ABOUT DPC
Background
DPC was founded in 2010 by fine art photographer, Danie Bester. Danie has been lecturing extensively on photography throughout South Africa and has earned the reputation of being one of the country’s top photography educators. He recently received the AIA Grand Master Award for elevating the art of photography through his personal work as well as his extraordinary contribution to the photographic community in South Africa. Over the years, Danie has gathered a team of world-class, award-winning photographers, all specialists in their own fields, to teach a broad variety of photography courses.
DPC has since become one of South Africa’s top photography institutions, presenting various photography courses and genres. Our courses cover basic aspects for beginners to more sophisticated topics aimed at advanced and professional photographers. We believe in small group dynamics and focus on individual needs, presenting courses throughout Gauteng. Our main campus and studio, conveniently located in Centurion just off the highway between Pretoria and Johannesburg, serve as the hub for our in-person classes.
Address: Unit B5, One Highveld Centre, 5 Bellingham Rd, Centurion
Join our Online Community
In addition to our in-person courses, DPC has expanded to include an online community, creating a space for photographers to connect, share, and learn. This digital platform extends our educational offerings, featuring lively discussions, photo critiques, and a wealth of resources. Tutorials from our team and curated content from renowned photographers worldwide are available to enrich your learning experience.
Explore the Activity Feed to immerse yourself in our community. Our Pro Membership offers exclusive benefits, including advanced tutorials and special group access, complementing our physical courses and fostering continuous learning and passion for photography.
What our students say
Since 2010, DPC has trained over three thousand individuals, with a return rate of almost 90% from our two thousand specialist workshops. Our consistent five-star rating from students cements our reputation as one of SA’s premier photography schools.
Having experienced your passion, not only for photography but also for people and helping them, I have no doubt that whatever you endeavour will be a roaring success. Doing a course through DPC always felt like dealing with people and not an institution. Please never lose that, it is a competitive edge.
MEET THE DPC TEAM
Danie Bester
Programme Director, Fine Art
The more abstract forms of photography like impressionism and minimalism intrigue me. I prefer creating images that depict energy, mood, and silence. To illustrate my themes, I use mainly long exposures, selective focus, and focus blur. My philosophy is that the camera is just a paintbrush and that thought-provoking images stem from a developed mind.
John Fox
Fine Art, Macro
I enjoy doing detailed work as it requires concentration and silences the world around me. This drew me to the technical challenges of macro photography where I can happily lose hours while tinkering. The quest to shoot natural objects with a patience and dedication to honour their inherent beauty has also led me to explore fine art photography.
Pieter Uys
Video, Corporate, Events
Knowing the best camera angles and types of shot will make you shine as a visual storyteller. For me, good enough does not suffice and my philosophy is never to stop shooting until I have that perfect shot. I, therefore, keep on pushing myself and my team until we have a hundred perfect shots.
Bruna Mentrup
Travel, Wildlife, Adventurer
Fond childhood memories of the African Bush have had a marked impact on my photography; these ultimately led to my passion for exploring our magnificent planet and my love for light. My philosophy is that anyone can acquire technical skills but the prerequisite for becoming a wildlife photographer is a deep connection with nature.
Michael Tree
Wedding, Portraits, Architecture
I’m in a good place, caught between several disciplines of photography – from the creativity of weddings, an eye for a good portrait and the line and form in architectural & travel photography – it’s a wealth of experience I am forever grateful for, wouldn’t exchange for anything else.
Warren James
Wedding, Portrait, Lifestyle
I believe creativity is at the core of who we are; we all want to change the world around us in some way, no matter how small the change might be. It is our responsibility to nurture our creativity and develop it so that we can express what we intend to say.
Winifred Harms
Food, Lifestyle
Realizing I’d be stuck with myself my whole life, I exited the legal planet and immersed myself into the world of photography. Happiest behind my camera and driven by my creative soul, I’m captivated by detail and light and developed a fascination and an obsession with photographing food. I’ve made it my life’s goal to be as creative as possible towards everything I endeavour.
winifredharms.com
Chef Nicolas van der Walt
Chef, Culinary Olympian
Pastry chef Nicolas van der Walt, a world leader in the Art of Sugar and Chocolate Craft is a Culinary Olympian, gold, silver, and bronze medallist. DPC has teamed up with Nicolas and his Chef School in presenting exceptional Culinary Photography Courses.
Daniel West
Product, Wedding, Potraiture
I am a visual storyteller. My work reflects who I am and how I see the world. My creative goal has always been to use light and shadows to make my subjects, whether people or products, more interesting and attractive. I am also a professional chocolate eater, coffee drinker and (at heart) a coastal person who unfortunately lives inland.
studiodw.co.za
Shawn Marran
Web Administrator
I frequently get compared to an Owl because of my love for the night and my unusual sleeping habits! These are no doubt a side-effect of being a gamer and computer enthusiast. My interest in photography lies in taking photos of cityscapes and light-trails at night; and architecture and abstract during the day.