Xavier Briel, born and raised in Pretoria, moved to Cape Town in 2010, inspired by its stunning landscapes. Initially a draughtsman and IT professional, he discovered his passion for photography while exploring South Africa’s outdoors. In 2016, Xavier left his job to pursue photography full-time, focusing on capturing the raw energy of adventure sports, especially trail running.

His big break came when his work at PUFfeR 2016 led to opportunities with Ultra-Trail Cape Town and other major events. Known for his ability to run long distances with a camera, Xavier’s work is defined by his belief that great stories come from pushing beyond comfort zones.

With dreams of shooting in Africa’s most remote locations, Xavier aims to link adventure photography with conservation, showcasing the continent’s beauty and challenges through his lens. Inspired by local talents like Kelvin Trautman and Craig Kolesky, he continues to push his creative and physical boundaries.