Matric Farewell · Cape Town · Durbanville
I’m a professional Matric Farewell photographer based in Durbanville, covering the whole Western Cape — from the Northern Suburbs and Stellenbosch to Camps Bay, the West Coast and beyond.
Each year I photograph individual portraits, couple photos, family photos and group shots before the big night — relaxed, natural, and built to last far longer than the evening itself.
✔ 10+ years photographing Matric Farewells
✔ 1–2 Hour Sessions
✔ 100+ High-Resolution Images
✔ Family & Group Photos Included
THE MILESTONE
Why book a Matric Farewell Photographer?
Documenting important milestones in your life is a privilege that wasn’t available a century ago. Capturing these moments with your friends as you step into adulthood is something truly special. You’ll have stunning photos to cherish and share with future generations, and one day, you’ll show your grandkids and say, “Yep, I looked amazing!” Plus, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate this significant milestone with your loved ones.
THE SESSION
What’s included in a Matric Farewell photoshoot
A Matric Farewell photo shoot session with me typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours.
You will receive a minimum of 100 high-resolution photos delivered via a WeTransfer link.
You can book a session individually or with your partner, or team up with other couples to share the 2-hour session and split the costs.
Rates are listed further down the page.
Session Length & Group Size Guidance
A session typically runs 1–2 hours and includes individual portraits, couple photos, family group shots, and — if time allows — some landscape and car photos too.
Which length do you need?
One couple, Northern Suburbs: a 1-hour session is normally plenty.
More than one couple, or based further afield: go with the 2-hour session — it gives us room to travel and to do right by everyone in the group.
A word on group size: two couples sharing a 2-hour session is the sweet spot — enough time for proper individual portraits, couple shots, and a few different backdrops for everyone. You can squeeze in three or four couples if you organise well, but the trade-off is real: less time per couple, fewer portrait variations, fewer locations. Happy to make it work either way — just want you going in with the right expectations.
A word on group size: two couples sharing a 2-hour session is the sweet spot — enough time for proper individual portraits, couple shots, and a few different backdrops for everyone. You can squeeze in three or four couples if you organise well, but the trade-off is real: less time per couple, fewer portrait variations, fewer locations. Happy to make it work either way — just want you going in with the right expectations.
Matric Farewell portraits
During a session I like to spend some time taking individual portraits of the matrics.
I am well aware that 99% of people do not have modelling experience so it is my guide to help them look their best with regards to posing and getting them relaxed and confident.
I also bring lighting to allow us to shoot in ANY environment.
Here are some examples of portraits.
Matric Farewell couple photos
Sometimes we take our boyfriend or girlfriend to our school event, sometimes a good friend or even a blind date. Whatever the case let me know the exact situation and I will make sure to get the appropriate photos.
Can we do groupshots?
Family plays a big part in South Africans lives and this is a perfect time to get some beautiful family portraits as part of the photo session. We can do big groups as well as smaller combinations.
Family photos at your Matric Farewell
This is the ideal opportunity to capture beautiful group shots with the whole family—grandparents, parents, and kids. We can also create smaller combinations, such as siblings, cousins, or just the parents. For a fun, celebratory touch, feel free to bring along some sparkling wine or juice to enjoy during the shoot.
Most Matrics get ready at home, which makes it a natural starting point for photos. From there, we can either continue at the house or move to another location for a different look.
Group & friends photos
IF you are a group we can also do some groups shots of you with your friends.
It can be combination of smaller and larger groups.
Girls only, Boys only etc and even add in some sparkling wine or juice!
Matric Farewell car photos
If you are renting a car lets make sure that we get some cool shots with the car!
GOOD TO KNOW
Tips for Parents
Let me know if they’re a couple or just friends. If your matric is going with a partner, great — but if it’s a friend, a group arrangement, or even a blind date, please let me know beforehand. It helps me pose them in a way that feels comfortable for both of them, without putting anyone in an awkward spot.
If it’s a packed week, consider a different day. Matric Farewells tend to cluster into a single busy week every September/October, when every school seems to hold their dance on the same date. If your date falls in that week, booking your photo session for a different day — a day or two before or after — opens up way more flexibility on timing and location, and takes the pressure off entirely.
Ask your venue about a covered option, just in case. If rain is even a small possibility, ask whichever venue you’ve chosen whether they have a veranda, marquee, or indoor space we can fall back on.
Sort out venue permission yourself, and check the specific area you want. If you’re shooting at a wine farm or estate with multiple facilities (say, a restaurant and a spa), confirm with them directly which areas you’re allowed to shoot in — don’t assume blanket permission covers the whole property.
The dance venue itself often isn’t the best spot for photos. Between the cars, the crowds, and everyone else arriving at the same time, most venues hosting the actual dance aren’t ideal for photography. A quieter spot nearby usually works far better.
LOCATIONS
Matric & Family Locations — Northern Suburbs Guide
Finding the right spot is one of the biggest questions I get every matric season — full details, a list of wine farms, free public spots, and photos from past shoots are on our dedicated Northern Suburbs & Durbanville locations page.
If you’re based further out — Stellenbosch, Camps Bay, the Southern Suburbs, or anywhere else in the Western Cape — just let me know your area and I’ll share what I know for your part of town.
Rates
Matric Farewell Photography Pricing
Two options depending on your location and group size. The 2-hour session is available across Cape Town — ideal for sharing between friends.
Most popular
2 Hour Session
Cape Town wide · Multiple couples welcome
R4,500
Per session — split between couples
Best shared by 2 couples — up to 4 possible, with less variety per couple the more you add. Individual portraits, couples, family combinations and group shots all covered.
- Up to 2 hours on location
- Travel included (Cape Town wide)
- 100+ high-res images delivered
- 3-day turnaround via WeTransfer
- * Off-peak (outside the Sept/Oct rush) the 1-hour session can extend further out for a R500 travel surcharge
1 Hour Session
Northern Suburbs during peak week · 1 couple + Family photos
R2,500
Per session — best for 1 couple
Ideal for a single couple or close friends who want beautiful portraits without the full session. Best with good organisation and punctuality.
- Up to 1 hour on location
- Northern Suburbs during peak week
- Individual + couple portraits
- 3-day turnaround via WeTransfer
How to book your Matric Farewell photographer in Cape Town
If you are interested to book a shoot please contact me for availability and also provide the following if you can:
– Date + Time
– Where are you based?
– Your full contact details
– Whether your matric is attending with a partner or a friend (see Tips for Parents above)
I prefer keeping communication on email (one platform) to ensure I don’t double book or miss enquiries.
Please email me at info@riekertcloete.com
Please allow 48 hours for a response as I am most of the time out of the office.
If I don’t respond after 2 days please feel free to send me a Whatsapp message to +27825567427
Thanks again for contacting me
Riekert
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Matric Farewell FAQ – Cape Town
A. A 2-hour session is R4,500, or R2,500 for a 1-hour session (Northern Suburbs only).
A. Individual portraits, couple photos, family and friend group shots, and car or prop photos – all captured in one session.
A. Yes — a 2-hour session works best for 2 couples sharing. 3–4 couples is possible if you’re happy to trade off some variety and time per couple.
A. I cover the Northern Suburbs, Cape Town, the Southern Suburbs, and the Winelands – at your home, a nearby park, or a venue of your choice.
A. September, October, and November are all busy months for Matric Farewells, so book as soon as your date is confirmed. Send me your preferred date and time slot so I can check availability – I can only handle up to two sessions per day.
A. Your edited, high-resolution photos are delivered within 3 days.
A. No – the Matric Dance itself is typically arranged by the school. My focus is on capturing your individual and family portraits before the event.
A. Usually not ideally — between the cars and the crowds, most dance venues aren’t great for photos. A quieter nearby spot almost always works better — see our Northern Suburbs locations guide for options.
A. Absolutely — and if your date falls in that one packed week every school seems to share, it’s honestly the easiest way to get more flexibility on timing and location.
A. Ask your chosen venue if they have a covered area — a veranda, marquee, or indoor space we can shift to if needed.
A. Yes, please let me know beforehand — it helps me pose the two of them in a way that’s comfortable for both, without any awkwardness.
WHAT PARENTS SAY
What Past Matric Clients Have Said
Eugene Malan — “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 a leg! I can highly recommend Riekert for any kind of photography needs that you may have.”
chane main — “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.”
If are looking for someone to do professional hair and/or make-up done for the shoot please have a look at Iza's work
