PORTRAITS Archives - DNA photographers portfolio

Derrick Lim and his Porsche collection for Porsche GT Circle / Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Derrick Lim — A Porsche Life
in Kuala Lumpur

What started as a shoot for Porsche GT Circle turned into one of our most unforgettable trips yet. The brief was simple — document Derrick Lim and his remarkable Porsche collection. What we didn’t expect was how deeply this trip would leave its mark on us.

Derrick and his family welcomed us with a warmth that turned a work assignment into something far more meaningful. We rode Kuala Lumpur flat, flew out to the island paradise of Langkawi, and ate our way through everything Malaysia had to offer.

New friendships were made, adventures were had, and memories were collected alongside the cars. Malaysia — a true highlight of 2025.

Shot for Porsche GT Circle
Producer: Antonia Heil
Photo and Video: DNA photographers
Post: DNA photographers

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Michelle and her Porsche collection for Porsche Clubs Worldwide / Cape Town, South Africa

CARS, CAPE TOWN,
AND A WHOLE LOT OF PASSION

“I do believe cars have souls,” says Michelle. And we couldn’t agree more.

She’s passionate. Fearlessly so.
Her collection? Remarkable.
Her energy? Infectious.

Spending time with her for Porsche only confirmed what we’ve always known: when passion meets purpose, magic happens. A shared love for Porsche is a powerful thing.

Shot for Porsche Clubs Worldwide
Photo and Video: DNA photographers
Producer: Antonia Heil
Sound: Johnny Claassen
Post: DNA photographers

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Cam and his GT2RS for Porsche GT Circle / Cape Town, South Africa

A GT2RS meets the perfect backdrop — Cape Town in all its glory

We’ve long dreamed of creating something unique with Cam’s incredible Porsches. The Porsche GT Circle launch in SA was the perfect opportunity!

This project was a labor of love, spanning over a month as we chased the perfect weather. November in Cape Town threw some wild winds our way, but patience paid off. The final result? Beyond worth it.

Huge thanks to everyone who brought this vision to life—especially the Porsche team in Germany, you guys are incredible! And to Cape Town, you made it easy.

Shot for Porsche GT Circle
Producer: Antonia Heil
Interview location: Sanctuary Studio
Sound: Johnny Claassen
Lighting: Luke Chomse
Photo and Video: DNA photographers
Post: DNA photographers

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Nils Hansen and his Porsche 924 for Type7 / Cape Town, South Africa

Treasures of the Cape

Nils Hansen (@nils_wscycleworks)’s days often begin at 5am with a bike ride, soaking in the beauty of Cape Town’s landscapes. “Cycling is like second nature to me; it’s the ultimate freedom.” Weekends for him are a blend of car tinkering, family time and gardening – a passion that he’s keen to develop further. “Exploring new places with my family brings me immense joy”, he says. “I’m at my happiest when I’m working on anything outdoors and being creative with my hands”.

Transitioning from his beloved Volkswagens to a Porsche 924, Nils found himself drawn to classic cars when others were chasing the latest models. He wanted something special, something to challenge him. The Porsche became a canvas for learning and creativity, a testament to his passion for restoration and repair.

Film and photos produced by us for Type7.

“There isn’t really anything I haven’t collected I think for such a young person.”

Nils Hansen is the owner of bicycle shop Woodstock Cycleworks in Cape Town. For Nils, the essence of life revolves around celebrating things from the past with a deep rooted love for restoration and the upkeep of vintage bicycles. As a devoted collector, he finds joy in the narratives woven into old cars, art, unique artefacts and yes, bicycles. “I’m naturally drawn to things that have a story to tell” he explains.

We joined Nils in his workshop followed by a cruise around Cape Town in his Porsche 924 Turbo to talk to him about his love for collecting and repairing. For Nils, this is a life long love affair with objects that whisper stories of bygone eras, some of known and some of unknown origin. Growing up, he was surrounded by collectors, artists, designers and photographers. “They thought me lessons about how simply made objects show creative ability.”

Woodstock Cycleworks has evolved into a cultural hotspot over the past thirteen years, expanding from a modest 40 square meter shop to a sprawling space bursting with vintage treasures.

The shop hosts a myriad of events, from braais (South African BBQs) to swap meets and creative talks, attracting cyclists and curious visitors alike.

“There aren’t many shops that look like us in the world. It is a home for people of all cycling backgrounds” says Nils. “I have always hoped that the shop is like an old museum, a way to look back at what was there before.”

“I really learned to love how things were made in the past and how they continue to be loved into the future. That’s what I really enjoy about stuff like this.”

Step Inside Nils Hansen’s shop and you’ll encounter a treasure trove of vintage bicycles, old gear, sculptures, trophies and other eclectic trinkets. “All things that have been used and abused throughout the years. It’s really like a showpiece for creativity in some weird way or another” Nils remarks. His latest obsession? Anvils crafted from old railway tracks. “People can’t afford the real ones so they make their own, and everyone has their own style.”

Reitumetse Kholumo for Queen’s Alumni Review / Stellenbosch, South Africa

Reitumetse Kholumo started her company, Kwela Brews, to help support South African women who practise the art of brewing traditional African beer.

Dan and his Miata / Cape Town, South Africa

[automotive/portraits] We went for a drive with Dan the day before he handed over his beloved Miata to the new owner. It was a windy, moody night drive full of emotions and memories. Oh, the love for cars…

Keen to create some magic with us? Shout!

Olive harvest / shot for Monkey Business Olive Oil / Caledon, South Africa

Olive Harvest in Caledon shot for Monkey business olive oil

Farming is fascinating, hard, real… We love going to the countryside (and always dream of living just surrounded by nature). So when we were asked to document a day of the olive harvest on a farm close to Caledon, we immediately said YES. The key was to take portraits of the pickers and orchard caretakers. We loved spending the day with the crew as well as get to know their nicknames for each other and take in the scenery on a very hot day. Have a look at Monkey Business Olive Oil’s Instagram to follow what they’re up to.

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Nafissatou “Nafi” Thiam / shot for Red Bull with ICONIC / Stellenbosch, South Africa

NAFI THIAM FOR RED BULL

Last week Nafi Thiam broke the indoor pentathlon world record in Turkey. (A pentathlon is a contest featuring five events.) It was incredible shooting her just two weeks prior for Red Bull and Iconic. It’s not often you get to meet and work with a GOAT. Thanks for the good vibes Nafi and team!

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Bryan Habana / shot for Markets.com / Cape Town, South Africa

Bryan Habana Markets dot com DNA photographers screenshot socials 01

BRYAN HABANA X MARKETS.com X DNA

We spent a day in the studio with rugby legend Bryan Habana and Markets.com to create images and moving images to announce their 2023 partnership. Markets.com is an innovative, world-leading trading platform that offers financial trading products.

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Voortrekker Road / shot for High Life, British Airways inflight magazine

{editorial} “You can find anything on Voortrekker Road. Really, you can. You can find your ancestors at Maitland Cemetery and salvation at Command of Faith Ministries. Modern-day Voortekkers dragging carts of scrap metal behind blinkered horses and row upon row of caricature car salesmen peddling near-identical Toyotas and Tatas. You can find your bearings by looking up at ever-present Lion’s Head.”

I spend two days on Voortrekker Road with Nick Dall interviewing random people – such a good and positive experience. Chatting and meeting people that live in a caravan park, inviting us into their caravans and sharing story after story. It’s such a special road. It reminds me a lot of America. Find the full story in the current inflight magazine of British Airways called High life.
DNA – Desmond

Derrick Lim — A Porsche Life in Kuala Lumpur

CARS, CAPE TOWN, AND A WHOLE LOT OF PASSION

A GT2RS meets the perfect backdrop — Cape Town in all its glory

Treasures of the Cape

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Olive Harvest in Caledon shot for Monkey business olive oil

NAFI THIAM FOR RED BULL

BRYAN HABANA X MARKETS.com X DNA

Derrick Lim — A Porsche Life
in Kuala Lumpur

CARS, CAPE TOWN,
AND A WHOLE LOT OF PASSION