wedding photographer. Together, we make a strong creative team, combining our passions and talents.

When I’m not behind the lens, you’ll probably find me playing guitar and singing,another way I get to express creativity.
I enjoy spending some of my free time fishing, I find it to be extremely relaxing.

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Chanelle Vorster

Hi, I’m Chanelle Vorster , a passionate and creative wedding photographer with a heart for love stories.
Since 2017, I’ve been capturing weddings in a light and airy romantic style, creating images filled with emotion.

I’m also happily married, and my husband is both a photographer and a videographer — together, we make a wonderful creative team who truly understand the importance of preserving memories, and the responsibility that goes along with it.

My go-to gear is my Canon camera, and my favorite lens of all is my 50mm Canon lens, which allows me to capture those intimate, story-filled moments and my absolute favorite – the detail shots!

Beyond photography, I love portrait art. I studied fashion illustration design with the dream of one day creating my own line of wedding dresses (Bridal Line) . I’m also an artist specializing in watercolor, pencil drawings and acrylic painting, with a passion for hyperrealism and classical realism.

Above all, All glory belongs to God. As His daughter, I will forever be grateful for the talents He has given me and for the opportunity to use them to serve others. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

Dante Vercueil

Hi, I’m Danté! Resident social media manager here at Ruth & Co.

Those cute BTS reels and captions you see all over our socials – that’s me. I’m the queen of quirk and a metric menace!

I have a passion for making memories, love filming & editing, and going for long walks on the beach. God is the centre of my life and I live for His glory – my gifts are nothing without Him!

Life motto: “For I have the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Tiara Claassens

Hi, I’m Tiara!
I’ve been in love with photography since I was 14—back when my mom’s camera was passed to me, I studied online, and dragged my friends and family into creative shoots. It started as a creative outlet, but quickly grew into something much deeper: a way to tell real stories, capture emotion, and freeze moments that would otherwise slip by unnoticed.

These days, I second-shoot weddings (which basically means I get to run around catching all the candid magic while the bride doesn’t even know I’m there—ninja mode: activated). I also specialize in portraits, because I love connecting with people and showing them how beautiful they truly are—no awkward poses, no forced smiles, just the raw, authentic beautiful self .

Gear-wise, I’m all about the portrait lens and my camera (also known as my “baby”) and atleast 4 batteries- fully charged.

Outside of photography, I’m a full-time creative. I find joy in making something from nothing, whether that’s through art, design, or starting a random hobby at 1am.

Behind the scenes