How to preserve folder with user-generated files on server while using git?

I have a laravel homestead to develop then push updates to a digitalocean server through git and envoyer. The website includes picture upload functionality.

The problem is that every time I update any code through git and commit + push, I lose all user-uploaded pictures.

I am looking for a way to update my code without affecting the user-uploaded picture files on the server.

I tried adding the picture folder to .gitignore at no avail. Every time I push updates through git, it erases all user-uploaded files. I would greatly appreciate your help!

via Chebli Mohamed