Portraits Brussels photographer - Inspiring Insights and Tips on Portrait Photography Techniques #photography

A very special headshot portrait photography request

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:31:02 +0200

Ultra low key portraits for a security firm

event photography tips for event organisers

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:48:41 +0200

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

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Portrait photography for politicians

Thu, 23 May 2024 09:30:58 +0200

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

How to choose your portrait photographer in Brussels?

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 18:16:51 +0200

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

The portrait workshops

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:10:45 +0200

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

Photography workshops

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:19:53 +0200

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

Covid Quarantaine? Working from home?

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:48:31 +0100

During the pandemic corporate portraits are still allowed in Belgium

So if you would like outdoor portraits, studio portraits, or even portraits at your office? During the pandemic I can still shoot portraits for B to B assignments, and only if it's really important. We're both risking to get infected. But with a good preparation a portrait can be done safely., from a distance, so maybe this is a good time to schedule a shoot...

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Fashionable portraits for a Fashion event in Brussels

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 11:12:13 +0200

It was just a while ago that I had this assignment for an Italian firm. They organised an event in their shop at Louisa (the high class fashion district) and asked me to run around and do street-photography-style fashion shots of their VIP clients.

Every guest received a portrait that was printed on the spot.

some snaps made in a split second during this event in Brussels.

Risking lifes for a group portrait

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 11:02:24 +0200

Well, maybe I'm exaggerating a little but this was a fun assignment. Though we had to stand in heavy traffic on Rondpoint Schuman (the very heart of the European Area in Brussels) and the art director had to act as an assistant, holding my flash up straight against the heavy winds. In the end a great shot came out, with moving traffic in the background, just as they wanted.

A website banner of 50 people photographed in 9 times

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 17:28:34 +0200

This was a nice job, as I may say. The client needed headshots of all coworkers, and maybe a group picture too. After visiting their offices I told them the headshots were no problem, but shooting a large group of 50 people in such a small space with low ceilings could be a problem.

I proposed to shoot the individual headshots, and shoot small group pictures in the same room. These groups were manipulated into one long group, but it was to long for the banner, so in the we came up with this image, fitting their homepage. The black and white choice was mine to, so no styling or make up had to be done, and it makes just a great diverse but professional group of consultants, don't you think?