Hi There !
If you are looking for an "up-for-anything", adventurous photographer with a lot of passion, you have come to the right place!
I'm a pet, lifestyle and wedding photographer based in Secunda, Mpumalanga. My heart desires adventure, a good cup of coffee and of course the art of photography. My dog is my best friend and personal assistant! My pet fennec fox, bunny, 2 ducks and 2 axolotls also take up a big space in my heart. I appreciate the little things in life such as sunsets and laughter. Some of my favourite things include seafood pasta, the month of October and all things Apple.
As a photographer, I strive to tell your story through spontaneous, fun and breathtaking photos that you will cherish in your heart forever. I believe in capturing moments as they happen and learned that sometimes, the most chaotic moments can result in the best photos.
My Journey
Like many kids, my answer when asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, was a veterinarian. But it has always been clear that I was a creative entrepreneur at heart. Becoming a photographer was never really on my radar; it was a journey I never planned.
At the age of 15, I launched my own business, ZaZa Zone, which eventually evolved into a consumable printing venture. After high school, I had to leave my beloved hometown of Secunda to pursue a BA degree in Strategic Brand Communication at IIE Vega in Durban. During my time in Durban, I decided to buy an entry-level DSLR camera, thinking photography could be a fun new hobby during my free time. My initial plan was to capture photos of the ocean and my dog, Mia.
My dad, who restores vintage cars as a hobby, sparked an unexpected turn in my journey. In November 2021, I used his 1938 Austin 7 as a prop for some festive Christmas photos. This experience led to inquiries for various types of photoshoots, and I soon discovered a profound passion for photography. It’s an art I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world!
SABPA
In March 2025, I passed my SABPA exam and had the honour of becoming a registered birth photographer with the South African Birth Photographer's Association. This enables me to capture the moment your baby takes their first breath and the start of a brand new life. These intimate memories will be cherished forever and it is such a profound privilege for me as photographer to capture these special moments.
The Studio
Starting out, I turned my parents' extra living room into a small but cozy home studio. For nearly four years, this intimate space welcomed families for portraits, cake smashes, newborn, maternity, and many other creative sessions. It has always been a big dream of mine to one day open my own studio. A professional space where I can allow my creativity to run free.
In August 2025, I took a leap of faith and purchased a house with the vision of transforming it into the studio I had always dreamed of. After months of dedication and hard work, Zané van Staden Photography officially opened its doors on 31 October 2025. The studio now offers a professional, fully equipped, bright, all-white, space with sleek white epoxy flooring where milestones and memories are celebrated. The studio also features a dedicated newborn room, thoughtfully created to be calm, cozy and safe for the tiniest clients with a fully stocked, complimentary coffee bar to help new parents relax and feel at home. It also has a luxurious dressing room where clients can prepare and choose from a curated collection of stunning photoshoot dresses. There is definitely no prop shortage and in this space, your vision will surely come to life.
Disclaimer: Photos on the "About Me" page are taken by a range of other talented photographers, photo credits goes to them. All other photos on this website are taken and edited by ZVSP.