Jan was raised on a sheep farm in the middle of South Africa. This instilled a great love for the environment, as well as a passion for exploration and learning, in him. He qualified first as a graphic designer and later as a filmmaker from the Pretoria Technikon in South Africa. The desire to create stunning images inspired him to explore the world. His work has taken him to more than 50 countries across the globe, from the natural paradise of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, to war torn Kabul, Afghanistan, whilst working as a freelance documentary cameraman for broadcasters such as National Geographic Television, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, CNN, Al Jazeera and the BBC. He also worked on major feature films and TV series such as Long Walk to Freedom, The Dark Tower, Invictus, Maze Runner 3, Resident Evil, Black Sails, Warrior and the latest Jodie Foster film, Habeas. This has given him a unique and close-up glimpse into the modus operandi of world-class cinematographers, directors and actors. Throughout his professional career as a commercials director of photography, cameraman and photographer, he remained passionate about sharing his knowledge with young filmmakers. He taught both permanently and part time at Tshwane University of Technology, Wits University, The University of Johannesburg, Rhodes University, The Open Window Art Academy, City Varsity, Boston City Campus and AFDA – all South African tertiary institutions. Jan’s interests include natural science, history, culture, music, journalism, photography, film and art.