FRAMES OF FAITH & FASHION: THE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY OF SOWETO-BASED PHOTOGRAPHER

MONDAYS MAG
4 days ago
4 min read

KGOSIETSILE ROSARUS

A Mondays Magazine Exclusive Feature

A JOURNEY ROOTED IN HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Born and raised in Setlopo Village in Mafikeng, Kgosietsile Rosarus carries his upbringing like a badge of honour. The quiet village, far from the bustling creative spaces he wished for, shaped him into a photographer who is passionate, innovative, and relentless. His move to Soweto wasn’t just geographical, it was emotional, spiritual, and a leap of faith. He left college in Mafikeng to chase a dream that only he could see at the time.

“It was the hardest and best decision of my life,” he recalls. “I don’t regret it for even a second.”

Today, that decision reflects in every frame he shoots, every model he directs, and every bold image shared with his growing Instagram audience a platform that mirrors his polished and fearless aesthetic.

A SPARK IGNITED IN FRIENDSHIP

Photography found him before he even understood what it meant to hold a camera. It started with friends , Lebogang Motlhamme, Oarabile Mooketsi, and model friend Karabo Tlhoolebe, whose camera became their playground.

When Covid-19 lockdown hit, creativity didn’t stop. If anything, it intensified. Shooting on phones, experimenting with style, hunger grew. Soon, photography lessons with Michael Makhubedu turned curiosity into craft.

That’s when he realised photography wasn’t just a hobby — it could put food on the table. It could become a life.

FINDING HOME BEHIND THE LENS

Before joining Creative Family Media Group, he freelanced for over two years, navigating the uncertainty of verbal agreements and unfair treatment many young creatives face. His defining moment came when the company recognised his talent and offered him structure, respect, and a creative home. “That’s when I knew photography was my calling.”

Today, he works as a photographer, camera operator, and creative director roles he balances by embracing teamwork and giving his best energy to each project individually.

DRAWN INTO FASHION’S WORLD

The world of fashion didn’t arrive gently it pulled him in. Collaborative shoots with models, stylists, and designers opened up a universe he could not ignore. Now, fashion photography is one of his strongest lanes, evident in the bold street-influenced style he showcases online.

“I love street photography because the different backgrounds connect perfectly with the outfits. That’s what makes me unique in the fashion photography industry.” His Instagram, @kgosietsilerosarusjpeg, reflects this effortlessly: clean tones, striking edits, bold poses, and fashion-forward moods that make his page stand out.

INFLUENCES, CHALLENGES & A PHOTOGRAPHER’S EVOLUTION

Ofentse Mwase — a powerhouse in SA cinematography is one of his biggest inspirations. But so are the people standing next to him every day: collaborators, stylists, models, and team members who push him creatively.

His journey hasn’t been smooth. Losing his first camera to a scam almost derailed everything. “I thought my dream had died,” he says. But he worked at Wanda Optics, saved every cent, prayed, and rose again. Once he bought his new camera, he cut out the noise: parties, excessive alcohol, distractions. And that discipline sharpened his craft. "after getting my new gear from saving money I earned at Wanda Optics, I linked up with Tlotlo Mogwera and he made my dream of becoming a professional photographer possible because we had the same vision but unfortunately when I came to Johannesburg he was still doing his studies in Kimberly, he's still in Kimberly and we are still in contact. He's doing well also on his businesses " he says.

One project that changed everything for him was shooting Bigga Beatz’s EP listening session — a moment that taught him the real power of networking.

His Creative Process: Vision to Final Frame

For Kgosietsile, Pinterest is a treasure chest. His process flows like this:

Create a mood board
Scout the perfect location
Select the right models
Shoot with intention
Edit with passion

Editing is his favourite part — “That’s when I see the vision come alive.”

The Dream: Paris Fashion Week

If he could shoot anywhere in the world, it would be Paris. To him, Paris is the heartbeat of global fashion, the perfect place to merge African street style with international runway elegance.

He dreams of capturing Paris Fashion Week a dream that no longer feels far away.

Advice for Young Creatives

To young photographers from villages or small towns, he says:

Work hard
Collaborate
Network at your level
Stay patient
Don’t overstep boundaries
Know your place
Your time will come

What’s Next?

“Expect more content. Creative Family is cooking something big. We stayed humble and kept the work in — now it’s time to go bigger.”

With a strong team behind him, more fashion aesthetics on the way, and a fire that refuses to die, Kgosietsile Rosarus is no longer just a kid from Setlopo, he’s a rising creative force shaping South African fashion storytelling one frame at a time.

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