Women’s Wednesday is a monthly gathering created to connect, inspire and empower women in the photographic industry. Whether you’re a passionate hobbyist, a working professional or somewhere in between.
This relaxed one-hour meetup is a safe and welcoming space for women who shoot everything from wildlife and action to family, lifestyle, portrait and commercial photography. It’s about sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, learning from one another, and building meaningful connections within a supportive community.
Each session will be guided by industry professionals Daleen Cloete and Marike Van Aswegen, who will facilitate conversations, light discussions and occasional mini-topics around photography, creativity, business, challenges in the industry, and personal growth.
Most importantly, Women’s Wednesday is about community! Showing up, supporting one another and enjoying good conversation over coffee and snacks in an environment where everyone belongs. Come to network, learn and connect with like-minded women and leave encouraged, motivated and part of something bigger.
Meet your Hosts:
Marike van Aswegen
Marike joined the ODP team in 2008 when ODP Rentals was established and has been planning shoots and what gear to use with her amazing, talented clients ever since. Her biggest love is baking, food photography and macro lenses. It is always all about the incredible tiny details.
Outside work and the Photography industry, Marike is happy to spend quiet time with her husband, Marcell and their son Retief. My biggest wish for Women's Wednesdays is to make women feel comfortable asking ALL the questions and enjoy their Photographic journey alongside amazing, like-minded women and the resolute staff from Outdoorphoto.
Daleen Cloete
Daleen joined the Outdoorphoto family in 2011, and her heart is deeply rooted in the legacy of Outdoorphoto’s 22-year history. Keeping the company's core values alive is her main focus. She's committed to making sure every client who walks through the doors of our Fourways branch feels genuinely welcomed and well taken care of. That warmth and service have been the company's goal since its existence. While she leaves the complex camera setups to the pros, Daleen relies on her smartphone to capture life's spontaneous moments and priceless memories.
Outside of the store, Daleen is married with a wonderful son and a lively Boston Terrier. In her quiet time, she loves picking up a paintbrush to unwind... even if she humbly claims she’s not very good at it!
Her heart for Women’s Wednesdays is to create a monthly meetup that women truly look forward to. A warm, welcoming space where a shared love for life, creativity and hobbies intertwine, breaking down borders and bringing women together.
Monique Van Heerden
Monique Van Heerden has over 17 years of experience in the photography industry and specialises in natural light photography. She is known for her ability to capture images that tell meaningful stories, evoke emotion and celebrate authentic moments.
Her work spans a wide range of genres, including weddings, engagements, newborns, golf days, corporate headshots, product photography and couples (A versatility that reflects both her technical skill and creative adaptability). Monique is also the co-owner of Alora Studio in Sandton, where she continues to grow her brand and mentor emerging photographers.
Beyond photography, Monique is proudly family-focused and values a balance between creativity and home life. When she’s not behind the camera, she’s spending time with her husband, their three children and caring for her beloved mini farm of 17 animals.
Monique brings warmth, honesty and real-world business insight to Women’s Wednesday, making her a relatable and inspiring guide for photographers at every stage of their journey.
