SJ van Zyl

SJ van Zyl is a Johannesburg-based photographer specialising in fashion, beauty and portrait photography. SJ’s passion for photography was sparked by his love of storytelling and the transformative power of working with people, which developed during his early years as a misunderstood teen finding refuge in creativity.

He first discovered photography as a subject while completing his bachelor’s degree in graphic design, where he also became fascinated by the craft of creating visual narratives. After graduating, SJ went on to qualify as a professional makeup artist, deepening his understanding of beauty and detail before fully dedicating himself to photography.

Over the past 20 years, he has built a career working with some of South Africa’s most established brands, publications and agencies, and has collaborated with many local celebrities and international models. Along the way, he also became a passionate educator and mentor, guiding new generations of creatives through workshops, masterclasses and portfolio development.

SJ’s love of photographing people extends into his belief in their ability to inspire, empower and challenge perceptions of beauty. His imagery seeks to celebrate individuality, strength, and grace, while maintaining an editorial edge and craftsmanship that reflects decades of experience.

SJ has been shooting with Fujifilm since 2016, when he bought his first X-T2 and never looked back. He has since become deeply familiar with their range of cameras and lenses, which he uses to bring his creative vision to life in studio and on location alike.

GEAR

Cameras: Fujifilm X-T30 II, Fujifilm X-T2, Fujifilm X100V

Lenses: Fujinon XF56mmF1.2, Fujinon XF35mmF2, XF23mmF2

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Instagram: @sjvanzyl

Facebook: SJ van Zyl Photography

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