Charl Marais was born in South Africa. He grew up on a farm outside of Capetown. After he finished school, he moved to London where he studied photography at Blake College in Cavendish Street. while studying, he assisted numerous photogrephers including Yuval Hen and Darren Russel. After he completed his studies, he moved back to Capetown where he started his career. Today, Charl bounces between London, Cape Town, and India working for a variety of publications and advertising clients.