Bokang Ramasimong, automotive photographer based in Lesotho

Bokang Ramasimong, also known as Troy JPEG is a creative photographer from Lesotho with a deep passion for storytelling through visuals. His work mainly focuses on automotive, documentary, and portrait photography, capturing everything from roaring engines to raw human emotion.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

My work mainly focuses on automotive, documentary, and portrait photography, capturing everything from roaring engines to raw human emotion.

What sets me apart is how I blend technical precision with artistic mood, whether I’m shooting a still car or a fleeting human expression. I believe every frame should speak.

How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment, person, or inspiration that sparked your passion for capturing images?

What truly sparked my passion was the feeling I got after taking one of my first photos with a borrowed camera - a simple portrait that somehow captured more than just a face; it told a story.

From there, I started experimenting, shooting cars, friends, and everyday life. The more I shot, the more I realised how powerful images can be. They freeze time, express emotion, and speak louder than words. That’s when I knew photography wasn’t just a hobby, it was my voice.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I specialise in automotive, documentary, and portrait photography.

I chose these niches because each represents something I deeply connect with, cars for their design and energy, documentary for real, raw storytelling, and portraits for capturing human emotion and personality.

Over time, my style has evolved from just “snapping pictures” to crafting intentional, story-driven visuals. I now focus more on lighting, mood, and composition, making sure every shot feels alive and meaningful.

My style blends clean detail with a cinematic touch, whether I’m shooting a parked car, a street moment, or a quiet human expression.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

The theme that drives my photography is authentic storytelling. Whether I’m shooting cars, people, or moments in everyday life, I aim to capture emotion, energy, and truth.

My work often reflects themes of movement, identity, and connection, I want viewers to feel something when they see my images.

I believe images have the power to start conversations, trigger memories, and inspire thought, and that’s what I strive for in every shot.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

“One of the moments I’m most proud of in my photography journey was when I took a chance and shot my first automotive photoshoot using just passion and creativity, no big budget, no studio, just raw vision.”

What made it special was that the content caught the attention of a brand I admired, and that opened the door to more collaborations and recognition. It showed me that even with limited resources, authentic work speaks volumes.

That experience reminded me why I started, to create, connect, and push my craft forward, no matter where I begin.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a photographer was starting out with limited gear, I used a Canon Rebel T100 and had almost no budget. Shooting cars and portraits with basic equipment and natural light wasn’t always easy.

Instead of letting that stop me, I focused on creativity, composition, and storytelling. I have learned to make the most of what I had and use my limitations as motivation to improve.

That experience taught me that your vision matters more than your gear, and with passion and consistency, you can grow beyond any obstacle.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be @chrisburkard because his work in adventure and landscape photography is legendary, and I admire how he tells powerful stories through his images. Collaborating with him would push my creativity and help me learn new ways to capture emotion and atmosphere in my own work. Plus, his dedication to exploring the world aligns with my passion for authentic storytelling.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

54Ruum is a fantastic platform! It creates a vibrant space for African creatives to showcase their work, connect with like-minded people, and get inspired. It’s especially great for photographers like me because it celebrates diverse stories and helps build a community that supports growth and collaboration across the continent. Overall, it’s a powerful tool for uplifting African talent globally.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

Keep shooting and stay curious, practice is everything. Don’t wait for the perfect gear or perfect moment; learn from every shot you take, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, develop your own unique vision.