Matthew Willman: Photographic Storyteller

    Matthew Willman
    • Highlights:
      • Versatile Talent: Matthew Willman is a renowned South African-based documentary photographer, author, and professional speaker. 
      • Documentary Photographer: Willman has documented significant historical, social, and cultural moments across the world. 
      • Nelson Mandela Foundation: Willman’s career includes working for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where he captured iconic images of the late South African president. His intimate and respectful portrayal of Mandela is one of the highlights of his body of work, earning him international recognition.
      • Author and Storyteller: As an accomplished author, Willman combines his photography with powerful storytelling. 
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Durban, SA
    • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

    Keynote Topics

    Matthew Willman is a South African based documentary photographer, author & professional speaker.  He has expressed himself through an extraordinary body of work which includes writing, storytelling and exhibition.

    Willman has gained over 24 years’ experience working for some of the world’s foremost institutions in the field of visual communication, development, visual arts and leadership.

    A true global citizen, Willman has worked in 48 countries tailoring his inventive brand of communication to the needs of an array of clients

    Which have included: Oxfam International, The World Health Organisation, The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Bill Clinton Presidential Library, The Vodafone Foundation, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Centre, Robben Island Museum and The European Commission.

    In 2019 Willman narrated and produced a short film documentary on the life of Nelson Mandela which was nominated and won an Emmy award in the USA.

    Matthew Willman | Photographic Storyteller

    Matthew Willman has had the pleasure of being commissioned to photograph individuals from a cross-section of the global community.

    Private commissions include: US Presidents Barack Obama & President Bill Clinton, 6 South African Presidents, Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Annie Lennox.

    Others include 22 Presidents, 12 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and a host of sports personalities, musicians, politicians and philanthropists.

    Perhaps one of Matthew Willman greatest achievements was his significant contribution to the recording of the process of South Africa’s democratic change.

    This occurred both in his work as a commissioned photographer to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and through ten years working with Mr Mandela himself.

    In 2003 Matthew was commissioned to archive and document the life and times of Nelson Mandela for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

    Over the years this afforded him many incredibly many intimate experiences with a man who for Willman embodies the very spirit and conviction we all possess as South Africans.

    His collection of work is now central to the Mandela Centre of Memory & Presidential Library in Johannesburg.

    View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    • (10)
    Darielle Williams: Aerialist Performer

    Darielle Williams aka Black Cat has toured with Beyoncé and performed in a Vegas Cirque-style show. She provides a unique experience that is bound to elevate any event. Her style is a mixture of ballet, contemporary and a little sass which audiences fall in love with. She specializes in aerial hoop, silk, hammock, pole dancing, […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Aerial Performers
    • (10)
    David Meerman Scott

    David Meerman Scott is a globally recognized expert in sales and marketing, renowned for his transformative insights and dynamic speaking engagements. With a career spanning over three decades, Scott has established himself as a thought leader, author, and consultant, influencing the way businesses approach marketing and sales. He is the author of numerous best-selling books, […]

    • Travels from: Boston, MA
    • Sales Speakers
    • (37)
    Jerry Carroll

    Country comedian Jerry Carroll harvests a bumper crop of high hilarity in his fast-paced, high-energy show about everyday life. His relatable topics crack up the most hard-to-please crowds. Jerry found comedy growing up on his family’s farm. For 20 years, he worked the farm before finally pursuing his life’s dream of entertaining people and making […]

    • Travels from: Greensboro, NC
    • Comedian Performers
    • (48)
    Jessie Camacho - Image 02 (April 14, 2026)

    Jessie Camacho has solidified her reputation as an experienced event moderator and emcee with over two decades of professional event hosting and facilitation experience. She has worked across various industries, including corporate, entertainment, nonprofit, and educational sectors, seamlessly engaging audiences of all sizes. Whether hosting large-scale corporate conferences, moderating high-stakes panels, or facilitating intimate roundtable […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Event Emcee
    • (13)
    Se-ah-dom Edmo: Social Justice

    Se-ah-dom Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce and Yakama) brings deep experience in community organizing for racial and social justice work across the nation. Prior to joining Seeding Justice, Se-ah-dom served as the Sovereignty Program Director at Western States Center where she was the coalition convener of Tribal History: Shared History (Senate Bill 13, 2017) in Oregon, which established and funded […]

    • Travels from: Gresham, OR
    • Native Americans
    • (46)
    • (2)
    Courtney Caldwell

    Courtney Caldwell is a dynamic and innovative force in the beauty-tech industry, serving as the Cofounder & CEO of ShearShare, the largest provider of on-demand salon and barbershop space rentals and the most affordable leases in the market. With a keen entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for transforming the beauty industry, Courtney has built a […]

    • Travels from: Buffalo, NY
    • Entrepreneurship
    • (4)
    Scott Dikkers

    Scott Dikkers is a New York Times bestselling author, comedy writer, and comedian known for his innovative approach to both creativity and branding. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of comedy, earning global recognition for his leadership at The Onion and his ability to redefine comedy for modern […]

    • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
    • Branding Speakers
    • (50)
    DJ MoniKa Starling - Image 05 (April 1, 2026)

    DJ MoniKa Starling, named the ‘hottest DJ in LA by Maxim Magazine, is a multi-genre Singer and DJ who’s Dance/Pop single ‘Breathe’ debuted at #1 on iTunes’ top song charts – Asia.“It’s amazing to see my name on top of some of my favorite artists of all time – especially Pink Floyd!”, she says. She […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Mobile DJ
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Speakers Inc.

    Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

    We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

    Find the Perfect Speaker

    Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.