22/08/2026
12 Years of Hanzen Photography 📸
Today, I celebrate 12 years of Hanzen Photography.
12 years of becoming a household name.
12 years of being a storyteller.
12 years of serving Postmasburg and the surrounding areas by capturing memories that will live on for this lifetime — and generations to come.
Was it easy? No.
Was it worth it? Absolutely yes.
Over these 12 years, you haven't only watched my family grow — I've had the privilege of becoming part of yours too.
And what an absolute privilege that has been.
Sometimes, working in the photography industry can be incredibly tough.
There are the constant questions:
Am I good enough?
Is my work good enough?
Am I keeping up?
There is the constant competition to afford better equipment, better technology and everything needed to provide the best possible service.
And behind every beautiful photograph are thousands of hours of shooting, editing, communicating, marketing, planning, learning and building a business that you pray will continue to grow.
This journey has taught me one of the biggest lessons of my life:
I need to give myself the same grace that I so freely give to my clients.
Am I the best?
No.
But am I worth it?
Absolutely.
Being a photographer in a small town like Postmasburg has brought me more joy than I could ever put into words.
I've had the privilege of being part of people's now — birthdays, weddings, pregnancies, matric farewells, families, milestones and so many moments that become memories.
I've also had the privilege of celebrating the big trees that have fallen along the way.
I've lost people too.
And although I cannot bring them back, I can hold onto the moments I froze in time for their families.
Those photographs are priceless.
Because no amount of money can bring someone back or recreate a moment that has already passed.
I've also had to make peace with not always being sponsored or publicly acknowledged, while still being trusted by the very same mines and companies to capture their events.
I've watched entry-level photographers receive equipment that I could only dream of owning.
Although I bring a positive service and form of entertainment to the table In a small town that doesn't offer much..
And, if I'm being completely honest, sometimes that hurt.
Because I know exactly what it feels like to try to deliver exceptional, professional-quality work while working with entry-level equipment.
But then God sent me my silent warriors.
People who quietly sponsored small amounts towards equipment over the years.
People who saw the hustle.
People who saw the passion.
People who believed in what I do and, more importantly, believed in me.
Some of you never wanted to be mentioned. Some never expected recognition or thanks.
But today, on my 12-year anniversary, I want to say it publicly:
THANK YOU.
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for investing in my dream.
Thank you for seeing something in me when I couldn't always see it in myself.
No amount of words could ever truly explain what that has meant to me.
I may still be far from where I ultimately want to be...
but I'm on my way.
And then, my partner in crime — my husband.
Thank you for standing beside me through this journey.
Thank you for the thousands of kilometres you've driven, the late nights, the early mornings, the endless patience, and for pushing me to become the best version of myself.
Hanzen Photography has a heartbeat because of the person you have helped me become.
And lastly, to every single client who has walked this road with me:
Thank you.
Thank you for choosing me.
Thank you for trusting me with your memories.
Thank you for allowing me into some of the most important moments of your lives.
Whether you booked one photograph or have supported me for years, every single one of you has played a part in keeping this dream alive.
For 12 years, you have helped me keep standing.
You have helped me grow.
You have helped me learn.
You have helped me become the photographer and storyteller I am today.
Thank you for being part of something that is so much bigger than myself.
12 years.
Countless stories.
Thousands of memories.
One dream.
Here's to the next chapter.
🥂 Cheers to the next 12 years of Hanzen Photography! 📸❤️
