Introducing: The Men of 'Shadow Falls' by Hannes van der Merwe
Meet Hannes van der Merwe, a South African photographer capturing the stunning men of "Shadow Falls," a clothing-optional campsite in British Columbia.
Hannes van der Merwe describes his work in the most beautiful way — almost as if describing an adult storybook fantasy land we should all be so lucky to experience. But unlike most mythical worlds, Hannes’s adorned with beautiful men in their most natural state, wearing only the light and shadows of their surroundings. While many artists may struggle to make erotic art feel whimsical, Hannes has done just that.
In describing his collection ‘Shadow Falls,’ he says, "Some of the images capture a sense of being called, whispered to, or reached for — like an invitation to explore hidden parts of myself. The work reminds me to follow those subtle whispers, uncovering pieces of my identity among the forest's quiet magic."
His portraits are known for their delicate depictions of the male form. Hannes produces intimate and mystical photographs that combine elements of his artistic identity with universal themes we can all identify with.
From a Camera in the Backyard to a Career Behind the Lens
The parallels between artists in our spotlights are both fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking. Many of their journeys are shaped by identity disparity during formative years, often stemming from restrictive environments influenced by region or religion. Rarely do artists share stories of a creative identity forged through support or encouragement.
Unfortunately, growing up on a sheep farm in the remote Karoo region of South Africa didn't foster a safe space for Hannes creatively or personally.
His early life was one of contrasting realities. "It was a strange mix of freedom and constraint," he shares. The endless landscapes of his surroundings fostered his imagination, but the conservative culture taught him to hide parts of himself. "I learned to observe, to watch how others moved through the world. It was a survival skill that later became the backbone of my photography."
While his interest in taking photos started with a point-and-shoot at 13, the spark ignited from that camera turned into a flame that would lead him to the creative life he lives today. After studying graphic design in Cape Town, he got right to work. "I started as an assistant, working on shoots for South African celebrities and European fashion catalogs," he says. "It was exciting but exhausting. It taught me discipline and gave me a glimpse of what was possible."
It wasn't until moving to Canada, which has been his home for over a decade, that Hannes found his true artistic voice. "I started photographing men — not just for commercial work but for myself. That's when my work took on a personal dimension."
A transformative moment came for Hannes professionally when he attended a photography course hosted by Boys!Boys!Boys!, a gallery dedicated to queer art photography. "It was the first time I felt like my work belonged somewhere. It gave me the courage to fully embrace my vision." Since 2022, Hannes has been capturing images that transport our minds and imaginations to a fantasy realm where our queerness, bodies, and experiences are celebrated.