Our Story
Photon was founded on a simple idea: every property listing deserves professional media - not just the expensive ones.
We saw agents juggling multiple vendors for photos, 3D tours, video, and floor plans - spending too much, waiting too long, and getting inconsistent results. So we built an all-inclusive service that captures everything in one visit, delivers in 48 hours, and costs less than most agents pay for photos alone.
Based in Johannesburg, Photon serves estate agents, franchise agencies, and property developers across South Africa.
Meet the team
Vivian Lee
Vivian’s journey began in apartheid South Africa, a time when systemic barriers restricted dreams. However, the end of apartheid in 1994 ushered in an era of hope and opportunity.
With newfound freedom, Vivian and his siblings seized the moment - studying real estate, becoming licensed, and launching a business in 1999 that once seemed unattainable. From that bold leap emerged a thriving company, five brokerages, and over 100 trained agents - testament to what can be achieved when freedom meets opportunity. It was a remarkable time of growth and transformation.
In 2008, as the South African real estate market faced challenges, Vivian and his team sought opportunities beyond their borders. They ventured into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), championing peace and development in the wake of the Second Congo War. During this crucial rebuilding phase, they proudly contributed to the region’s progress.
Vivian’s entrance into the real estate photography market is equally inspiring. As a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), he is dedicated to helping realtors realize their visions. A passionate lover of the African bush, he delights in capturing wildlife and the stunning natural landscapes - especially the breathtaking beauty of African sunrises and sunsets.
When not behind the camera, Vivian enjoys preparing his favourite Indian curry dishes - always capturing the finished dish with his ever-present camera. Most importantly, he expresses deep gratitude to Our Creator for making this journey possible.
Matthew Lee
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Matthew’s understanding of property began long before the launch of Photon Real Estate Media.
His early experience was grounded in farm management, landscaping, and construction — environments where precision, patience, and respect for structure are essential. Working closely with land and development cultivated a practical understanding of how value is created from the ground up.
He later moved into sales, operating within high-end residential environments. It was during this time that he began to notice a consistent gap in the market: significant investment was being poured into properties, yet the way they were presented often failed to reflect their true value. Strong assets were being marketed generically.
That observation became the catalyst for co-founding Photon Real Estate Media alongside his father, Vivian.
Matthew’s focus within Photon is strategic positioning — ensuring that the visual presentation of a property aligns with the standard of the asset itself. His background across land management, construction, and premium sales environments allows him to understand both the physical and commercial dimensions of property. He views media not as decoration, but as leverage.
Outside of business, Matthew is an avid birder, bird photographer, and hiker. These pursuits reflect the same disciplines he brings into Photon: attention to detail, patience, perspective, and an appreciation for environment. In both nature and property, the right vantage point changes everything.
At Photon, he works with agents and developers who are intentional about how they position their listings — helping them present with clarity, authority, and commercial purpose.
Michael Nelson
Michael is a native South African based in Johannesburg, the bustling metropolitan city. He is an international citizen who has lived in Spain for over 15 years. He has also lived in numerous neighbourhoods around Johannesburg, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the area.
From a young age, Michael has had a keen eye for beauty and aesthetics. In his spare time, his fascination with photography led him to capture stunning images of the night sky, street scenes, architectural structures, and public events.
Michael has a background in Industrial Design Engineering, giving him a technical understanding of angles, composition, and other key aspects of photography.
Among his many talents, Michael is known as a versatile musician specialising in classical guitar and jazz saxophone. He has a good ear for languages, is bilingual in Spanish, and speaks basic French, Italian, German, and Portuguese, which is a clear advantage for the luxury international market.
He is an interesting, well-spoken, and presentable young gentleman who will ensure you and your clients have a seamless experience and outstanding results.
Join the Team
Looking to join a dynamic team in a constantly growing market?
At Photon, our mission is to improve the real estate media quality standard and the overall experience in the process of selling and purchasing properties. We are a team of open-minded, driven and ambitious individuals. So if you believe you can add value to our team, take risks, you are self-driven and a team player; feel free to send us an email with your CV and someone from our team will be in touch with you.