A Corporate Photographer's Creative Journey: 

Capturing Iminathi's Matric Dance


As a corporate photographer based in Cape Town, I normally focus on boardrooms, executive portraits, and business events. However, last week I had the opportunity to step out of my routine and photograph a matric dance shoot . This allowed me to be more creative in my approach and also utilise my experience as a portrait photographer.


Adapting to Challenges: From Boardrooms to Ballrooms

The session for Iminathi took place at the tail end of the intense cold front that the Western Cape recently experienced. Although we didn't have rain on the afternoon of the shoot, we decided to play it safe and keep the shoot indoors at the Durbanville Square in Durbanville. Iminathi and her family had booked apartments for the day in Durbanville, and the building became our playground for the shoot.


The Photoshoot Journey: A Story in Images


Preparation and Transformation

Our session began with capturing Iminathi's preparations. As her makeup artist worked their magic to style Iminathi for her big day, I had the opportunity to document the transformation.

During the makeup application, I also had time to photograph her outfit - the dress, jewellery, and shoes. It takes a different perspective to arrange these items in a way that tells a story, a skill that translates well from my corporate work.

Close-up of Iminathi showcasing her makeup and hairstyle for her matric dance, captured by Cape Town photographer

Family Portraits: Capturing Connections

For the family portraits, we decided to use the staircase as our backdrop. There was also a couch in the stairwell that we incorporated into our compositions, adding an interesting element to these special family moments.

Iminathi standing with her family before her matric dance, captured by Cape Town event photographer Jurgen Banda-Hansman

Creative Freedom: Elevating the Ordinary


A shoot like this allowed me to take a more creative approach to both the photography and post-production of the images. Iminathi suggested a photo of her holding the elevator door open, which presented a fascinating challenge to quickly devise some creative lighting. I used a mobile studio light with a softbox as the main light and positioned a bare flash unit behind her to separate her from the background.

We then moved to the garage for some shots with a rented 4x4. This part of the shoot was particularly enjoyable as it allowed me to play with different compositions and lighting setups, pushing my creative boundaries.


Full-body portrait of Iminathi in her elegant matric dance dress, captured by Cape Town event photographer Jürgen
Iminathi and her partner posing in front of luxury vehicle captured by Cape Town Photographer Jürgen Banda-Hansmann

Reflections on Versatility: Bridging Corporate and Creative


While corporate photography remains my primary focus, shoots like Iminathi's matric dance allow me to apply my understanding of photography to a different context and bring new aspects into my corporate work:

Adaptability: Whether it's unexpected weather on a matric dance shoot or last-minute changes in a corporate event, thinking on your feet is crucial.

Attention to Detail: From capturing the perfect portrait to ensuring every strand of hair is in place, details are essential in both corporate and personal shoots.

People Skills: Making subjects comfortable in front of the camera is vital, whether they're CEOs or young adults.

Technical Proficiency: Understanding how to work with different lighting situations and environments is a transferable skill across all photography niches.

Storytelling: Every image, whether it's of a business milestone or a personal celebration, should tell a story.


Looking Forward: Bringing Creativity Back to the Boardroom

For my corporate clients, this experience means bringing a fresh perspective to their projects. The creativity employed in capturing the excitement of a matric dance can translate into more dynamic and engaging corporate imagery.

Client's Perspective: Iminathi's Experience


It's always rewarding to hear from satisfied clients. Here's what Iminathi had to say about her matric dance photoshoot experience:

Portrait of Iminathi, captured by Cape Town Photographer Jürgen Banda-Hansmann

"It was truly an amazing experience working with Jürgen and the pictures turned out even better than I expected."

— 
Iminathi

This feedback reinforces the importance of bringing a blend of professionalism and creativity to every shoot, regardless of the context.


The Universal Language of Photography


Whether it's capturing the professionalism of a corporate team or the excitement of a matric student embarking on a new chapter, the core of what we do as photographers remains the same - we tell stories through images.

If you're looking to elevate your company's visual branding or capture any significant moment, I'd be thrilled to bring this blend of professionalism and creativity to your project. Every shoot is an opportunity to create something unique, and I approach each one with the same level of dedication and innovative thinking.