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.
Anje van Dalen
I’m Anje van Dalen. Wife, mother, animal lover and the heart behind Madison & West Photography.
My faith shapes everything I do, and connection is at the core of my work. I believe photography is more than capturing images... It’s a calling. God entrusts us with people’s stories and allows us into moments that are meaningful and sacred. My greatest joy is serving others and building genuine, heartfelt connections through every session.
I’m truly excited to be part of Women’s Wednesdays. A space where creatives can gather, fellowship and grow together. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there is beauty in coming together, encouraging one another, and creating in community.
