What a gift it is to see ourselves in relationship with the people we love…
The artist in me strives to create something unique and exciting every time I pick up my camera. The parent in me seeks to capture and document the most meaningful and fleeting moments that occur during everyday life. My style represents an attempt to balance these two important aspects of photography.
For my most recent work, visit Instagram @derrynschmidt
I’m back from a whirlwind 3 weeks.
School finished, husband went over seas for work, child broke arm, stopped for X-rays and cast on way to Berg with in-laws, husband met us there, wonderful time, drove home and packed new bags, next day said a teary goodbye to kids and left for UK. Shot a wedding in Oxford, then spent 4 nights with husband in Edinburgh, returned to London for birthday with twin sister, partied and flew home following day. Happy reunion with kids, school started the next day - ballet, swimming, contemporary. Everyone emotional and in tears by bed time!
BUT - soooo many wonderful WONDERFUL moments among the chaos. My heart is so incredibly full and I’m so grateful to my family who kept my kids happy and safe while I was gone, to my sister who hosted us in the UK, to the couple who hired me for the wedding, to my husband for a wonderful holiday.
I’ve got loooots of catching up to do - but I’m on it. 💪🏽
More from me soon ✌🏼
Proof that I am still here shooting weddings. 🙈🙈🙈 It’s been such a busy season so I haven’t been sharing online much - but here are some photos from the wedding of the magnificent Sini and Ian. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your day. I can’t wait to share more photos with you.
@ohhappydaysouthafrica @the_frames_collection @sini_ngobese
I had a BLAST photographing my Mother’s Day pop up shoots. Here are my faves from just one family - my friends Luca & Jodie. It’s amazing what you can achieve in 20 minutes. I’m thinking more and more that this is the way to go. It’s calm, controlled, not weather dependant. In fact - I might just consider doing another one in June in time for Father’s Day. Keen?
Mother’s Day mini session: 18 April 2026
My aim is to hold a mirror up to your exceptional life so that you can see just how exquisite you and your family are.
These sessions are 15 minutes long, and you get 10 high res professionally edited images. Photos are delivered in color and black and white so that you can download your preference.
12 spots available 🥳
Photos will be delivered BEFORE Mother’s day so that you can arrange prints.
Purchase this for yourself, or surprise Mom with an advanced Mother’s day gift. DAD’S MAY JOIN. Extended family members may be added at an additional cost.
If your family has specific needs, it might be helpful to know...
✔️ The Studio is at a home in Palm Lakes Estate, so it’s private, quiet and has access to a toilet
✔️ Secure parking, wheelchair access
✔️ No flash photography
✔️ Extra time added for families with specific needs (please let me know)
PALM LAKES ESTATE
www.derrynschmidt.com | @derrynschmidt | 082 563 2282
R850
It’s very late notice but I’ve decided to do another pop up studio for Mother’s Day - 18 and 19 April.
If you’re keen, pls DM me with your email address.
I’m not a fussy photographer - I’m really not. If we’ve worked together, you’ll know that I’m very much a “let’s figure this out together… the process matters just as much as the result” kind of person.
But when you’re working with dancers this talented, it’s impossible to settle for average. The artistic swimming coach in me definitely showed up - I heard myself saying, “one more… just one more. Okay, last one. I know you can get that knee straighter, that leg longer, those toes more pointed.” 😂
Honestly, this was the least “work” shoot I’ve ever done. Pure enjoyment from start to finish!
Thank you for the opportunity @performing.arts.centre. Your modern, ballet and tumbling students were all sensational!!
Tarryn and I have known each other since we were 3 years old, and were in school together the whole way through. It’s wild that here we are all these years later celebrating her pregnancy.
It’s not been a straight road for this friend of mine, so it felt like a huge honor to celebrate her journey through this portrait session. She deserves all the brownie points, high fives, hand shakes and pats on the back.
Your world is about to change T 🧡🧡🧡
This little girl has been chosen for you - a Mom who waited and worked so hard to share her heart with her child.
#durbanphotographer #kznphotography #southafricanphotographer #portraitphotography #creativefamilyphotography #ballito #ballitophotographer #studiophotography #studioportrait #studioballito #ballitostudio #ballitoportraits
With my first date fully booked and so many on the waitlist, I’ve added a new date for mini shoots with 11 available slots.
Those on the waitlist have been sent the booking link first, but I’ll be opening to the public tonight.
⭐️ Pop up studio, mini sessions - R850
⭐️ 20 minutes, 10 high res digital images
⭐ Venue @lincchurch
⭐️ Accommodations available for families with specific needs.
⭐️ Shoot date 18 December and photos delivered by 22nd.
This is not a Christmas themed shoot, so there won’t be props. Just a solid background so that the focus is on the connection between family members.
You’ll have the opportunity to preview your photos and choose your best 10, or purchase the whole gallery.
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE.
