Meet the Team
Get to know the dynamic and creative team behind Light Mill Productions.

Founder & Director, Cinematographer, Photographer, Events Co-ordinator and Logistics Lead
David Naude
Ever since David received his first camera as a Christmas present for his ninth birthday, he instantly fell in love with the world of photography. After a few years, David took up the sport of rock climbing, Where he managed to take the sport in South Africa to new heights, receiving his Protea Colours when he was 15. David went on to represent South Africa in the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2018. Specialising in Screen Production Cinematography from the University of Cape Town, David transfers his passion and energy for climbing into his work on set. This journey continues till today, where David is eager to learn more about the craft which he has loved for so many years and is looking forward to working with his clients on many creative projects to come!

Co-Owner & Director, SMedia Manager, Photographer, Events Co-ordinator and Logistics Lead
Kiara-Tayne
Kiara is a dynamic force behind Lightmill — a creative strategist, logistical organiser, and visual storyteller all in one. As Co-Owner and Director, she plays a hands-on role in shaping both the vision and execution of every project, ensuring a seamless blend of creativity, professionalism, and impact.
With a strong foundation in social media management and media production, Kiara has a talent for crafting compelling content that not only captivates but converts. Her ability to spot trends, read audiences, and deliver high-impact campaigns makes her a powerful driver of brand visibility and audience engagement across digital platforms.
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Behind the camera, Kiara captures the essence of every event with precision and emotion. Her photography style is candid, expressive, and aligned with each client's vision — whether she's shooting for social media, press coverage, or high-end portfolio content.
A lifelong equestrian, Kiara’s passion for horses runs deep. Having competed since the age of 8 and proudly represented South Africa on the international stage by 15, her discipline and creativity are second nature. She effortlessly brings the same poise, purpose, and attention to detail into every event she helps produce — from concept and coordination to delivery and follow-through.
Whether managing complex event logistics, styling a photo shoot, or curating a social media campaign, Kiara does so with clarity, energy, and an innate sense of storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.

Photographer
Keenan Meyer
Keenan is a Cape Town based action, adventure and lifestyle photographer. Keenan worked as a loader and lighting assistant in the industry for a few years before deciding to specialise in stills photography. In 2023 he was a finalist in the Red Bull Illume Photo Awards and his work was placed into the DIG BMX 2023 Photo book and was selected by Single Track World as one of the top 10 bike photos of the year.
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Keenan's passion and dedication to his craft shines through his work, combining raw emotion with technical skill in timeless compositions.

Creative Arts Co-ordinator
Jess Fawthrop
Jess brings a dynamic blend of creative flair and artistic vision to every event she supports. With a strong background in arts facilitation and hands-on experience in crafting immersive experiences for children, Jess plays a key role in shaping the creative heartbeat of our programming.
Her calm, solutions-focused approach makes her a natural with young participants, while her attention to detail ensures that every activity — from painting sessions to themed craft installations — is beautifully executed, inclusive, and inspiring.
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Whether curating imaginative art stations, guiding children through creative expression, or collaborating on bespoke concepts, Jess brings warmth, originality, and steady guidance to everything she does. She is a cornerstone of the Lightmill creative team and a trusted hand in bringing ideas to life.

Lead Illustrator, Interactive Arts Facilitator
Matthew Marr
Creative, kind, and full of fun — Matt is the imaginative engine behind many of our most engaging children’s experiences. As Lead Illustrator and Interactive Arts Facilitator, he brings a unique blend of artistic talent, digital fluency, and playful energy to every event.
With a background in interaction design and digital arts, Matt expertly weaves together hands-on activities and creative storytelling to spark curiosity and connection. Specialising in customised illustrations, Matt ensures every child feels included, inspired, and excited to create.
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Skilled in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and animation platforms, Matt designs and delivers immersive experiences that blur the line between the digital and physical world — from whimsical character design to interactive stations that encourage creative exploration.
Loved by kids and trusted by parents, Matt brings calm professionalism and imaginative flair to everything he does. From birthdays to bespoke family events, school workshops to brand activations, he ensures each moment is both meaningful and magical.

Event Operations
Stephan VD Merwe
Stephan brings a thoughtful presence and dependable energy to the Lightmill team. As part of our Event Operations crew, he plays a key role in ensuring that each event runs smoothly — from setup to breakdown and everything in between.
With a sharp eye for detail and a calm, can-do attitude, Stephan helps transform creative concepts into well-executed realities. Whether it’s preparing spaces, managing physical layouts, or assisting the production team, he brings structure, focus, and consistency to the ground-level delivery of each event.
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In addition to his operational support, Stephan also lends his creative thinking when needed — drawing from a background in copywriting and brand development to contribute to messaging and client-facing materials.
Reliable, flexible, and always willing to step in where needed, Stephan is an essential part of bringing our events to life from behind the scenes.