colleen esau

I am a Photographer with experience in handling all aspects of Commercial Photography. I've obtained my B-Tech Degree in photography with proficiency in Photoshop, Light room and Bridge. I decide to continue my studies in BA multimedia honours, hoping to expand my portfolio.

I began my professional career in 2019, joining CODE as a photographer in their Marketing Department while completing my BTech degree in Photography. It was the perfect place to refine my craft and adapt to the pace and precision of the fashion and retail industry. My responsibilities included styling and photographing flat lays and outfit grids for e-commerce and social media, producing catalogue imagery, and managing post-production tasks such as retouching, deep-etching, and colour correction to ensure polished visuals across multiple platforms. In 2021, I transitioned from photography into retouching when I joined Truworths International as a Retouching Specialist. This move allowed me to focus on my passion for image editing and post-production, a passion first sparked during my student Photoshop classes. At Truworths, I collaborate with stylists and photographers across a diverse portfolio of brands, ensuring consistency, colour accuracy, and creative excellence in imagery produced for e-commerce, social media, and seasonal campaigns. The work showcased here reflects a selection of campaigns I’ve been involved in—projects briefed by art directors and brought to life across print, online, and social platforms.CMB Photography, my personal brand, was born in 2016 during my first year as a photography student. What began as a passion for capturing life’s moments soon became a journey of combining creative expression with the business skills needed to serve clients. Working in the retail fashion industry honed my ability to adapt quickly, work under pressure, and consistently deliver professional results. As a lifestyle photographer, I live by my motto: “A photocopy of people, places, and progress.” I believe that building meaningful relationships with clients is at the heart of every great image. Each location presents a new adventure, and every event—whether a wedding, matric ball, or birthday celebration—is an opportunity to preserve memories that last a lifetime. Through CMB Photography, I am passionate about working with everyday people to tell their unique stories. Whether it’s a milestone event or a casual gathering, my goal is always to capture the essence of the moment and create lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come.

University of South Africa (UNISA)
Bachelor of Arts Honours – Visual Multimedia Arts (Ongoing, since Mar 2023)
Focus: Contemporary Art Theories, Research Report, Professional Art Practice, and Studio Practice.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Bachelor of Technology – Photography (2016 – 2019)
Completed coursework in Applied Photography, Visual Communication, Theory of Photography, Professional Practice, and Research Methods.