Learn to see.
Learn to photograph.
A small academy that teaches the slow craft of photography — courses, workshops, and mentorship across Durban, the Drakensberg, and the wild coast.
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Introduction
KZN Photo Academy · Est. 2009 · KwaZulu-Natal · 7,500+ photographers trained
Photography & video tuition, made personal.
KZN Photo Academy is KwaZulu-Natal's independent photography academy. Senior tutor Mark D Young teaches one-on-one — hobbyists, commercial professionals and certificate students alike.
Four reasons we've lasted fifteen years.
One-on-one, not a batch classroom
One-on-one tuition at fair prices. No batch classrooms, no hidden fees.
Current cameras, current techniques
We teach what you want to know, with current cameras and techniques.
Mentoring after graduation
Questions don't stop when the course does. Ongoing help after graduation.
Your lifestyle, our hours
Contact classes across KZN or web-based anywhere. Your lifestyle, our hours.
Short courses. Real prices.
Basic Photography & “How My Camera Works”
Photographic principles and camera explanation with practical shooting. Optional videography / video-editing add-on for R450.
Better Digital SLR Photography
Principles, digital techniques, metering, colour, composition, lenses, flash, manual mode and RAW / JPEG, with three practical assignments. Optional video module for R450.
Photographic Weekend Workshop
In-depth principles, digital colour, advanced metering, composition and wildlife principles, with a practical wildlife shoot and evaluation.
Portrait Photography
Approach, etiquette and technique for portrait work, including a practical session.
Wedding & Social Photography
Photo / video basics, approach, etiquette, customs, planning, professionalism and marketing — with practical mentoring at your first booked wedding.
Certificate in Photography
A comprehensive programme: all course material in theory and practice, plus business skills, studio management and web-page setup. Specialisation modules available in advertising, food, products, vehicles, aerial / drone, fashion, sport, landscape, wedding, function, corporate, packshot, theatrical and videography / filmmaking.
Forty-plus years behind the lens.
Mark D Young has been involved with photography in Southern Africa since his first professional assignment in 1978 — as a photo-journalist and commercial photographer across African countries, Europe, North America and the Far East.
He was involved in the early development and field testing of digital imaging equipment in South Africa from 1995, and was called upon by the Department of Environmental Affairs to train the 1987 and 1988 SANAE and Marion Island teams in the basics of photography and handling cameras in cold, wet environments.
Mark is the senior tutor and course director at KZN Photo Academy.
Alumni voice
I came in knowing nothing about light and left running my own studio. Worth every cent.
Wim van Rooyen, Commercial product