Bradley Jones, an adventurous photographer and videographer based in Bloemfontein, is known for the content he produced for local businesses free of charge through his “Hidden Gems” series. He has, however, also made a name for himself with the intriguing action shots he captured at the World Rally-Raid Championship’s South African Safari Rally 2025 in North West.
The founder of GalaxyCreations is ready to take on any challenge in the world of content creation, and he does not mind travelling to get the best shot. “Working outside of Bloemfontein broadens my perspective. It challenges me to do bigger and more exciting things outside my comfort zone – which transitions into exploring trends which I can then integrate into local content such as the Hidden Gems series.”
The 25-year-old creative said it is all about work when he is travelling for a project. There is barely enough time to enjoy the scenery, but being exposed to a world outside of the small town he grew up in, Tweespruit, is quite fulfilling.
“Travelling has taught me that the sky is the limit. There is so much more out there in the world, and how each person and place has its own story to tell,” he says.
Despite planning in advance before leaving for a project, Bradley says working in different locations does come with its own set of challenges. These include signal interruptions and a lack of familiarity with the terrain they need to work in.
But his aspirations to be one of the best video and photography agencies in motorsport is what keep him going. It requires discipline and focus; even if it keeps him awake at night, he makes sure that everything is in place. “I never forget to pack my camera gear – I always run through the gear four to five times before we leave for the project.”
Bradley has always been intrigued by technology. He produced EDM music when he was only 15 years old. He did not complete school, so he had to work his way to success by turning his curiosity into a career.
He started with a Nikon D3200 to photograph meat products at a local butchery for marketing. “I learnt everything I possibly could while I had the camera, using images from Shutterstock as inspiration for angles and lighting when capturing the products. When people could finally see the real product, the demand increased, and I realised how important it was to know this skill and how it could increase my value at the company,” he reflects.
The self-taught photographer continued to build a reputable name for himself by taking on various opportunities, until he eventually decided to take a leap of faith and focus on his passion on a full-time basis.
“With only enough cash flow in my bank account to pay for one month of living costs, I had 30 days to figure out where my next client would come from. This is the phase that challenged me in all aspects, not having a support system in place or a plan B. It was either I make this happen or I end up back at another job or perhaps worse, no place to stay.” Years went by, and he now has an established, reputable company that specialises in documentary-style filmmaking and high-end short-form content.
As part of his bucket list, Bradley hopes to capture the entire season of the World Rally-Raid Championship.
His advice for other young creators who want to travel and do what they enjoy? They need to first figure out how to create a demand for the product they offer. “This can easily be done by doing projects for free to build interest. Then be disruptive with your product in the industry – be the fastest, be the best, and base your price on the value that your product provides the end user.”
He encourages them to think beyond their limitations to achieve success in the ever-changing media landscape.
“Broaden your network, make content that creates ripples in your industry, and you are bound to be successful.”
Text: Gypseenia Lion
Photographs: Supplied
