- 083 608 2194
We all have our own mountains to summit – whether creative ventures, personal transformations, or our desired goals and dreams. To get to the top we have to; know what it is, and be motivated to get there as the journey usually includes, obstacles, challenges, wrong turns, and confronting our fears. If we do embark on the adventure, the exact outcome isn’t guaranteed but it is still worthwhile for the reasons we might not expect. My personal journey as a photographer and published author, along with the tips I picked up along the way are covered in this 30-minute talk – “The journey to the top of your mountain.”
As a professional photographer, my dream was to have a coffee-table book with my name on it. Along my journey toward my personal summit, I had to step far outside of my comfort zone, but the surprising rewards were far more than I expected, and yes, it was worthwhile.
Gary Hirson is an internationally exhibiting photographer, A COMENSA credentialed Life Coach, and a SAQA accredited Leadership and Life Skills Trainer.
The following two links lead to published articles about the exhibition and journey. The Cape Argus. | GaloreSA Online.We, as creative students, had the privilege to listen to Gary Hirson as he gave us a talk about his creative journey in both photography and life coaching and even publishing. He was very inspiring when he described how he overcame the challenges he had to face. I definitely learned that it is ok and sometimes even necessary to take a detour on your creative path, it might not get you where you want to be now, but it will in the long run.
Gary's stories resonated with me, as I'm sure it did with other students. One thing that I will remember from what Gary said is that you can't control what people will think of your work, but you can control your own consistency and passion for what you do. Be confident in your work and everything that you do.
Thank you, Gary, for the inspiring talk.

Audience: – Colleges, Corporates, Start-ups and Business Networks
Time: 30 minutes.
Modern day, holistic leadership is not a position applicable to a select few but a set of skills that can be developed by all. This is the foundation of this inspiring talk.
By developing these skills, we contribute to the growth and development of ourselves and of those around us. When we contribute to ourselves, we become a better version of “us.” When we contribute to the growth and development of others, we add value. If we consistently add value, we become indispensable.
This light-hearted presentation outlines the challenges that hinder the development of these skills, while outlining what they skills are and how they can be developed.
The talk is linked my validated Leadership skills program

Audience: – Schools – Grade R-12, and Literary festivals
Time: 35 – 45 minutes.
Included: Travel and Reportage Photography.
Since the publishing of my first children’s book in 2007 I’ve spoken at countless schools across South Africa, during literacy-related days, general assemblies, and end-of-year prize-giving ceremonies. The age groups I’ve spoken to have varied from Grade 0 to Grade 12, to College students, and at two of the biggest National Book and Literacy festivals in South Africa repeatedly.
I was recently invited to present my latest talk, “YOU have the recipe for your own success!” to students and interns at the Red and Yellow Creative School of Business. The same talk – abbreviated, was also presented at Pecha Kucha in Cape Town.
The topic of my talks – similar though varied as per the different age groups, including my personal story, tongue-in-cheek references to successful people, interactive exercises, and photographs I’ve taken throughout my life.
They also include:
How reading builds self-confidence, teaches us new things, can lead us on adventures both real and imagined, and stimulates the gift we all have – our imagination.
How the next generations’ dreams are our future, how having goals to pursue is important and how they do have the recipe for their own “success”
Grades 4-7
Wow, Gary, everyone is raving about your talk!! Thank you sincerely for the wonderful inspirational talk you gave the pupils. The feedback we got from them was very positive. On behalf of Tracy, our headmistress, staff and pupils who have all asked me to convey their thanks and appreciation for your time and sound effort to get the pupils to read, which was a great success! You successfully got them gripped!!I think you should market books and get paid for it. At break today, the library was filled to capacity!! The staffroom was abuzz after your presentation. THANK YOU sincerely.
High Schools & Colleges
Thank you Gary for sharing your own journey of self-discovery and for opening our girls’ minds to all the possibilities imaginable. But just as importantly, for getting to the root of it all, because ultimately If we don’t know who we are, then how can we know what we want? A significant and salient challenge for us all
If you would like to chat with Gary about speaking at your organisation please contact him via gary@garhirson.com or 083 608 2194
To hear Gary talk about his ups and downs reminded me that not everything will go smoothly 100% of the time. Even though I have faced challenges and experience things going wrong in my creative journey as a student, I realized after Gary's speech that it is no longer something I should be terrified of. Instead, I should embrace the detours life throws my way, and as long as I do not give up, I will achieve my goals.
Sebastiaan Du ToitI enjoyed Gary's spirit and perseverance in life. Something that stood out was that no matter what, we should keep on going and figure out what we love, become good at it and do the best we can.
Gary is also very passionate about his craft, and overall, his speech was engaging, inspirational, and most of all, reassuring and comforting.