5 minutes
A matriculant with parents
A very quick allocation for a small immediate-family grouping.
Ashleigh Rose Photography
The group experience
Matric dance pre-drinksportraits & candid coverage
Fast-paced, joy-filled photography managed with experience, patience and a genuine love of family moments.
Pre-drinks portraits
Beautiful photographs without the chaos
Matric dance pre-drinks portraits are popular for good reason. Friends are together, families are excited and everyone wants beautiful photographs before leaving for the official venue. With several matriculants, partners and families arriving at different times, the atmosphere can become rushed unless someone experienced is managing it.
I thrive in this environment. I keep the energy warm and upbeat while making sure each family receives photographs a parent will treasure. Some people pose naturally, while others need patient direction or physical assistance reaching the portrait area. Every group has different dynamics, and those differences need to be handled calmly.
If you are hosting, your photographer becomes part of your guests’ experience. I am professional, amiable and endlessly patient. I am also a mother from a large family, so I understand that the hug or kiss your child resists today may become the framed photograph you treasure tomorrow.
Group portrait investment
R850
per matriculant + partner & family
- 30 edited images per matriculant allocation
- One venue and digital gallery delivery
- Guided posing and essential family combinations
- Host is photographed first and may choose 10 additional images
- Final coverage depends on numbers and the total time booked
Plan the time properly
Every family needs a protected allocation
The number of matriculants determines the time available to each family. These are short, efficient portrait allocations. For a more detailed session with the luxury of time, choose an individual package.
10 minutes
Matriculant, partner, parents and siblings
Enough time for the essential combinations when everyone is ready and nearby.
15 minutes
Larger or more varied family combinations
Recommended when grandparents, friends or the partner’s parents also need photographs.
Protect everyone’s time
Running over means another family loses part of their dedicated allocation. Book enough time from the outset. If some guests cannot arrive early, allow later arrivals to be photographed later rather than shortening the whole booking.
Keep 15 minutes for the full group
The full-group portrait normally happens near the end, when everyone has arrived. At least 15 minutes must be protected for it. Guests cannot use time belonging to another family or jeopardise this important final photograph.
Venue, light & access
The setting must work, not merely look impressive
Venue layout, light and the ground underfoot all affect how smoothly the portraits run. Around three hours before departure is generally a useful starting point, but the correct time depends on the season, numbers and venue.
We will discuss the best portrait area and schedule together. If necessary, a site visit can be arranged. Easy access, flattering light and nearby backgrounds are more valuable than moving a large group through several complicated locations.
Non-negotiable camera policy
Cellphones only while I am directing a portrait
No other DSLR or mirrorless camera may photograph my directed poses. My posing, direction and finished compositions are part of the professional work being purchased. Cellphones are welcome, provided they do not obstruct me or draw anyone’s eye away from my camera.
I will not photograph where another professional photographer has been hired, or is photographing as a favour, unless this has been discussed and agreed with me in advance. If someone arrives equipped to photograph my portrait setup without that prior agreement, I will refund the affected family and will not complete that allocation. This is non-negotiable and is communicated in advance to prevent embarrassment or confrontation on the day.
You are welcome to photograph your own children when they are not working with me. While they are in my portrait area, my direction and camera take priority.
Pre-drinks event candids
A roaming photographer for everything happening around the portraits
If another photographer is already creating the formal portraits, you may still want décor, arrivals, greetings, candid interactions and fun group combinations documented. I can work as the roaming photographer and stay out of the main portrait photographer’s way, provided they agree to the arrangement.
When you book me for the portraits, candid coverage may be added before or after the scheduled portrait allocations. It is not a standalone Ashleigh Rose Photography package and must accompany another package described on this site.