For many, photography begins as a hobby. A way to capture memories, document moments, or experiment with creativity.
For the founders of Kingdom Standard Productions, it began as something much simpler , a first camera phone, a fascination with cars, and a willingness to tell what they now jokingly call a “white lie”.
“Back then I wasn’t a professional photographer at all,” founder Doneal Adams explains. “But I used to tell people I was.”
At the time, the business was known as Royal Stance Photography. What started as casual photos of family members and vehicles slowly evolved into something more serious, more intentional. Seven years ago, that passion officially took shape as Kingdom Standard Productions, though the love for photography had already been years in the making.
Originally from Uitenhage, Doneal and his wife Merryl Adams built the business together through trial and error. While Doneal initially focused on shooting and editing, Merryl handled the administrative side of the business. Over time, however, she developed an interest in the technical and creative aspects of photography herself, eventually stepping behind the camera and becoming a photographer in her own right.
Balancing full-time jobs with a growing photography business wasn’t easy, and like many small creative ventures, it required sacrifices. In response, the couple began turning shoots into something more meaningful.
“Photoshoots became like dates for us,” Doneal says. “We’d grab snacks along the way, talk about our day and brainstorm poses together.”
Today, what makes Kingdom Standard Productions particularly dynamic is the consistency they’re able to offer as a husband-and-wife team. When Doneal is unavailable to attend a shoot, Merryl is able to bring his creative vision to life, ensuring clients still receive the same level of excellence and attention to detail on the day.
Their process often begins even before they arrive on site. Merryl, who emphasises the importance of grounding their work in faith, encourages prayer before leaving for a shoot — something the couple say helps ease nerves and centre their creativity.
Kingdom Standard Productions now specialises in lifestyle and portrait photography, with a strong focus on studio work, alongside videography and corporate events. Their studio photography often involves sculpting lighting and exploring dynamic range to create imagery that feels both polished and personal.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Facing criticism early on led to moments of doubt, with questions around value and capability surfacing regularly. Over time, the couple say they learned to channel both positive and negative feedback into motivation, developing a brand identity rooted in faith and resilience.
Today, Kingdom Standard Productions describes itself as a faith-based business, with Jesus at the centre of both their work and their partnership.
041Online Valentine’s Campaign Giveaway
To close off the 041Online Valentine’s campaign, Kingdom Standard Productions is giving one lucky couple the opportunity to win a professional couple’s photoshoot to the value of R1 400.
Prize Details:
- Couple’s photoshoot valued at R1 400
- Voucher valid until 31 December 2026
- Voucher cannot be exchanged for cash
- Winners must provide at least one month’s notice to redeem their booking
It’s a fitting end to a campaign centred on connection, capturing not just how love looks, but how it lasts.
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