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A woman with dark hair and closed eyes, wrapped in a textured, patterned shawl, facing sideways against a dark background. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

Black and white photo of a woman standing in a forest, wearing an off-shoulder dress and a statement necklace, with her eyes closed and arms crossed. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A woman with dark hair, colorful makeup, and wearing large earrings poses with her arm behind her head next to a large pink and white orchid flower, with delicate white floral line drawings overlaid. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A shirtless man with dark skin wearing multiple gold chains with various large pendants and beads. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A woman in a long green dress standing in a forest with sunlight streaming through the trees. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A young woman with braided hair leaning against a wall, wearing a Sports jersey with the number 23, looking at the camera in black and white. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

Young woman with brown hair standing partly behind green curtains, wearing a black dress and a tan faux fur vest, looking at the camera. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A woman with natural curly hair and a dark green satin robe, eyes closed, face lifted towards the sunlight, appearing peaceful and content. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A young woman with long reddish-brown hair and blue eyes gazes upward and to the left in a dark setting. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

Black and white photo of a shirtless young man with short blonde hair, sitting against a wall near a window, holding a cigarette in his right hand, looking contemplative. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A woman in a long red dress and ruffled red top posing on a quiet street at sunset. The sky is clear with a sunset glow, and houses line the street. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A woman with dark skin and voluminous curly hair looks over her shoulder, wearing a black spaghetti strap top and gold hoop earrings. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

A shirtless man with long hair standing outdoors in a forest, with sunlight filtering through the trees, leaning against a tree trunk. Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar

Riaan Swiegelaar

PHOTOGRAPHER
Riaan Swiegelaar’s relationship with photography began at the age of 14, in an era when photography required patience, precision, and hands-on craftsmanship. Starting with film, he learned to develop his own images in the darkroom—laying the foundation for a deep understanding of light, composition, and storytelling.
During his school years, Riaan contributed to his local newspaper, quickly distinguishing himself with a natural eye for visual narrative.
After school, he became one of the youngest photographers to freelance for Media24, marking the beginning of a dynamic professional career.
Alongside his commercial work, Riaan shared his knowledge by teaching photography at a local art school, and later lecturing part-time at two photographic colleges. During this time, he also built an extensive portfolio, working on commissioned projects for magazines, advertising agencies, and model agencies.
Some of his previous students have become leading professional industry photographers, as will as winning numerous awards.
His client list includes respected brands such as Hunt Lascaris, Hip-Hop Clothing, YDE, Nedbank, Caterpillar, Underground Clothing, and Topco Models.
In 2008, Riaan stepped away from the industry to pursue other professional avenues.
He recently returned to his first passion—bringing with him a refined perspective and renewed creative vision.
Today, he specializes in fashion, editorial, and portrait photography, with a focus on capturing authentic expression.

Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar. A shirtless young man wearing chain necklaces, a white fur coat draped over his shoulder, and boxer shorts, posed against a dark background with dramatic lighting.

Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar. A young woman in a dark blue sleeveless leotard stands with her eyes closed and hands clasped in front of her, beside a sheer curtain with sunlight streaming through.

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a dark blazer and a striped neck scarf, is smoking a pipe with smoke rising from it.

A young man sitting on the floor wearing a light-colored fur coat, pink shorts, white soccer socks with red stripes, black soccer cleats, and layered chain necklaces with pendants, against a dark background with a red glow outline.

Photography by Riaan Swiegelaar. Ballet dancer in navy leotard on pointe with white flowing fabric in a dance pose.