For Andrew Harvard, photography isn’t just a hobby or profession – it’s a form of meditation. Photography is how he listens to the world, how he gives thanks, and how he heals. From seascapes to street life, from the jagged edges of nature to the quiet poetry of a single moment, Harvard’s photographs do something rare in an oversaturated world – they slow you down.
Born and raised in Durban, Andrew didn’t always know that photography would become such a central part of his life. After finishing school at Glenwood Boys High and serving eight years in the South African Police, he built a career as a senior insurance loss adjuster. But it was in 2011, with a humble Canon 550D and a fascination with HDR photography, that something shifted.
“My late mother used to be very active with a point-and-shoot camera,” he recalls. “She always said my love for photography began before I was even born.”
Whether or not you believe in prenatal callings, it’s clear that something powerful clicked into place. Soon, photography evolved from a side pursuit to something more serious – when canvases began selling and commercial clients came calling, so did the tax forms and invoices.
But while many would’ve turned fully professional, Harvard chose a different path. One of personal passion and artistic freedom. His philosophy is grounded, yet deeply poetic:
“Photography takes me to some special places I’ve never been, and sometimes introduces me to interesting people, both of whom I might not ordinarily get a chance to spend a moment in time with.”
Cape Town Through a Quiet Gaze
After years of holidaying in Cape Town, Harvard and his wife finally made the city their home. But even after moving, they still see themselves as tourists in their own city.
“There’s just too much to see and do,” he says, “and life doesn’t begin and end at the wine farms or top of Table Mountain.”
It’s this sense of open-eyed wonder that defines Harvard’s approach to Cape Town. He’s drawn to places like Boulder’s Beach South, Miller’s Point, and Kalk Bay, but he’s also enchanted by the overlooked 6km stretch along the M4 south of Boulder’s – where nooks, crannies, and rock formations whisper stories most tourists never hear.
For Harvard, capturing Cape Town isn’t about glossy postcards. It’s about the raw and real, swirling sea foam around his ankles at sunrise, the unsuspecting moment a stranger laughs on the street, or the fierce stillness of a powerlifter mid-lift. His signature seascapes, candid portraits, and vivid event shots all pulse with life, movement, and honesty.
Candid, Saturated, and Unapologetically Bold
Firstly, Harvard’s style is unmistakable. Early in his journey, he became obsessed with sharpness, chromatic precision, and the “one magic shot.”
But these days? “I’m far more relaxed now,” he says. “I post multiple photos in a series. Some people enjoy scrolling through 40 Cape Town images at once.”
He’s also not shy about colour – in fact, he’s proud of it. “Some photographers in Durban used to call me FANTA ORANGE,” he laughs, referring to the bold saturation in his editing style. And yes, he edits his images. Extensively, at times. But always with love.
“Editing is half the fun. Some people miss that.”
Andrew shoots with a Canon G3X for its ease and versatility, and a Canon 5D4 when he needs that extra low-light power. He believes you don’t need fancy gear to start documenting the world –
“Just a phone, your eyes, and a little curiosity.”
Photography as Meditation
What’s most compelling about Harvard is not just his photos – it’s how he talks about them. To him, photography is meditation. It’s silence in motion. It’s a chance to focus so deeply on what’s right in front of you that the world fades away.
“I get lost in the moment,” he says. “It’s my healing tool. A way to navigate emotions, grief, and gratitude.”
His photo “Andy’s Other Magic Place,” taken alone at sunrise atop Mount Thesiger in the Wild Coast, South Africa, captures this transcendence.
“It was one of those rare moments where I felt deeply connected to something… call it the Universe, God, a passed loved one – whatever you need. I just felt grateful.”
Giving Back, One Frame at a Time
While Andrew is often out capturing nature and street scenes, he also uses his photography to give back. He’s spent over a decade photographing powerlifters and athletes – for free – to support a sport he once competed in himself.
More recently, he’s been documenting the rise of Lamiyah Barnard, an 11-year-old actress from Kraaifontein who won “Best Actress” at the Florence International Film Festival. He takes her professional photos at no cost, to help amplify young talent from under-resourced communities.
“It’s about giving back,” he says. “Helping others shine.”
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
Harvard’s advice to new photographers is simple, but golden:
- Be different – don’t be a sheep.
- Start with what you have – a phone is enough.
- Edit your images – apps like Snapseed and Pixlr can make all the difference.
- Avoid the obvious shot – go higher, lower, sideways.
- Shoot when others don’t – sunrise, sunset, or in unexpected weather.
- Join a group if you’re unsure about safety – photography should be joyful, not risky.
Final Shot
Andrew Harvard isn’t chasing Instagram fame or commercial acclaim. He’s chasing light. Chasing moments. Chasing that fleeting feeling of being entirely present in a world that too often rushes past itself.
So, the next time you’re scrolling through social media or walking through Cape Town, pause. Really look. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll see what Andrew sees.
And if you’re lucky, you might just feel it too.
Website: https://andrewharvard.co.za
Contact: +27 82 466 5588
