Creative Advisor
Hanli Smit
Hanli Smit, an accomplished fine art photographer. With her Graphic and Fashion Design background, and her love for painting and drawing, Hanli has always interwoven creativity in all she does. Thus, Hanli is often found not just behind the camera, but actively involved in the actual design of the entire costume, make-up, props accessories, etc. that goes into one of her photographic portraits or creations. In 2020, as testament to her creative talent in photography, Hanli ranked up impressive awards in prestigious national competitions. She was placed in the top 10 of Photo Africa Awards where she won the Portrait section as well as the Fashion category which ultimately resulted in her winning the prestigious award of Photographer of the Year 2020. During the last 2 years Hanli is also rewarded with images being selected for the International Portrait Awards Monthly collection. Hanli just found out that her image Black Bride was chosen by Maurizio Galimberti and his team to participate in an exhibition FACES and being one of a hundred photographers to compete in the Best Portrait Award 2025.
Showcase
Seven pieces, and what is behind them
Click on the artwork to see it larger, and read Hanli’s own description of each piece.
Work 01
Baroque
The soft illumination falling across her face and dress creates wonderful textures, especially in the crinkled gold fabric and the delicate flower petals. For me the way she holds her arms out creates a very strong, stable triangle shape that anchors the whole composition beautifully.The contrast between her pale skin and the deep, moody background really helps her stand out as the star of the image.
Work 02
Da Da
This image was inspired by the Da Da art movement, where reality is playfully distorted. I wanted to create a dark, enchanting fairy tale with rich, earthy colour of the dried flowers and the deep purple of the dress. The textures are fantastic, I love the roughness of the twigs and petals contrasting with the smoothness of her skin and the flowing waves of her striking red hair. The large bouquet extending towards the left side of the frame, balances against the visual weight of her hair on the opposite side
Work 03
Homage to Magritte
Magritte used the hidden faces as part of the way he told a story in his paintings. So I tried with the hidden face and the dreamlike setting on the beach and the wind creates lovely, flowing lines that gives the image a strong sense of movement and rhythm. The bright blue of the cloth stands out beautifully against the darker blue of the sky and the pale sand.The negative space in front of the figure works very well here, giving the mysterious person plenty of space to move into the distance.
Work 04
Lady Icarus
The story of a mythical figure who has tumbled from the sky, resting in a quiet, dreamy space. the soft light on the curled figure highlights the delicate shapes of the human form beautifully. The feathers creates a fascinating texture that contrasts with the smooth skin. The figure facing towards the left side of the frame, and leaving that empty space in front of her gives her breathing space, which balances the composition and add to the mystery.
Work 05
Painted Face
The contrast between the calm, smooth features of the portrait and the chaotic, dark paint splatters, creates a wonderful sense of mystery for me.The smooth tones of the skin stand out beautifully against the rough, heavy brush strokes. I felt the black and white treatment also helps to glue the photographic and painted parts together into one solid piece of art.
Work 06
Homage to Tretchikoff
I chose this title because of the rich colour and stylised pose reminded me of his mid-centenary portraits. The contrast between the smooth dark skin and the highly textured gold sequins, smooth metallic bangles, and silky gold fabric creates a very rich visual experience. The lighting was created to catch the highlights on the gold elements and giving a beautiful sheen to the model’s skin.
Work 07
The Thinker
Here I was hoping to create the feeling of a deep sense of reflection. The visual echo between the living man and the painted face creates a fascinating story about inner thoughts and identity. For me, it feels as though we are seeing the man’s internal state projected on the canvas behind him
In her own words
How Hanli got here
I have always been drawn to creativity, storytelling, and beauty in all its forms. Over the years, my journey has evolved through fashion design, photography, art, and nature, eventually blending into a style that feels completely my own.
I started out designing clothing, particularly for the fuller figure, because I believe women should feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable in what they wear. Designing taught me how fabric moves, how texture and colour create emotion, and how fashion can become part of a person’s identity.
Photography naturally became an extension of that creativity. What began as taking photographs turned into creating worlds and telling stories through images. My work leans strongly toward fantasy and boho-inspired portraiture, where I combine fashion, emotion, movement, and natural surroundings to create images that feel dreamlike and soulful. I love helping people see themselves differently through my lens, often stronger, freer, and more beautiful than they realised.
Life in Marloth Park, on the edge of the Kruger National Park, has influenced my work deeply. Nature is part of my everyday life, and the African bushveld constantly inspires me, from the wildlife and sunsets to the earthy textures and untamed atmosphere. Much of my work carries that connection to nature and freedom.
Over time, I realised that my art is not limited to one medium. Whether I am designing clothing, photographing people, creating concepts, or styling spaces, it all comes from the same place, a love for storytelling, beauty, and emotion.
My journey has never really been about fitting into one category. It has been about creating a world where art, fashion, nature, and human connection all come together.
The path she took
She finished the Masterclass
Hanli completed every workshop in the programme. It begins with Getting Started in Art Photography, which is where all of this starts.
Look at Getting StartedThe others
Eighteen more artists
Every creative advisor came the same way, and each one has a page of their own with the work they make now.
See all the creative advisorsHanli’s creative journey began with just one course
Every artist on these pages started at the same place, unsure whether any of it would come to anything. Getting Started in Art Photography is where that begins.
Begin your journey in fine art photography