Alumni
Photographers we’ve taught.
A selection of past students working professionally in South Africa.
Stuart Dods
Regarded as one of KZN's premier wedding and portrait photographers. Stuart began photography while still in a 9-to-5; i...
Mbali Mbatha
A graduate of our commercial and wedding photography course, Mbali is a "mompreneur" whose wedding, family and event wor...
Teagan Cunniffe
Runner-up in the 2010 Durban photographic contest and shortlisted for Environmental Photographer of the Year 2011. Appoi...
Neko Maziya
Completed the academy's certificate in photography; now runs a school, function, portrait and wedding photography busine...
CC Rossler
CC undertakes wedding photography in many countries. After the Better DSLR and Wedding courses she built her business ah...
Averee Bliese
Now based in the US, Averee runs a social photography studio after completing studio and DSLR courses with the academy.
Vashnie Singh
Specialist in Indian and cross-cultural ceremonies. Her calm approach and attention to detail keeps her booking calendar...
Lisa Coleman
Thorough initial training plus mentoring carried Lisa into corporate, travel and leisure photography work.
Ayesha Van Staaden
Owner of a studio in the Eastern Cape, Ayesha is a well-known fixture in the wedding photography market in the Umtata ar...
Eileen Sammons
Certificate-level alumna of the academy. After many years as an educator, Eileen now runs Redhead Photography and is reg...
From first shoots to professional careers.
Wow, where do I begin? Mark Young kickstarted my career in photography. His exceptional technical knowledge combined with a clear way of getting it across to his students makes Mark worth his weight in gold. He has a pleasant manner combined with extreme patience and is always encouraging and motivating you to discover your underlying talents. I count my blessings everyday that I had Mark as my tutor and mentor and now, a very good friend. I definitely give Mark's academy two thumbs up for any budding photographer.
Please thank Mark for being there for me from day one and the support and learning. Had it never been for him I wouldn't have started this beautiful journey.
Mark Young and the KZN Photo Academy helped me unravel both the secrets of my camera, and the process of starting photography as a career. I owe a lot to them and their continual support in all my endeavours.
Thank you for all the support — especially for sending a tutor out to each of my initial client interviews with schools and for the loan of equipment for the important first shoots. Having a tutor there to assist and double-check my set-up and results was very reassuring. Your introduction to suppliers during our training has been a life-saver. Top marks to the academy for all the help and encouragement.
Mark Young through the KZN Photo Academy has played an integral part in me understanding my camera and teaching me the basics of photography. As a teacher he uses witty repartee and is patient. His knowledge of the craft is impeccable and he isn't afraid to share his tricks of the trade. Thank you Mark for being one of the guides that has led to the growth of my business.
I am back in the States and am doing a shoot for a client tomorrow using the new plexiglass technique I learnt from you. Thank you for all your help and for showing me things I never knew about my camera and studio gear.
Just to let you know my studio and wedding work is looking awesome! I had a few hiccups when I got back but the help at the end of the line let me pretty much perfect it all now. Thanks again for all the knowledge!
Thank you Mark for the thorough initial training you provided, the ongoing support and words of encouragement. You are a pool of knowledge and it is my honour to be splashed with a bit of it.
Her creative eye, customer focus and innovative style has earned her bookings in many countries.