What started as a love for capturing moments during an overseas trip has grown into one of Bloemfontein’s recognised photography brands. Photographer Gino Harmse reflects on his journey through entrepreneurship, creativity, self-doubt and storytelling.
Choosing the entrepreneurial path can often feel uncertain and intimidating, but for Harmse, passion ultimately guided the way. Today, he has established himself as one of the city’s respected photographers, known for his emotive, story-driven imagery and authentic approach to capturing life’s most meaningful moments.
Looking back at where it all began, Harmse says photography was never part of his long-term career plan. After finishing high school, he envisioned himself pursuing a more traditional corporate career. However, a life-changing international trip would eventually reignite a creative spark that had long existed within him.
“In 2019, I travelled to Thailand, and that experience reignited my love for the art form,” he explains. “Capturing the incredible landscapes, island scenery, and everyday moments reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. At the time, I still never imagined it becoming a full-time career.”
Not long after returning home, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the lives of millions across the globe, including his own. During the 2020 lockdown, Harmse found himself turning to photography not only as a creative outlet but also as a means of sustaining himself financially.
He says that period became a defining turning point in his life. “Photography became something I could rely on during lockdown, and that’s when I realised there was an opportunity to turn my passion into something much bigger,” he says. “From that point onward, I committed myself fully to building my business, investing my time, energy, and creativity into growing it into what it is today.”
Over the years, Harmse Photography has grown steadily, attracting clients who appreciate Harmse’s natural and emotionally engaging photography style. He describes his work as authentic, timeless and centred around genuine human connection. “I love working with natural light and creating images that feel authentic and timeless, while placing a strong focus on genuine emotion and connection,” he says.
As both an individual and creative professional, Gino says his artistic style has evolved significantly over time. What began as simply documenting moments has transformed into a deeper form of storytelling.
“As I’ve grown both personally and professionally, I’ve learned to focus less on perfection and more on creating photographs that feel real, meaningful, and emotionally engaging,” he explains.
Like many entrepreneurs and creatives, Harmse admits the journey has not been without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles he faced early on was overcoming self-doubt.
Since he never formally studied photography or had a mentor guiding him from the beginning, there were moments when he questioned whether he truly belonged in such a competitive industry. “Like many creatives starting out, there were moments where I questioned whether I was good enough or capable of succeeding. However, the more I practised and pushed myself creatively, the more my confidence and skills developed.”
Despite those uncertainties, he credits much of his professional growth to the hands-on experience he gained while working alongside another photographer whose work he admired deeply.
“I had the privilege of working alongside a photographer whose work I deeply admired, and that experience played a significant role in refining my technique and understanding of the industry,” he says. “Those experiences helped shape not only my skill set, but also my approach to storytelling and professionalism within my business.”
In today’s digital age, Harmse believes social media and digital marketing have also played a major role in helping him establish and grow his brand. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook became powerful tools for showcasing his portfolio and connecting with potential clients.
“In a creative industry, your work is your portfolio, and platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow potential clients to connect with your style, personality, and brand almost instantly,” he says.
Balancing the artistic side of photography with the realities of running a business can often be difficult, but Harmse believes his previous corporate experience prepared him well for entrepreneurship. Before becoming a full-time photographer, he spent seven years managing a well-known family franchise restaurant.
“That experience taught me valuable lessons in leadership, customer service, time management, and running a business effectively,” he explains.
For aspiring photographers and young creatives who look up to his journey, Gino encourages them to remain authentic and patient while pursuing their goals. “I think it’s important to stay grounded in your beliefs and remain true to yourself throughout your journey. Success is not built overnight. Consistency, patience, and a willingness to keep learning are essential,” he says.
He also emphasises the importance of self-care, particularly in creative industries where burnout can become a serious challenge. “It’s very easy to lose yourself in work and experience burnout,” he says.
“Taking care of yourself is just as important as working hard. ”Looking back on the growth of Harmse Photography, Harmse says one of the most rewarding aspects of his career has been building long-term relationships with clients and documenting some of the most important milestones in their lives.
“What makes this career so meaningful to me is being trusted to capture some of people’s most important moments and memories. I’ve had the privilege of photographing clients through different chapters of their lives – from their very first photoshoot, to couple sessions, engagements, weddings, maternity shoots, and even welcoming their newborn children,” he shares.
As his brand continues to grow, Harmse remains optimistic about the future. He hopes to continue expanding his impact, refining his craft and using photography to tell meaningful stories that resonate with people for years to come.
Text: CLEMENT MATROOS
