Family, Event, Maternity & Newborn Photographer Across Johannesburg & Pretoria
Family Event Photographer in Johannesburg
Hi, I'm Camilla. A mama of two and a wife to one, lol.
Over the past 16 years, I have photographed hundreds of family events, birthday parties, baptisms, Bar Mitzvahs, baby showers and more, and I have noticed something. These events aren't just about celebrating a milestone for your family. They're a reunion with family you haven't seen in five years, a moment to celebrate your partner's amazing ability to braai, or their way of calming the situation down during the chaos of getting everything ready.
They bring to light the love between your kiddos, and they make you look back on those midnight newborn feeds, wondering how you'll ever make it through.
These events are not about one day. They are about years of love, joy, happiness and, above all, your family.
For all events, I take a "fly on the wall" approach. The candid moments are my focus. Yes, I do capture gently guided, posed family photographs because you need that Christmas card shot, but it's the chilled little giggles, the jumping castle shenanigans and the chair-being-raised-in-the-air moments that I love to document.
You and your family being you.
These events are once in a lifetime. They cannot be lived again, so I take them as seriously as you do. The cake you made, the outfits you chose, every element of this special day is important, and I love being there to capture it all for you.
Your event, your way
Okay, so you have a big milestone coming up... Baby is turning one, or Granny is turning 80. You're a few months away from saying "I do," or you're about to welcome your first baby into the world.
You start planning the big day. You need a venue, a cake, a save the date, a guest list and so much more, but you also want to put your phone away and be present, taking in every moment of your special day.
That's where I come in.
I give you that opportunity, to witness your special moments firsthand, rather than watching them through your phone.
So, here are a few of my suggestions to help make your day run as smoothly as possible.
When Do I Arrive?
This can be a tricky one. For a birthday party, the main event might be blowing out the candles. For a baby shower, it could be opening presents and playing games.
We'll chat beforehand to decide on the best time for me to arrive. Normally, I recommend arriving 15 to 30 minutes before your guests are due. This gives us time for family photographs, photos of all the beautiful décor and maybe a couple of sneaky photographs of the guest of honour alone. I also help guide the day, when to do the cake, when it's the right time for family photos and more. I read the room and everyone's vibe rather than forcing things to happen at a specific time.
I also have a fab blog showcasing my favourites johannesburg birthday party venue that your can check out >> HERE << and I am also full of recommendation for vendors for the perfect cake or ballon arch :)
How Do I Get Those Candid Moments?
Again, I take a "fly on the wall" approach. I don't interfere in special moments. I stay on the outside of the crowd while occasionally trying to get into the jumping castle, lol.
I do cruise around and capture group photographs, although this isn't my main focus. I photograph the candid moments from afar and let things happen naturally. I do, however, gently guide when a little guidance is needed.
How Do We Handle Family Photos?
I usually recommend doing your family photographs before your guests arrive, but this all depends on you, your family and how you would like the event to run.
If your little one is sleeping or simply not feeling up to it, we put it on the back burner and come back to it later. We'd much rather have a happy baby later in the day than a crying baby in all your family photographs.
How Do My Packages Work?
We live in a world where instant gratification is important to us, so to save you time and for full transparency, I list my packages directly on my website. It's something a lot of photographers don't do, but I want you to know what to expect from the start.
If you'd like to have a look at my packages, you can click >>HERE<<
And if you have any questions, you're always welcome to pop me a WhatsApp or even give me a shout.
What events do I photograph?
Birthday Parties
From first birthdays and jumping castles to big milestone celebrations like a 21st or 60th, birthday parties are one of my faves!
From blowing out the candles, which I take very seriously, by the way... I even carry extra candles in my camera bag, just in case, to the family photographs and all the little details you've added to make your little one's day special, I love capturing it all.
Over the years, I have photographed birthday parties all across Johannesburg, and no two are ever the same. From beautiful first birthday celebrations and wild toddler parties to 21sts, 40ths, 60ths and everything in between, each one has its own story to tell.
Most importantly, I want you to be able to put your phone away. Be in the photographs. Sing Happy Birthday. Help blow out the candles. Eat the cake. Enjoy your people. I'll take care of capturing the memories for you.
I specialise in birthday party photography, and with over a decade of photographing them behind me, I've got you covered!
Baptisms & Christenings
From the ceremony itself to the family photographs and the celebration afterwards, I love capturing every part of a baptism.
I love the traditions that take place, the lighting of the candles, the readings and making that commitment to God that you'll raise your little one in His ways and knowing Him. These moments are just too special to be missed.
I have photographed baptisms and christenings at churches across Johannesburg, each with its own traditions and special moments. I take a quiet, respectful approach during the ceremony, capturing everything as it happens without becoming a distraction from what the day is really about.
After the ceremony, we'll make time for family photographs with parents, siblings, grandparents and godparents before moving on to the celebration afterwards. Just like with all my family event photography, I'll gently guide when needed, but my focus is always on documenting your family naturally.
A baptism is one of those days that brings generations of a family together, sometimes all in one place for the first time in years. My job is to make sure you can be completely present for it while I capture the traditions, the people and all the little moments that made the day yours.
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And All the Celebrations in Between
While birthday parties and baptisms are a big part of what I photograph, they are definitely not the only family events I love being a part of.
From baby showers and bridal showers to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, anniversaries, milestone celebrations, family reunions and intimate celebrations at home, I photograph family events across Johannesburg and Gauteng.
Whatever you're celebrating, my approach stays the same. I'm there to capture the people you love, the little details you've spent months planning and all those candid moments happening in between. The hugs, the happy tears, the speeches, the dancing, the traditions and the moments you might not even notice happening on the day.
Every family event is different, and that's exactly what I love about them. So, if you're planning something special and you're wondering whether I photograph it, just give me a shout. Chances are, I'd absolutely love to be there.
What customers had to say about
Finding Light Photography
There are moments in life that feel too sacred to put into words—and somehow, you captured ours perfectly.
Our baby’s christening was filled with so much love, tenderness, and quiet meaning, and every single photo reflects that in the most breathtaking way. Looking through them brings tears to my eyes… you didn’t just take pictures, you preserved emotions, fleeting glances, tiny details, and memories we will hold onto for the rest of our lives.
Your gentle presence made everyone feel so at ease, and it shows in every natural, heartfelt shot. You have an extraordinary gift—not just as a photographer, but as someone who truly sees and understands the depth of a moment.
Thank you for giving us something so profoundly beautiful and timeless. These photos are more than images… they are a piece of our family’s story, captured forever. We will cherish them always.
Let's Plan Your event Together
Whether you're celebrating your little one's first birthday, a special baptism, a milestone birthday or simply getting all your favourite people together in one place, I'd love to be there to capture it for you.
My goal isn't just to give you beautiful photographs. It's to give you the chance to put your phone away, be present and genuinely enjoy the celebration you've spent so much time planning, knowing that I'm there capturing all the moments happening around you.
If you think Finding Light Photography might be the right fit for your event, I'd love to hear from you. Tell me a little about what you're celebrating, your family, your plans for the day, or even if you have no idea where to start, that's what I'm here for. No question is too small, and I'm always happy to chat.
I can't wait to celebrate with you and your family.
Camilla xx
