The Photography Studio at Nelson Mandela University is a professional photographic production facility within the Department of Visual Arts. The studio supports undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, practice-based research, community engagement and industry collaboration by providing students, staff and external partners with access to professional studio facilities.
Designed to replicate commercial photographic studios, the facility enables students to gain hands-on experience in a professional working environment while supporting research, creative production and commercial projects.
The studio accommodates a wide variety of photographic disciplines, including portrait, fashion, commercial, product, still life, editorial, fine art, advertising and moving image production.
Facilities
The Photography Studio offers a purpose-built professional environment equipped for both teaching and commercial production.
Facilities include:
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Large professional white infinity cove suitable for fashion, portrait and commercial productions
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Vehicle-accessible studio with double-door access and drive-in ramp for photographing cars, motorcycles and oversized products
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Overhead scrim diffusion system for lighting large subjects
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Separate dressing room and preparation area
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Secure equipment storage
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Safe on-campus parking
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Technical support from the Photo Lab Technician
The facility is designed to accommodate productions ranging from student practical assignments to large-scale commercial photography.
Teaching and Learning
The Photography Studio is central to the practical delivery of the Bachelor of Visual Arts Photography programme.
Students develop technical proficiency through studio-based modules covering:
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Studio Lighting
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Portrait Photography
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Fashion Photography
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Product Photography
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Advertising Photography
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Contemporary Image Making
Working within a professional studio environment allows students to develop industry-standard workflows, understand studio safety protocols and gain experience using professional photographic equipment before entering the creative industries.
The studio also supports postgraduate supervision, portfolio development and practical assessment.
Industry and Collaborative Projects
The Photography Studio maintains strong relationships with industry through commercial productions, creative collaborations and commissioned photographic work.
Over the years, the studio has welcomed a range of clients, including car photographers, creative agencies, production companies and marketing teams seeking a professional photographic facility.
Industry clients have included:
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Isuzu South Africa
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Hoola Agency, who utilised the studio for Energy Drink campaign photography.
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Film House, for commercial production and content creation.
The studio has also supported productions for marketing agencies, fashion brands, commercial photographers and creative practitioners requiring access to a fully equipped professional photographic environment.
Its large infinity cove, vehicle-accessible drive-in ramp make it suitable for everything from product photography and fashion campaigns to full vehicle shoots, television commercials and branded content productions.