I'm Themba Mbuyisa, a contemporary photographer and visual artist born in Johannesburg and based here today. I trained at the Market Photo Workshop, completing the Advanced Photography Programme after Foundation and Intermediate courses, and I also studied Desktop Publishing and Design at Vega School while pursuing BSc Mathematical Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. My work centers on exploring light, place, and identity through photography. I've had the privilege to collaborate with Netflix, ELLE, Vogue, and other global brands, taking on roles in creative direction and storytelling across exhibitions and residencies in South Africa, Brazil, and Europe. I also teach photography at Market Photo Workshop and continue to pursue collaborations that push the boundaries of image-making.

Themba Mbuyisa

I'm Themba Mbuyisa, a contemporary photographer and visual artist born in Johannesburg and based here today. I trained at the Market Photo Workshop, completing the Advanced Photography Programme after Foundation and Intermediate courses, and I also studied Desktop Publishing and Design at Vega School while pursuing BSc Mathematical Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. My work centers on exploring light, place, and identity through photography. I've had the privilege to collaborate with Netflix, ELLE, Vogue, and other global brands, taking on roles in creative direction and storytelling across exhibitions and residencies in South Africa, Brazil, and Europe. I also teach photography at Market Photo Workshop and continue to pursue collaborations that push the boundaries of image-making.

Available to hire

I’m Themba Mbuyisa, a contemporary photographer and visual artist born in Johannesburg and based here today. I trained at the Market Photo Workshop, completing the Advanced Photography Programme after Foundation and Intermediate courses, and I also studied Desktop Publishing and Design at Vega School while pursuing BSc Mathematical Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. My work centers on exploring light, place, and identity through photography.

I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with Netflix, ELLE, Vogue, and other global brands, taking on roles in creative direction and storytelling across exhibitions and residencies in South Africa, Brazil, and Europe. I also teach photography at Market Photo Workshop and continue to pursue collaborations that push the boundaries of image-making.

See more

Work Experience

Contract Photographer at Black Crown Gin & Tonic
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Partnership photographer for brand campaigns.
Photography Trainer at Market Photo Workshop
January 1, 2019 - Present
Photography trainer delivering workshops and training programs.
Freelance Photographer at Self-employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Full-time freelance photographer and visual content creator for various clients.
Group Photographer / Creative Assistant at Ndalo Media
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Group photographer and creative assistant for Ndalo Media projects.
ELLE Style Reporter / Creative Assistant at ELLE South Africa
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018
ELLE South Africa Magazine Style Reporter / Creative Assistant.
Netflix Global Campaign Photographer at Netflix
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Photographer for Netflix global campaigns.
Creative Director & Photographer at Africa Polo Open
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2020
Creative direction and photography for Africa Polo Open campaigns.
Photographer at Havaianas
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Havaianas social media campaign photography.
Creative Director & Photographer at Africa Polo Open
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Campaign with creative direction and photography in 2018.
Contributor at ELLE South Africa Magazine
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Contributor for ELLE South Africa Magazine.
Advertising Campaign Photographer at Fassi (Italy)
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
Photography for the 2016 advertising calendar in Italy.
Artist-in-Residence at Rural.Scapes – Lab in Residency
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
Residency participation in São Paulo, Brazil.

Education

Advanced Photography Programme at Market Photo Workshop
August 1, 2014 - September 1, 2015
Foundation course in Photography at Market Photo Workshop
March 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013
Intermediate course in Photography at Market Photo Workshop
August 1, 2013 - December 1, 2013
Desktop Publishing and Design at Vega School
September 1, 2013 - December 1, 2013
BSc Computer Science at University of the Witwatersrand
January 1, 2010 - January 5, 2026

Qualifications

World Photography Organisation - Sony World Photography Awards National Award (South Africa) - 3rd place
January 1, 2015 - January 5, 2026
Gauteng Premier's Youth Excellence and Service Award
January 1, 2017 - January 5, 2026
Sasol New Signatures Finalist
January 1, 2016 - January 5, 2026
ELLE Style Reporter 2016 Award (Winner)
January 1, 2016 - January 5, 2026
Mail and Guardian 200 Young South Africans to Watch 2016
January 1, 2016 - January 5, 2026
Rural.Scapes – Lab in Residency, São Paulo, Brazil
January 1, 2014 - January 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services