We chat with Dane Fortein about his successful career in personal and corporate photography.
What type of photography do you specialise in?
I’m a full-time corporate, wedding, and lifestyle photographer that is VAT registered and BBBEE level one approved.
When and how did you get into photography?
I’ve been doing photography since 2011. I bought a camera back then to capture the beautiful views that I came across on my daily work trips. I ended up putting a few of these in frames and managed to sell one framed image and that convinced me to see where I can go with photography.
What is it that you love about photography, that inspired you to pursue it as more than just a hobby?
Working directly with people and creating products tailored to what they want keeps the job exciting. I often find myself researching new customs, how to use equipment to create new looks and poses, and even using time during load-shedding to go and check out a new location. Other than that, watching families grow from couple shoots to marriage and starting a family, and becoming a part of the family is an amazing experience. Every week poses a new challenge and thrilling new achievements.
What qualifications or experience would you say one needs in order to start a business in photography?
There are various degrees and courses available to teach you the ins and outs of using a camera, including the school of YouTube, but once you get used to shooting manually and working with lighting equipment and editing software, the real hard work is working with people. Being able to market and manage your business and put together those watertight contracts that cover you and your business is also a skill.
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
There are times when work becomes overbearing. I often find myself stuck in front of the computer without any contact with anyone and editing for hours on end, without much movement. I’ve found that having a hobby like cycling has helped tremendously so that I can get out, interact with people, and exercise.
Do you have any proud moments that you have had with your photography so far?
There are proud moments on a weekly basis. I have photographed large established corporations and families that have just begun, and I catch myself smiling at the computer screen while editing.
What are some of your goals for this year and going forward?
I’d like to expand the business by putting together a permanent team for quick delivery. Although I do often work with other photographers, having a dedicated editor is sometimes necessary for those corporate clients that require press releases as the moment happens.
What advice or tips do you have for someone who is interested in a similar line of business?
I suggest re-investing in your business. I’m constantly looking out for new equipment and techniques to make images more vibrant and interesting, and always watching videos for inspiration on new ideas and lighting techniques, and posing ideas. You can never know all there is to this industry.
Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?
I’d just like to give a shout-out to hundreds of amazing clients over the past 13 years. As a business, word of mouth is a fantastic tool to get your business out there, and it couldn’t have been done without my amazing clients.
How can our readers get hold of you? (Contact details and social media)
Follow me on LinkedIn: @Danefortein, Instagram: @daneforteinphoto, Facebook: Dane Fortein Photography, TikTok: @danefortein, Email info@daneforteinphoto.co.za
