Juan Matthys van den Heever is a multidisciplinary photographer, 3D artist, and creative based in Centurion, South Africa. His work spans a wide range of subjects from motorsport, aviation, and automotive to portraits, theatre, live music, real estate, astrophotography, and food. Every frame is approached with intent, curiosity, and a respect for timing and composition.
His journey into photography began in 2021, in Abu Dhabi. With a Canon 250D in hand and no formal training, Juan taught himself how to see the world through a different lens. What started as a personal curiosity quickly became a deeper creative pursuit, one rooted in the idea of freezing moments not just as stories, but as pieces of time.
After graduating from Open Window as a 3D artist, photography became something more than a side passion. It evolved into a second language, one that challenged him creatively and allowed him to connect with people, spaces, and moments on a whole new level.
Juan doesn’t believe in staying in one lane. His work crosses disciplines without losing intention, style, or voice. From international projects to local commissions, he brings the same focus to every subject whether it’s structured architecture or a candid backstage moment.
He’s not your ordinary photographer.
He believes in quality over quantity, depth over convenience and that the best photographs are the ones that mean something.
ABOUT
ABOUT
ABOUT
Juan Matthys.
Juan Matthys.
Juan Matthys.
Juan Matthys van den Heever is a multidisciplinary photographer, 3D artist, film maker, and creative based in Centurion, South Africa. His work spans a wide range of subjects from motorsport, aviation, and automotive to portraits, theatre, live music, real estate, astrophotography, and food. Every frame is approached with intent, curiosity, and a respect for timing and composition.
His journey into photography began in 2021, in Abu Dhabi. With a Canon 250D in hand and no experience, Juan taught himself how to see the world through a different lens. What started as a personal curiosity quickly became a deeper creative pursuit, one rooted in the idea of freezing moments not just as stories, but as pieces of time.
After graduating from Open Window as a 3D artist, photography became something more than a side passion. It evolved into a second language, one that challenged him creatively and allowed him to connect with people, spaces, and moments on a whole new level.
Juan Matthys doesn’t believe in staying in one niche. His work crosses disciplines without losing intention, style, or voice. From international to local shoots, he brings the same focus to every subject.
He’s not your ordinary photographer…
Quality over quantity, depth over convenience, and that the best photographs are the ones that mean something.
Juan Matthys van den Heever is a multidisciplinary photographer, 3D artist, film maker, and creative based in Centurion, South Africa. His work spans a wide range of subjects from motorsport, aviation, and automotive to portraits, theatre, live music, real estate, astrophotography, and food. Every frame is approached with intent, curiosity, and a respect for timing and composition.
His journey into photography began in 2021, in Abu Dhabi. With a Canon 250D in hand and no experience, Juan taught himself how to see the world through a different lens. What started as a personal curiosity quickly became a deeper creative pursuit, one rooted in the idea of freezing moments not just as stories, but as pieces of time.
After graduating from Open Window as a 3D artist, photography became something more than a side passion. It evolved into a second language, one that challenged him creatively and allowed him to connect with people, spaces, and moments on a whole new level.
Juan Matthys doesn’t believe in staying in one niche. His work crosses disciplines without losing intention, style, or voice. From international to local shoots, he brings the same focus to every subject.
He’s not your ordinary photographer…
Quality over quantity, depth over convenience, and that the best photographs are the ones that mean something.
GEAR
GEAR
GEAR
What's in my bag?
What's in my bag?
CAMERA
CAMERA
CANON EOS 250D
CANON EOS 250D
The truth is, gear does matter once you outgrow it. There are moments where the 250D just can’t keep up with the pace or performance I need. Whether it’s autofocus speed, buffer lag, or dynamic range, I’ve hit its ceiling more than once. And that’s fine. It’s pushed me to achieve my level of professionalism. It’s still in the bag, but I’m ready to take a higher step.
The truth is, gear does matter once you outgrow it. There are moments where the 250D just can’t keep up with the pace or performance I need. Whether it’s autofocus speed, buffer lag, or dynamic range, I’ve hit its ceiling more than once. And that’s fine. It’s pushed me to achieve my level of professionalism. It’s still in the bag, but I’m ready to take a higher step.
LENSES
LENSES
CANON EF-S 18-55MM F/4-5.6
CANON EF-S 18-55MM F/4-5.6
This kit lens came with my first camera, and it’s been through more than it was ever built for. It’s not flashy, fast, or particularly sharp on the edges, but it taught me how to compose, frame, and adapt on the go.
This kit lens came with my first camera, and it’s been through more than it was ever built for. It’s not flashy, fast, or particularly sharp on the edges, but it taught me how to compose, frame, and adapt on the go.
CANON EF 50MM F/1.8
CANON EF 50MM F/1.8
The Go-To lens, the cheapest but my most used lens. It's fast, sharp and has okay bokeh. I use it ideally for portraits, live music, and cars.
The Go-To lens, the cheapest but my most used lens. It's fast, sharp and has okay bokeh. I use it ideally for portraits, live music, and cars.
CANON EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6
I use it mainly for motorsport, aviation, and anything where I can’t be right up close. It’s lightweight, stabilised, and surprisingly dependable when I’m working on a budget but still need results.
I use it mainly for motorsport, aviation, and anything where I can’t be right up close. It’s lightweight, stabilised, and surprisingly dependable when I’m working on a budget but still need results.
CAMERA
LENSES
CANON EF-S 18-55MM F/4-5.6
This kit lens came with my first camera, and it’s been through more than it was ever built for. It’s not flashy, fast, or particularly sharp on the edges, but it taught me how to compose, frame, and adapt on the go.
CANON EF 50MM F/1.8
The Go-To lens, the cheapest but my most used lens. It's fast, sharp and has okay bokeh. I use it ideally for portraits, live music, and cars.
CANON EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6
I use it mainly for motorsport, aviation, and anything where I can’t be right up close. It’s lightweight, stabilised, and surprisingly dependable when I’m working on a budget but still need results.
CANON EOS 250D
The truth is, gear does matter once you outgrow it. There are moments where the 250D just can’t keep up with the pace or performance I need. Whether it’s autofocus speed, buffer lag, or dynamic range, I’ve hit its ceiling more than once. And that’s fine. It’s pushed me to achieve my level of professionalism. It’s still in the bag, but I’m ready to take a higher step.
10+
10+
10+
Clients.
4+
4+
4+
Total Years