I’m Derryn Schmidt and I’m here to share all my tips, stories, failures and successes.
I started this newsletter, The Purposeful Photographer, as a way to help inspire and motivate photographers to run their businesses with purpose and joy.
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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.
A fun beach family shoot to brighten up your feed this morning. 🧡 @kristi_nicole_smith
#durbanphotographer #kznphotography #southafricanphotographer #portraitphotography #creativefamilyphotography #ballito #ballitophotographer
