As we celebrate 30 years of creativity, innovation and community, we look back on how Orms has evolved alongside the South African creative industry, adapting to ever changing technologies and expanding into new creative spaces.
How it all began
Orms was founded in Cape Town in 1996, operating out of Mike Ormrod’s garage. At the time photography was quite different to what it is now, film was dominating the photographic landscape, digital cameras only began to emerge, and creative communities counted heavily on physical spaces for access to photographic equipment and sharing knowledge.
From the beginning, Orms has focused on more than selling photographic equipment. The goal was to establish a business enriched in service, expertise and a passionate love for photography. The same philosophy continues to shape the company today.
Over the years, Orms has become deeply rooted in South Africa’s creative landscape, assisting professionals, hobbyists, students, galleries and brands. Through ever-changing trends and evolving technology, one thing has remained the same, the commitment to helping people turn their creative ideas into a visual story.
Growing Alongside the Industry
Orms’ growth over the past 30 years reflects not only on the evolution and adaption of the business itself, but also the changing needs of South Africa’s creative community. After being founded in 1996, Orms continued to expand their offering in 2001 with the opening of the Orms Cape Town School of Photography, supporting aspiring photographers through practical and industry-led education. In 2002, the launch of Orms Pro Photo Lab marked Orms’ entry into professional printing, allowing photographers to access high-quality print production services.
As the creative industry continuously evolved, so did Orms. In 2008, Framed by Orms was established which broadened the business into bespoke framing solutions for artists, photographers and collectors. A year later, Orms introduced Create & Print, producing printing products such as photobooks and calendars. By 2010, Orms expanded further than Cape Town CBD with the opening of Orms Bellville, inviting the Orms experience to even more creatives across the Western Cape.
In 2014, the business enhanced their full circle support offering with the launch of Orms Repairs, providing customers with professional service and maintenance for their photographic equipment. In 2017, the Pro Photo Lab and Framed By Orms officially merged into what is known today as Orms Print Room and Framing, a devoted hub for museum-quality printing and custom framing services.
The growth continued into 2025 with the opening of Orms Somerset West, marking Orms’ third retail location. In 2026, Orms celebrates 30 years of supporting South African creativity, a milestone shaped by innovation, community and a passion for visual storytelling.
Through every change, Orms has adapted with the industry while remaining committed to the creative community at its core. Beyond products and services, Orms is a place where creatives connect, through workshops, exhibitions, educational initiatives, collaborations and conversations.
Looking ahead
Thirty years is an incredible milestone, but for Orms, it is also the beginning of a new chapter. As technology continues to evolve and creative industries change, Orms remains focused on what is most important: supporting creatives, building community and helping people tell meaningful stories.
To everyone who has been part of the journey; customers, photographers, filmmakers, artists, students and staff – Thank you for helping shape the story of Orms over the past 30 years.
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