I’m a Brussels-based photographer, though I also work in communication and occasionally with video. Currently, I’m part-time at Bronks, handling all things social media and visual content. My photography primarily focuses on press, portrait and documentary projects for outlets like Bruzz and De Morgen. I’ve been interested in photography since I was around 15. Back then, I’d invite friends over to dress up in my bedroom for photoshoots, or we’d stage scenes or explore abandoned buildings nearby. It was playful, absurd and a lot of fun. I also spent countless hours on Tumblr and Flickr. Over time, I grew more drawn to documentaries and reportages, initially through TV and newspapers. While studying in Antwerp, I frequently visited the photography museum, which was a real eye-opener. That’s when I realized how powerful images can be in telling diverse, personal and meaningful stories. To this day, it’s still my favorite part of the craft. Recently, I’ve also become much more comfortable with portraiture and have come to enjoy it just as much.

So far, it’s usually tied to specific assignments. I’ve covered events like the International Women’s Day and the Brussels Pride—protests that, despite their nature, were always joyful and full of energy. I love the fast-paced, spontaneous approach of street photography.

I studied here during COVID, so I didn’t get to experience the city full back then. I moved back two years ago because I truly missed it. I love its liveliness, there’s always so much going on, and so many opportunities to make things happen. Of course, there’s friction too. Brussels is bold, unapologetic, and entirely itself.

Before this collaboration, I wasn’t familiar with MPB, but I was impressed by their range. They have almost every camera imaginable, which made choosing difficult! I initially considered a medium-format Hasselblad from the H-System because it has a much higher resolution than my current camera, but the €5,000 budget only covered the body, with no room for lenses. I also thought about borrowing an analog camera, the Leica M6 TTL .72mm. In the end, though, I opted for two lenses for my own Nikon Z7: the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S and the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S. Both have some of the widest apertures available, offering an extremely shallow depth of field.

I’ve used the 50mm a few times now, and the difference in quality is noticeable! It’s my preferred focal length, and I used to work with it constantly. That said, it’s not ideal for press assignments, where you often have to be super fast or adapt to tight spaces. In those situations, I prefer a zoom lens to avoid switching between different lenses. But it’s perfect for personal projects or when I have more time. It was actually great to use it again. On the downside, the lens is quite large and heavy, so I wouldn’t recommend it for crowded environments like protests or parades—it’s not the most dynamic option. But then again, I also enjoy shooting in quieter, less busy areas.

For a while I’ve been fascinated by parks filled with biblical statues and stories. Flanders has many of these, but I’d never been to Grottenpark in Jette before—this was my first visit. Unlike most such parks, which often feel empty and sad, relics of a bygone era, this one is vibrant and alive. It’s a place of reflection and peace for both believers and non-believers.

On my first visit, I found a group praying in the replicated Lourdes grotto in a melodious, unfamiliar language. I later learned it was Aramaic, a classic Syrian language that Jesus himself spoke. On my second visit, I met Marguerite, whose mother passed away from cancer in 2017. She visits often, following the same routine each time: lighting a candle, touching the stone from the original Lourdes grotto, and touching the photo of her mother that hangs in the replica.

I also photographed sisters Sofia and Joyce, who aren’t religious but come frequently to walk and play. That day, Sofia found a bird that had fallen from its nest. Her mother picked it up, gave it water, and placed it back in the nest. Their uncle had died just two days earlier, which is why they lit a candle during this visit.

I’ve been attending BSPF for three years now, ever since I found out about its existence! Last year, I was there almost every day—I joined portfolio reviews, photo walks, and talks. The atmosphere is incredible; it truly feels like a festival. This year, I’ll only make it to the opening night, as I’m leaving for vacation the next day. Bad timing, but there’s always next year.