When you see a crisp, sun-soaked lifestyle shoot on your feed, there’s a good chance Tegan Smith is behind the camera. As one of South Africa’s most seasoned and celebrated photographers, Tegan has spent over a decade capturing brands, creatives, and everyday magic with a signature style that feels both polished and personal.
But beyond the scroll-stopping imagery lies an entrepreneur who’s built more than just a photography business. Tegan is also the founder of Shades of Jade, a luxury swimwear brand designed to celebrate diverse South African bodies and lifestyles. What started as a passion project soon evolved into a full-fledged brand, showing that her creativity doesn’t end behind the lens. She understands visual storytelling from both sides of the camera, and she’s built businesses that speak to both craft and consumer.
Since starting her photography journey in 2011, Tegan has worked with powerhouse brands like Netflix, Cotton On, iStore, Ford, and Poetry, while continuing to champion local talent and small businesses. She offers a range of content creation from food to personalities, products, restaurants, launch events and marketing campaigns. Her work favours natural light and authentic moments and capturing an emotion rather than creating it.
Whether she’s shooting a campaign, mentoring up-and-coming creatives, or designing the next standout bikini, Tegan does it with authenticity, empathy, and a hustle mindset.
Tegan Smith is proof that creativity and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. She’s not just a photographer. She’s a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur who’s showing South African creatives how to build a bold, beautiful, and 100% theirs business.
You can find her at: www.tegansmithphotography.com