Capturing the essence of wine – on camera

Born and raised in Stellenbosch, Riehan Bakkes completed a BCom at Stellenbosch University in 2004, and later earned a master’s degree in transport economics and logistics management.

As a student, he developed a strong interest in photography, shaped by his passion for the outdoors.

While working as a sales and marketing executive at Touchline Media, he was introduced to photography as a profession, which led him to pursue his hobby full time. Surrounded by the picturesque Cape Winelands, it was only natural that he became a photographer in the wine business.

Creative vision

Bakkes Images officially launched in 2008. Starting a business is never easy and it takes time to build a reputation. In the beginning, Riehan found it challenging to persuade wine farmers that it’s important to use a professional for their brand photography. Fortunately, his wife, Kirsten, is a tomato farmer, which provided a useful ice breaker to connect with wine farmers.

The perception has also shifted over time and there’s now a greater appreciation for creativity in the wine industry, Riehan says. He now primarily works with the cellar marketing managers rather than directly with the farmers.

Riehan’s first wine client was Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards. It was an excellent way to kick-start his business as it is renowned for having the highest vineyard in Stellenbosch. Initially he focused on the landscape, but his portfolio soon expanded to include product, lifestyle, architecture and food photography. “That’s the magic of the wine industry,” he says. “You’re never stuck with just one subject.” Videography has also now become part of his toolkit.

He describes his photographic style as intentionally drawing attention to light for dramatic effect. “I want my pictures to evoke emotion,” he says. “They need to move you.” One of his proudest moments was when his photo of Rosa Kruger graced the cover of Wine Spectator. The exposure propelled him onto the international stage.

To get the lighting just right, he usually schedules shoots for before sunrise or in the late afternoon. It sometimes means long hours of waiting around, but he says it’s worth it.

Brand-building through imagery

Riehan sees himself as a visual storyteller who shows the viewer what’s beyond the gates of the wine farm or estate. “The storytelling part has become central to what I do,” he says. His aim is simple yet powerful: to stir emotion, inspire people to visit the farm or estate and ultimately take a bottle home.

Haute Cabrière’s #LiveBeautifully campaign, where visitors to the estate are captured enjoying wine, food and luxury cars, is a perfect example of his storytelling. His images and videos highlight the luxurious lifestyle linked to Haute Cabrière. The focus is not only on the wine but on the full experience, rich in scenery and atmosphere. “People see the picture before they read the text,” he says. “That’s why capturing the brand’s essence matters.”

There’s much more to wine photography than just clicking a button, Riehan says. “There’s the planning, understanding the brand, timing the light and waiting for that moment when everything aligns.” That’s when the story comes alive.

With so many wine brands on the market, Riehan says his job is to communicate each one’s message. He often adds personal elements related to the wine brand into his imagery, such as incorporating Lothian Vineyard’s shotguns and fly-fishing rods. His photography shapes perception and helps the brand find its place in the market.

Riehan wants to expand his horizons beyond South Africa and has his sights set on the Napa Valley, California, and other wine regions of the world. He also wants to further explore videography, combining motion, sound and story to draw people into the wine experience.

To explore more articles in our November issue, Movers & Shakers, purchase our digital or print magazine here.