Photographer Cape Town – Weddings, Families & Commercial
If you’re looking for a photographer in Cape Town who loves unposed moments, beautiful light and the outdoors, I’d love to work with you. I’m Riekert Cloete, a Cape Town photographer with over 20 years’ experience photographing weddings, families and businesses across the Western Cape.
From wine farm weddings and beach family shoots to professional headshots and brand events, I create relaxed, natural images that feel like you.

Riekert Cloete
Cape Town Photographer
Long before I photographed my first wedding, I knew storytelling was in my blood. Over the years, I’ve realised that every story—whether a family milestone, a professional portrait, or a special event—is worth capturing. Photography allows me to help others tell their unique stories in a way that feels authentic, heartfelt, and timeless.
With over 20 years of experience as a professional photographer in Cape Town, I specialise in:
Wedding Photography – capturing your most unforgettable moments.
Family Photography – creating memories you’ll cherish forever.
Headshots & Professional Portraits – showcasing the best version of you.
Events & Celebrations – documenting milestones, big and small, with care and creativity.
While I’m based in Durbanville, Cape Town, I’m always happy to travel for projects—wherever your story takes us.
Let’s talk and create something beautiful together.
I’ve been a wedding photographer in Cape Town since 2004, and yes… I still get butterflies every time I capture a love story. From happy tears to uncontrollable laughter, I’m here to make sure your wedding photos are as magical (and a little bit mischievous) as the day itself.
I shoot weddings all over the Western Cape—and beyond! Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Hermanus… or even a destination wedding where your biggest worry is whether the cake survives the flight. I’ll be there to capture every moment, no matter where love takes you.
Here’s how I can help make your day unforgettable:
Engagement shoots – we’ll have fun, laugh a lot, and maybe sneak in a few awkward dance moves
Elopements (coming soon) – for those “let’s run away and get hitched” kind of couples
Full-day wedding photography – from “I can’t find my shoes” to “let’s dance like nobody’s watching”
Wedding storybooks – a keepsake you’ll actually want to show off to your friends
Got questions? Check out my FAQ or book a consultation—I promise I don’t bite (unless it’s cake).
Wondering what the booking process looks like? I have page for that!
Take a peek at my portfolio, read some wedding stories and tips, and see what couples say in my reviews.
Let’s capture your wedding memories… and maybe a few laughs along the way!
Latest work (Weddings)

5 Essential Bridal Room Tips Every Bride Should Know From a Wedding Photographer in Cape Town After photographing weddings all over Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and across South Africa, I can tell you one thing with absolute certainty: the bridal room can either be peaceful… or absolute chaos. And the difference between the two usually comes […]

Why Cape Town’s Dramatic Mountains Create the Perfect Backdrop for Wedding Photography As a wedding photographer in Cape Town, I am reminded every week why couples from all over the world choose this part of South Africa for their weddings and elopements. Yes — we have beautiful beaches, vineyards, and wide-open landscapes — but nothing […]

The Tradition of Wedding Toasts When it comes to wedding traditions, the toast holds a special place in the hearts of couples and guests alike. But have you ever wondered where this tradition originated and why it has remained such an integral part of weddings? A Peek into History The tradition of toasting dates back […]

Kelsey + Rudolph Eureka Estate Eureka Estate is one of Durbanville’s premier Wedding venues. This wine estate sits on the edge of Durbanville and offers amazing views, lots of space and world class service. They were here when I started my career twenty years ago and with relevant upgrades and renovations managed to stay one […]

Chris + Christelle Nooitgedacht wine Estate Chris and Christelle came all the way from Australia to get married here in Stellenbosch. She is originally from South Africa but Chris is an Aussie so for him and his family it truly was a destination wedding! This couple is super down to earth and is was an […]

GRANT + Marichen wedding at Chrissiesmeer Every now and then I get the privilege to travel to some amazing places to photograph people. In this case it was Chrissiesmeer in Mmpumalanga. Grant and Marichen (South Africans) lives in the UK and like many of my other clients decided to come back to South Africa to […]

Kristian + PAula Houtbaai + Llandadnu Kristian and Paula had their wonderful elopement wedding here in Cape Town, South Africa.South Africa is extremely popular for couples from Europe, the USA as well as the Far East. It was a privilege to have been able to photograph their wedding. We started at the guest house in […]

Matt + Nicole Montpellier de Tulbagh So blessed that I could have been part of Matt and Nicole’s amazing day in the lovely town of Tulbach. This lovely couple is from Hermanus and was great to “host” them here in the Winelands! They are a real down to earth couple without “fieterjasies”. He reminded me […]

5 interesting historical facts about Wedding photography We have come a long way with Wedding photography. I started being a Wedding photographer when film was massive. People almost didn’t trust Digital and we (the new generation) had to spend to much time convincing clients that Digital was legit! I was curious what else I could […]

What is the deal with garters? We always see garters and I have wondered many times about the significance of it at our weddings.So of course I had to find out! The tradition of the garter at weddings has a long and varied history, with both practical and symbolic meanings. History: Medieval Europe: The […]
Family life is full of laughter, chaos, tiny toes, and big hugs—and I’m here to capture all of it. As a Cape Town family photographer, I’ve had the joy of photographing families from all over the world—South Africa, the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond. Every family brings their own energy, stories, and little quirks to the camera, and I love capturing them all.
I believe the best family moments happen outdoors—where kids can run, pets can join, and natural light does its magic. As a South African photographer, I use our stunning landscapes as a backdrop: sandy beaches, golden vineyards, coastal cliffs, and the dramatic Cape mountains.
Here’s what I can capture for you:
Lifestyle Family Portraits – natural, joyful moments with everyone relaxed and having fun
Newborn & Baby Photography – capturing the tiny details before they grow up too fast
Maternity Photography – celebrating the miracle of new life with light, love, and laughter
Special Rates – including matric rates for milestone shoots
I also love sharing tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and photography inspiration—check out my family photography blog or watch my quick how-to videos in the FAQ section.
With a young family of my own, I know how fast these moments pass. Let’s capture them naturally, playfully, and with love—so you can look back years later and remember exactly how it felt.
If you’re looking for a family photographer in Cape Town who loves natural, outdoor sessions, you can see more on my dedicated family photography page.
Latest work (Family Shoots)

Capturing Family Moments at the Cape Grace Hotel and V&A Waterfront There’s something truly special about family portraits taken against the backdrop of Cape Town’s iconic landmarks. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful family at the Cape Grace Hotel, situated in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. While we couldn’t shoot in […]

Capturing Family Magic at Sunset in Cape Town There’s something truly enchanting about family photos taken at sunset, especially here in Cape Town. The golden hour offers the most magical lighting, casting a warm, soft glow that enhances every moment. I absolutely love utilizing this time of day for family shoots, especially on the beach. […]

Capturing Family Moments in Cape Town There’s something truly magical about capturing Cape Town family moments against the stunning backdrop of Cape Town. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely family consisting of mom, dad, and their adorable baby girl. She was just at the stage where she could sit up on her own and […]

Capturing Family Bonds in the Scenic Stellenbosch Stellenbosch, with its breathtaking mountains, lush vineyards, and enchanting forests, is one of my favorite spots for family photography. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful family with teenage and young adult kids. Their warmth and connection made the shoot truly memorable. We began our session […]

A Family Portrait in Noordhoek: Capturing Authentic Moments by the Sea Noordhoek, with its stunning beach and majestic mountain backdrop, provided the perfect setting for a memorable family photoshoot. The family, with kids in their twenties, gathered to create some beautiful memories while the parents were visiting. We kicked off the session at their cozy […]

Capturing Family Moments on the Rocks: A Unique Beach Photography Experience When it comes to Family beach photography, I love incorporating the natural beauty of rocks into the session. These rugged formations add a unique dimension and texture to the photos, creating a stunning contrast with the sand and sea. During family sessions on the […]

Family Fun in Jongensfontein: Capturing Joy Between Christmas and New Year The holiday season on the Garden Route is always a special time, and I had the pleasure of capturing a large family gathering in the charming town of Jongensfontein, near Stilbaai. With family members coming from all over the world, the atmosphere was filled […]

Capturing Family Joy on the Garden Route December on the Garden Route is a magical time when families from all corners of the globe come together to celebrate the holidays. I had the pleasure of capturing a large, multi-generational family during this time, from the grandparents to the parents and kids. The relaxed holiday atmosphere, […]

Winter Family shoot in Franschhoek As a photographer based in Cape Town, I have the privilege of capturing beautiful family moments in some of the most scenic locations. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely family on a wine farm in Franschhoek. They had flown in from elsewhere to enjoy a weekend in […]

Why Laughter and Fun Are the Heart of My Family Photography Sessions One of the things I love most about family photography is capturing those genuine moments of joy and laughter between parents and kids. In my sessions, it’s not about stiff poses or forced smiles — it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone can […]
Looking for professional headshots in Cape Town that reflect your personality and professionalism, or event photography that captures your corporate or social gatherings with style? I specialise in commercial and professional photography that presents you and your brand in the best possible light.
I work across a variety of sectors, capturing:
Individual Headshots – professional portraits for business profiles, LinkedIn, and branding
Group & Team Photography – cohesive, engaging images for companies and teams
Corporate & Social Events – conferences, launches, and celebrations captured professionally
Office, Architecture & Interiors – showcasing your workspace or property
Products & Other Commercial Projects – marketing images that highlight your brand
I combine creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail to deliver images that stand out and communicate your story effectively. You can explore my full commercial portfolio or read insights and tips on my commercial photography blog.
Learn more about my approach and my story, or check rates for headshots and events to plan your session.
Latest work (Commercial)

Behind the scenes at TygerValley https://youtu.be/-uQPetd1GVs For more info about the commercial photography services I provide please check out my website or contact me now!

Why are headshots important for professionals? Firstly, just as eyes are the windows to the soul, a headshot is the window to the person. In our digital world, first impressions are often made online, and a professional, friendly headshot can make a huge difference. It helps you appear approachable and trustworthy, which is crucial in […]

Capturing the Essence of a Durbanville Investment Company: A Photography Session We started the session by capturing formal portraits of the team against a sleek, grey, neutral background. This setup is perfect for creating professional and polished images that can be used on their website and other corporate materials. Next, we moved on to a […]

Champagne Day with Moët & Chandon I recently had the pleasure of photographing another spectacular Moët & Chandon event — this time in Sandton, Gauteng, on a picturesque polo field that perfectly matched the elegance of the occasion. This event marked Champagne Day, a global celebration of sparkling sophistication — and Moët knows exactly how […]

TEXT Capturing the Faces Behind the Care Capturing the Faces Behind the Care: A Session with The Haematology Specialists Recently, I had the privilege of photographing the dedicated team at Haemalife, based at Netcare Kuils River Hospital in Cape Town. This session encompassed individual headshots of doctors, nurses, support, and administrative staff, as well as […]

Early Mornings & Massive Machines Photographing Trucks for Pool Transport A day in the life of a commercial photographer is dynamic — often beginning before sunrise, like it did on this recent shoot for one of my regular clients, Pool Transport. For this project, we set out early to make the most of the crisp […]

Corporate Photography for PSG: A Professional Touch for Digital Marketing As a photographer based in Durbanville, in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, I have the privilege of working with a variety of clients, from luxury brands to corporate firms. Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with PSG, one of South Africa’s leading investment […]

Champagne Day Capturing International Champagne Day at Mount Nelson As an event photographer in Cape Town, I’ve had the privilege of covering some of the city’s most prestigious gatherings. One of my most memorable clients is an international Champagne company for whom I frequently capture events. Their latest celebration, held at the iconic Mount Nelson […]

Team Building Photography Venue: Grand West, Cape Town This bunch of ladies are all heading overseas as Nanny’s. This was one of their final events to meet everyone, form connections and support structures before their big adventure.The company asked me to get some behind the scenes photos of their the fun. Event photographer Also follow […]

Headshots in Bellville The vineyards office park, Bellville Serv wanted to get some headshots of their management as well as a group photo. The photos had to be professional and friendlyWe rented in a paper backdrop to allow us to get the group shot. Also follow me on: Instagram
Reviews:
EXCELLENT Based on 127 reviews Posted on chane mainTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Riekert is an Excellent photographer with attention to detail. He is a pleasure to work with and my daughter’s MD photos were exactly what she wanted and even better. I would highly recommend Riekert.Posted on Jessica GeffenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Riekert was our photographer for our year-end function. His response times were incredibly fast and he truly went above and beyond in answering all my questions and accommodating our needs. The photos he captured were beautiful and perfectly reflected the atmosphere and energy of the event. He made everyone feel comfortable and was an absolute joy to work with from start to finish! I can highly recommend Riekert for any event or function - you won’t be disappointed. :)Posted on Eugene MalanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Riekert is the best! He's taken photo's of two of our children's matric farewell. He's easy going, but very professional. The results speak for themselves. And... he doesn't charge an arm an a leg! I can highly recommend Riekert for any kind of photography needs that you may have.Posted on Riaan VermaakTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently had some corporate headshots taken by Riekert. The experience was straightforward and pleasant. He guided us through different poses in a way that was easy to understand and follow, and the final photos were exactly what we were looking for.Posted on Diana DingleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a time constraint for our team photographs and Riekert worked quickly and efficiently to make sure they were completed on time. He made everyone feel at ease straight away which helped ensure the headshots were sharp and professional and the informal group shots captured some genuinely nice, natural moments. Thank you, Riekert.Posted on Ohra Van RooyenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It is so pleasant to work with Riekert. He is professional, on time, detailed and approachable and I really enjoyed working with him on a golf day we hosted at Pearl Valley. Riekert is highly recommended. He makes it easy for you. Thanks RiekertPosted on Stefan Van DykTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding service and extremely professional! And very efficient! Highly recommendable!Posted on Jenine LombardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Riekert recently captured corporate photos for our Milnerton facility, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. He has a brilliant eye for detail — the kind that picks up the story behind the work, not just the visuals. He made the entire team feel comfortable, moved effortlessly through the production areas, and managed to capture our operations in a way that feels both authentic and elevated. The turnaround time was fast, the quality was exceptional, and the images are perfect for our brand and corporate identity needs. Professional, collaborative, and seriously talented — I highly recommend Riekert for any corporate or commercial photography work.Posted on leojaggsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Riekert was brilliant in capturing my engagement proposal to my girlfriend in Stellenbosch. He helped me to select a location and plan the moment so it was a surprise up until the last instant! The photos and video were excellent in quality, and he shared them with us really quickly. I'd thoroughly recommend Riekert to anyone requiring photography services for any occasion!Posted on Own HavenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It's a pleasure working with Riekert, he did photos of our new buildings at Conradie Park. An absolute professional, he's quick to respond to emails and provides excellent service. He has a keen eye, producing beautiful photos that really captured the sense of community at our property. Would happily work with Riekert again in the future.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more