Portraits Brussels photographer - Inspiring Insights and Tips on Portrait Photography TechniquesPortraits Brussels photographer - Inspiring Insights and Tips on Portrait Photography Techniqueshttp://www.portraits.brussels/blogsMon, 06 Apr 2026 17:03:38 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[A very special headshot portrait photography request]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/special-headshot-portrait-photography-in-Brussels

Ultra low key portraits for a security firm

]]>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:31:02 +0200<![CDATA[event photography tips for event organisers]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/event-photography-tips-and-preparationstips for event organisers, how to prepare for the best photos of your event.]]>

What every event organiser should think about

As an experienced event shooter I photographed many events for non-profit associations, public institutions or companies in Brussels and around. I know exactly how to handle capturing your next event shoot.

But before I come shooting I would like to give you, the organiser, some tips on how your event can really shine on those pictures for years.


Event photography is more than just capturing moments; it’s about weaving a visual narrative that communicates.




Here are tips to elevate your event photography and let your photographer tell a professional and captivating story:


  • First of all:

  • Aim for ample natural light whenever possible, as it tends to create flattering and vibrant images that truly encapsulate the mood of the occasion; if the event occurs indoors, consider supplementing with soft artificial lighting to eliminate any harsh shadows that might detract from the visual appeal. Aim for the ceiling!

    • When strategically arranging the speakers or other key individuals, avoid placing them directly under overhead lights that can create unflattering shadows, and instead position them where their skin tones can appear warm, inviting, and radiant. Place artificial light soft boxes or indirect light on the ceiling

    • Let all lights have the same temperature. You know warm light, like red sunlight at the end of the day? Well the lighting at your event can have different temperatures maybe even red green or blue. But try to have your speakers. being lit by lights that are close to normal daylight at 5000 Kelvin or a little warmer 3600K Let all ligths have that one same temperature, also the ones in the background

    • Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of clutter in the background—ensure that the space is tidy and devoid of distracting elements, allowing the focus to remain effectively on your subjects.

    • Also try to think about the positioning of the microphone or water bottle in front of the speakers. Investing in a neutral decanter for water can make a big difference.

    • Lastly, communicate any specific moments or key interactions that are particularly important to you to the photographer ahead of time, thereby ensuring they are in the best possible position to capture these pivotal events as they unfold.


    Onlywiththesepreparationsyoureventshooterdoesn’thavetointerveneduringtheevent, andtheinvestmentintheevent-photosisalonglastinginvestment.



    If you have tips for event organisers concerning preparing event photography, just let me know and maybe I’ll put them in this list with advise.n

    Get Started Now
    ]]>    Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:48:41 +0200    <![CDATA[you like street photography ?]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/you-like-street-photographyeverything you want to know on street photography workshops and walks in Brussels]]>

    New street photo workshop-series coming up

    As a photojournalist I walk those streets of brussels everyday. Looking for that special angle, looking for people, hoping to catch them, unposed, in beautiful light, with hard shadows. I just love street photography. Let me share my passion with you. Right now there is an exhibition of this years' students going on at GC Elzenhof. If you also want to learn everything about street photography? Don't hesitate and read on. 


    Digital and analog photographers, French, Dutch and English speakers unite in this workshops series ending in an exhibition.

    4 + 1 theory evening lessons and photo talks (on street photography and one final expo night) 

    5 or more weekend group walks shooting those streets of Brussels 

    street photographe bruxelles
    streetshots in the center of Brussels with photographer Sander de Wilde

    Anyone, with any camera and of any age can do street photography. But shooting really strong compositions, having an eye for what's happening, people; colors, abstract. It's all possible.


    Find all info on my photo school website and reserve your spot asap.

    Places are limited.

    Get Started Now
    ]]>    Tue, 30 Jul 2024 17:25:19 +0200    <![CDATA[you like analog photography?]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/you-like-analog-photographyblog post on analog photography workshops starting in Brussels end of September]]>

    New workshop series online

    As an oldschool photographer I was brought up with B&W photography, developing my own films and printing my teenage pics in the darkroom of my mother. Now, about 40 years later, I can share my knowledge on Black and White photography, development and printing in this new series of workshops taking place in Brussels. 


    An analog photography course full of experimental techniques. In several separate workshops you'll learn to SEE in Black and White, making better compositions and images. We'll also work with Split Grade printing, Cyanotype, cyanotype toning, Salt prints, silver gelatine prints, liquid emulsion, photograms, Albumen prints, chemigrams and more.


    This is the flyer I will put at your local photography photography store, like Mori Film Lab, Studio Baxton, LAL.BE Photogalerie, P.C.H. 


    More info can be found on my photography school website 


    The analog workshops take place at the cultural center of Ixelles, and in our shared Co'Lab darkrooms at USQUARE (Ixelles)


    Starting end of September. Places are limited.

    Get Started Now
    ]]>    Tue, 30 Jul 2024 17:10:30 +0200    <![CDATA[Portrait photography for politicians]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/commenting-on-election-postersa tv report on political portrait photography with the elections coming up]]>

    This Portrait photographer shines a light on election posters

    The local TV station in Brussels wondered about all these different election posters in brussels.

    With the European, national and communal elections coming up all political parties invested into portrait photography. the posters that are being distributed as we speak are hanging all around town.

    Portrait photographer Sander de Wilde was asked to comment on the different styles and views on portrait photography. 


    The posters of Vooruit and Groen were very interesting, but other parties, sometimes with smaller budgets went for group shots or even available lighting and selfies.

    See the reportage by clicking on the article
    See the video
    ]]>    Thu, 23 May 2024 09:30:58 +0200    <![CDATA[How to choose your portrait photographer in Brussels?]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/How-to-find-your-portrait-photographer-in-BrusselsHow to find the best photographer for you in Brussels]]>

    A professional portrait photographer, what’s that exactly ?

    In this digital age, it is all about personal branding. 

    Almost all professions are now affected by there need to present themselves with a best-in-class professional image.


    WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A PRO portrait Photographer?
    Expertise

    Golden rule: Look at his/her portfolio and follow your instinct!

    If you see a self-proclaimed “professional” portrait photographer… don't go. 

    (A 'professional' means a photographer that is experienced ,who knows how to make the best out of every situation. Who handles the model, posing, lighting, background and all circumstances naturally. Who is clear on timing, pricing, post production, insurance, VAT regulations, copyrights, and so on.)

    • If he/she has no portraits to show you in the style you're looking for. ask.
    • If he/she prefers to tell you about photographer’s diplomas + XX years of experience, rather than showing you his most recent photos...don't go
    • Another clue: the best portrait photographers almost never take ID photos. (That's a different business, often done by photography stores at the side)


    Note that the quality of a professional shouldn’t be measured on a single photo, but on a selection of photos which must be of constant quality. 

    An amateur can take one or even a few beautiful photos “accidentally”. A pro is not allowed to make mistakes: (s)he knows and must deliver impeccable quality photos at each shoot, for each client.


    Serenity

    It’s not easy to trust a stranger, especially when it comes to posing. Supporting you with a professional attitude is just as important as demonstrating the photographers' artistic qualities.

    Thanks to a clear and precise communication, a professional portrait photographer will know how to reassure you, before, during and after the shoot.

    And last but not least, professional photographers are insured. By signing  with them, everyone is protected. Imagine a flash falling onto your head during an undeclared photo shoot…


    Conclusion

    Your professional portrait is your showcase: on Linkedin and social networks, on your business card, your Outlook, your portfolio, your personal website, your employer’s intranet, etc.


    By calling on a professional portrait photographer, you are investing into boosting your confidence and revealing the brightest facets of your personality. It’s up to you to make the right choice while avoiding pitfalls.


    In one word, when you’re a pro, you work with a pro.

    Look no further
    ]]>    Sun, 25 Jun 2023 18:16:51 +0200    <![CDATA[The portrait workshops]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/portrait-photography-workshops-Brusselsportrait photography workshops in Brussels]]>

    Just a few places left at these portrait workshops series 

    As you probably know we have two workshops coming up. A hybrid photography workshop (where your artistic development is triggered by analog and digital techniques and artists, and a PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP where you'll learn shooting better portraits with natural and studio light.

    You like to photograph people and apertures have no secrets for you? Do you want to improve your portrait photography with existing- and flashlight?

    Then this series of 7 workshops is for you.

    We go deeper into the world of portrait photography. We also work with models, and between the workshops you will have 2 weeks to work on an assignment at home.


    7 Tuesday nights in Brussels, every two weeks.


    Read all about it right here




    All workshop info
    ]]>    Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:10:45 +0200    <![CDATA[Photography workshops]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/photography-workshopsLaunching 2 new photography workshops starting October 2022 in Brussels]]>

    Portraits & Hybrid courses in Brussels

    In October 2022 I will start two new series of workshops. Every second Tuesday in Brussels. These are multilingual workshops for the motivated photo hobbyists.


    The portrait photography workshop is for those who already photograph, but who want to know all secrets of good portraits.

    Check the portrait course description right here



     Hybrid photography is something I developed last year.


     Using digital and analogue techniques you will lift your photography to a higher level.
    We will discuss some fascinating artists, their ideas, techniques and their way of working and we will work with both digital and analogue cameras ourselves.
    Anyone can participate, digital dslr, analog camera, even smartphone....

    Think: Composition, B&W, storytelling, Staged photography, Portraits, Digital manipulation, Scanning, Retouching, Film development, Darkroom, Series, publications, Print opportunities, Exhibitions


    Check the info on Hybrid Photography 

    see all workshops
    ]]>    Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:19:53 +0200    <![CDATA[I love my dentist]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/the-new-booking-formShort story on my new booking form, that I learnt from my dentist.]]>

    Booking form now!




    My dentist had this great booking system. You just look up when he has some time for you. You book the time slot et voilá!

    You even get a reminder a week for the consult, and an sms the day before. I thought wow! That's so easy, I want to have that too. Easy for customers, and easy for me as a photographer. 

    A while I worked with the Facebook scheduler, but not everyone uses Facebook, so now  I found another not too expensive app.


    You decide if you want a photography session of 30/45/60 minutes, find open dates and time slots, click click and it's done. 


    And yes, I will send a reminder, because a no show is bad for me. Not only for my business (I prepare every shoot, checking lights, background, arranging my home studio) but also mentally. I prepare mentally to every shoot. Portraits take mental energy, but a no show takes even more mental energy. 


    So after 2 e-mail reminders, we meet at the reserved date and time, and together we work for great results.


    How about trying it right now?


    Great teeth deserve a photographer


    Book your time slot
    ]]>    Tue, 16 Aug 2022 16:10:27 +0200    <![CDATA[Dit beeld werd gefact-checked]]>http://www.portraits.brussels/blogs/post/dit-beeld-werd-gefact-checked

    Als fotograaf weet je nooit of, waar en hoe je werk gepubliceerd wordt.

    Hier werd een foto van mij valselijk van mijn website gestolen, en gebruikt in een extreem-rechtse Poolse Facebook-post over de Pride-parade in Polen. Gelukkig hebben mensen van Demagog het beeld als Fake betiteld en door FB laten blurren.

    De titel luidt: 'Dit is een foto van de Gelijkheidsparade in Warschau?

    Op the website van DEMAGOG klinkt het zo:

    Dit is een foto uit 2013 uit Brussel. NEPNIEUWS IN EEN NOTENDOP

    Een Facebook -bericht suggereert dat op de  foto twee mensen in jurken te zien zijn die op een openbare plaats urineren tijdens de Equality Parade in Warschau. De auteur van de foto nam hem zelfs tijdens de Brusselse Gelijkheidsparade in 2013. Op sociale media is een foto verschenen waarop twee mensen in jurken te zien zijn die op een openbare plaats tegen een bouwkolom staan ​​te urineren. De beschrijving van de post - "U dupiarza na paradzie", verwijst naar de controversiële verklaring van de president van Warschau, Rafał Trzaskowski, wat suggereert dat het incident plaatsvond in Warschau tijdens de Equality Parade op 25 juni 2022. De foto is niet gemaakt in Polen, maar in België, en werd bijna 10 jaar geleden gepubliceerd . Op deze manier werd het uit de context gehaald en raakte het de emoties van Poolse internetgebruikers.

    Lees verder op: https://demagog.org.pl/fake_news/to-zdjecie-z-parady-rownosci-w-warszawie-zrobiono-je-w-belgii/

    Het beeld wordt nu geblurred door Facebook als zijnde fake news, maar het staat er nog wel.

    Het bericht werd gedeeld door meer dan 100 gebruikers. Sommige opmerkingen geven aan dat de ontvangers het vanzelfsprekend vonden dat de foto in Polen was genomen (hoewel er een gebruiker was die België aangaf). De intocht wekte veel negatieve emoties op: "Als dieren, zonder remmingen", "Parade van vaseline", "Het zal stinken en hoe je hier het stadhuis binnenkomt". De foto's zijn niet in Polen gemaakt - het kan snel worden gecontroleerd De post , door te verwijzen ("u dupiarza") naar de controversiële verklaring van de president van Warschau, Rafał Trzaskowski in de  podcast Wojewódzki & Kędzierski , suggereerde dat de  foto werd genomen tijdens de Equality Parade in Warschau. In veel gevallen duurt het enkele tientallen seconden om te controleren of de beschrijving van de foto de omstandigheden van het maken weerspiegelt. Het is voldoende om een ​​afbeeldingszoekmachine te gebruiken, bijvoorbeeld  Google.

    De foto die we bespraken werd in 2013 op Getty Images geplaatst  met het onderschrift : "België, Brussel, 19 mei 2013. Twee homo's verkleed als vrouwen pisten op een muur tijdens een parade nabij het Centraal Station."

    Onder welke omstandigheden is de foto gemaakt? De auteur beschreef ze zelf De foto op Getty Images is gesigneerd met de naam van fotograaf Sander de Wilde (op de foto die op Facebook is gepost zien we het einde van zijn websiteadres: "...wilde.com"). Het staat in  de galerij die op de website is gepubliceerd, waar we meer foto's kunnen zien van de parade, die plaatsvond in mei 2013 in Brussel . Op zijn blog beschreef de auteur de omstandigheden van de foto: “Van alle foto's die naar alle Belgische kranten werden gestuurd, koos er slechts één (De Standaard) voor mijn foto. Het was een foto van twee mannen vermomd als vrouwen die ik in het geheim had gevolgd toen ik ze wanhopig rond de Kunstberg in het centrum van Brussel zag rennen. Ze vonden een min of meer besloten plek in de gang bij het centraal station (waar urinegeur heel normaal is) om staand te urineren. Ik had deze foto bijna niet opgestuurd, ik vond het een beetje kitscherig, maar ik dacht ik; stel hem toch voor als mijn vrouw hem mooi vond."

    In tegenstelling tot wat in de inhoud van de besproken post werd gesuggereerd , is de foto niet gemaakt tijdens de Equality Parade in Warschau. Het is bijna 10 jaar oud en uit zijn verband gerukt: het stelt een gebeurtenis in Brussel voor. De fotografie die in de Poolse context werd gebruikt, riep negatieve emoties op bij de ontvangers - wat ook een kenmerkende en vaak opzettelijke daad van desinformatie is.

    Czytaj więcej na: https://demagog.org.pl/fake_news/to-zdjecie-z-parady-rownosci-w-warszawie-zrobiono-je-w-belgii/

    Het beeld in mijn archief, duidelijke omschrijving, copyright waarschuwing, en zelfs de prijzen bij gebruik online of in print, op mijn eigen website.
    ]]>    Wed, 29 Jun 2022 18:14:14 +0200