Why did you become a fashion photographer?

I don't think I ever consciously decided to start doing fashion photography. It's something that grew through the years following my own feeling... It took me a while meeting designers, to see clothing and fashion as two different things.

 It started to interest me because of the depth and concepts some designers use to create their work. Instead of a garment it became something, a whole story that can inspire me.

How did you start out? What was the first photograph you did?

As a child my father -who was an architect- would let me play with his collection of vintage cameras. I don't know if this is the reason I fell in love with photography, but I was alwaysstimulated creatively.

Does your father approve of what you do?

I'm sure he's proud that I decided to take a chance, and not choose to take the easy way...
He never did that neither, maybe that's the most important thing he ever taught me. Unfortunately he is no longer with us but I still feel hissupport in every project in take.

You are based in Antwerp, where was almost a signature of the 90's fashion. Does it mean something to you?

It was a very fun time in Antwerp, and I think probably not only in Antwerp.
I was still at school and remember the nightly guerilla parties by Ann Demeulemeester and Walter Van Beirendonck, there was a general atmosphere of extravaganza. But what makes it interesting is the fact that's been almost 20 years...

Actually it is more exiting to think that I'm living in a city where soon a whole new generation of artists will claim their place.

What is Made In Belgium according you?

A whole variety of things... In fashion you can't even try to compare Walter Van Beirendock with Raf Simons...

I guess that's the s ame for photographers or artists. Antwerp has a very rich history in arts and crafts since Rubens, but I wouldn't try to call it particular Belgian.

What is the value that you endorse in Antwerp?

I have no idea what the value's of Antwerp are, other than it's a compact city and you find everything close around you. The thing is: you can only know a city's character trough your own eyes or through the eyes of people around you.

Something that I notice around me is the dedication of people, giving themselves completely for their passion. I don't think it's something that is generally true for "Antwerp" but I would like to believe it is.

Can you name several new talents in the domains of photo, fashion, film, design, music...etc in Antwerp?

New fashion-designers I love: Cédric Jacquemyn, Daniel Andresen, Heaven Tanudiredja, Helena Lumelsky The problem in Antwerp is that you really have to prove yourself to break through the barricades of the ‘more established'.

There is a lot of talent in Antwerp but they are all given a difficult time.

Can you envisage a different tool taking pictures?

Actually every artwork is a picture, a representation of a reality seen trough somebody's eyes.