I have no idea what my coming years in photography will look like. Will they be event focused, even more weddings or something completely different? I really don’t know. I’m switching a lot between different scenarios. But don’t get me wrong, I like the one I’m in right now.
A couple of years ago I used to say to myself that by the time I was 35 maybe I should become a wedding photographer. Taking it slower, less extreme hours in comparison with nightlife, more certainty,… But then, to my own surprise, in 2023 I shot 32 weddings. And well… writing this, I am now 28 and I ended up in the wedding scene a little earlier then expected, but I’m definitely not taking it slower than before.
On the other hand, I’m still trying to challenge myself to shoot not only weddings. Nightlife used to be my biggest client and turned out to be a perfect learning school for weddings. It is not only a good idea to have a good change of scenery now and the... but in my opinion there aren’t many things that beat that one perfectly timed shot where light and movement align perfectly.
It’s very rewarding for many reasons. You don’t get to pose your subjects, you (often) don’t get any influence on the lighting so it’s making the best with what you get and something that’s maybe underrated often but you get comfortable in low light conditions. It might sound like a little thing but I think my love for darker first dance pictures originated here (they do have a special place in my heart). Weddings and nightlife might look as two complete opposites but they have a lot in common for me. Being ready for the big moments, capturing a spontaneous vibe and trying to shoot sneaky portraits from the shadows. It’s what I loved at nightlife and is nowadays also my approach to weddings. I hear it a lot: “We almost didn’t notice you that day but you’ve got so many pictures?!” These days nightlife has become an exception in my schedule. But oh yes, I still love the exceptions. One of those events is Rave Rebels. A massive rave taking place every year in Brussels.
“Being ready for the big moments, capturing a spontaneous vibe and trying to shoot sneaky portraits from the shadows.”
A full night packed with some of the biggest names in the scene and a couple thousand hungry ravers. Just doing your thing and sniping from the shadows is perfect on nights like that. It’s an attempt to capture the raw energy that radiates from those nights. No hesitations, no limits and an immens ammount of people expressing themselves. Here I often go for a combination of big overviews, dj-shots and shots from the crowd. To mingle with a big crowd isn’t always the most comfortable thing to do but it is my way of really showing the energy.
Once again, these words are just my little opinion on the things I like. Have a little look.
Jakob
