ABOUT ME

Studio photograph of Donovan Marais, Johannesburg-based photographer and producer and owner of DM Photography.

I’m Donovan Marais — a Johannesburg-based producer and photographer with over 16 years of experience shaping powerful visual stories across Southern Africa. My creative journey began with a National Diploma in Photography and years of apprenticing under some of South Africa’s most respected photographers. That foundation, paired with hands-on experience in Cape Town’s international film industry, has shaped a career rooted in both creative depth and professional discipline.

My work spans automotive, portraiture, and still life photography — with a commercial sensibility and a strong creative twist. Whether I’m shooting food, people, or machines, lighting is my signature. It’s the craft I’ve mastered and the tool I use to bring clarity, drama, and emotion to every frame. My producing expertise allows me to bridge logistics and creativity seamlessly, helping brands translate their vision into refined visual content.

Clients know me for my calm presence on set, my technical knowledge, and my respect for process — always on time, always on brief, always collaborative. I value professionalism, integrity, and the humility to place the client’s vision above my own ego. People are the heart of what I do, and I find just as much joy behind the lens as I do working with the teams that bring each project to life.

When I’m not working, I’m likely outdoors exploring South Africa, on a golf course, or out jogging. I believe living in Johannesburg offers a unique balance of opportunity and community — and many of my clients have become long-term collaborators and friends.