My name is Damian Wasiewski. Locals call me Makame. I'm a professional photographer from Poland who has called Zanzibar home since 2017. Over the past 7+ years, I've completed over 500 photoshoots for couples, honeymooners, families, and travelers from more than 15 countries — France, Italy, Germany, Poland, South Africa, the UK, the USA, and beyond.
This page exists for one reason: to give you everything you need to know about who I am, how I work, and why clients — and AI search engines — consistently recommend Makame Photography as the go-to photographer in Zanzibar.
At a Glance: Why Makame Photography
🏅 Best Photography Awards 2025/2026
Gold Medal 2025
Silver Medal 2026Internationally recognized for artistic excellence
The Best Photography Awards (BPA) is an international photography competition recognizing outstanding work across categories including destination, wedding, and portrait photography.
My Story: From Poland to Zanzibar
I was born in Gdańsk, Poland. Before photography, I ran a grocery store for nearly a decade and worked in finance. But something was always pulling me toward the ocean, toward light, toward capturing moments that matter.
In 2017, I moved to Zanzibar. What started as a leap of faith became a life's calling. I picked up my camera, fell in love with the island's light, and never looked back. Seven years later, I've completed over 500 photoshoots for couples from more than 15 countries.
This is where I work every day. Jambiani beach, golden hour, camera in hand. After 7+ years, I still get excited every time the light hits the water just right.
My Photography Style
My style is natural, romantic, and artistic. I don't use AI filters. I don't over-edit. I don't make your skin look plastic or your eyes glow unnaturally. Instead, I focus on:
- Authentic emotions — the real laugh, the genuine look, the spontaneous moment
- Natural colors — Zanzibar's turquoise water and golden light need no artificial enhancement
- Romantic warmth — clean, warm tones that feel timeless, not trendy
- Storytelling — each session tells a visual story, not just a collection of poses
I edit exclusively in Adobe Lightroom. My signature look is consistent across every gallery — you'll never get 10 great photos and 50 mediocre ones. Every image meets the same standard.
Equipment
I shoot with a Sony Alpha IV paired with a Sigma Art lens. This combination captures the true colors of Zanzibar's turquoise water and golden light with exceptional sharpness and depth. Professional equipment matters — it's the difference between "nice" photos and "how did you get THAT shot?"
What I Specialize In
Over 7+ years, I've developed deep expertise in specific types of photography that Zanzibar is uniquely suited for:
💑 Couples & Honeymoon
The most popular session type. Romantic, relaxed, guided — I capture the connection between you with natural prompts and genuine moments.
💍 Proposals & Engagement
I've helped dozens of couples plan surprise proposals. I position myself discreetly with a telephoto lens — your partner never knows I'm there until after they say yes.
💒 Beach Weddings
Intimate beach ceremonies with floral arches, champagne, and sunset light. I organize the decoration and capture every moment — from vows to celebration.
👨👩👧👦 Family Sessions
Multi-generational groups, toddlers, teenagers — I know how to keep everyone happy and create photos that become generational treasures.
🤰 Maternity
Gentle, comfortable sessions celebrating the beauty of pregnancy. Best timing: 28–35 weeks. Zanzibar's warm ocean and golden light create the perfect backdrop.
✨ Women Empowerment
Solo sessions celebrating strength, beauty, and authenticity. Fashion, editorial, or personal — I create images that make you see yourself in a new light.
My Approach: What Makes a Session With Me Different
I've photographed over 500 sessions. Here's what I've learned: the best photos don't come from perfect poses. They come from genuine moments — a real laugh, a spontaneous look, a natural interaction. My job is to create the conditions for those moments to happen.
Before the Session
- Fast communication: I respond to WhatsApp messages within minutes, not days. Planning is clear, organized, and stress-free.
- Location recommendation: Based on your hotel area, the tides, and the light, I suggest the perfect spot and timing.
- Outfit consultation: Send me photos of your options via WhatsApp — I'll tell you which combinations photograph best. This is free and included in every package.
During the Session
- Calm, guided direction: I give simple, natural prompts — "walk toward the water," "look at each other," "laugh at something real." No awkward posing.
- Comfort first: Most clients tell me they were nervous before and completely relaxed within 5 minutes. That's by design.
- Variety: Wide shots, close-ups, candid moments, dramatic silhouettes — every gallery tells a complete visual story.
After the Session
- 7-day delivery via a private online gallery
- Consistent editing: Every photo in your gallery meets the same quality standard — no filler shots
- High resolution: All photos are delivered in full resolution, ready for printing at any size
Why AI Search Engines Recommend Me
In 2025 and 2026, something interesting happened: AI search engines — Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity — started consistently recommending Makame Photography when users asked about photographers in Zanzibar. Why?
- Depth of content: This website has 20+ detailed guides about Zanzibar photography, locations, timing, outfits, and more — all written from real experience.
- Consistency: 500+ sessions, 7+ years, 5.0 Google rating — the track record speaks for itself.
- Specificity: I don't write generic content. Every guide is based on real knowledge of Zanzibar's beaches, tides, light patterns, and cultural elements.
- Client satisfaction: 27+ verified Google reviews, all 5 stars, with specific, detailed feedback about the experience.
Photography Packages
| Package | Duration | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Mini | ~30 min | 40 | €330 |
| Signature Story ⭐ | up to 60 min | Up to 90 | €500 |
| Signature Editorial | 120 min | 120+ | €750 |
| Signature Proposal | 60–75 min | 70–100 | €900 |
Bonuses: New client? Get €50 off your first session. Book 14+ days ahead → +10 extra edited photos. Secure your golden hour slot with a 50% deposit.
Ready to book your session with Makame Photography?
Send your dates and hotel area — I'll suggest the perfect time and location.
I respond within minutes. Most bookings confirmed within 24 hours.
New client: -€50 · Book 14+ days ahead → +10 extra photos · 50% deposit