For Belgian photographer Gert Huygaerts, photography is a never-ending learning process. He loves wedding photography and capturing the emotions of their special day “gives him the biggest high”. Photography for him is a platform to share his view with the world and a medium to touch people’s lives and give them a reason to smile.

What is it about photography that keeps you going?
It is the process of constantly discovering new challenges, new people and being able to share my own view on certain things with the world.  I like being able to show emotions in my pictures, whether it is a smiling child, a crying bride or a happy mom. Life’s full of things to see, to look at and to capture!

How do you like to compose your images? Are there any quintessential things that you take into account?
This is a hard one to put into words. It is about seeing things. First, I see something and then I try to look at it through the viewfinder. Most of the time, these views resemble (each other) quite well and that is the moment to capture. I keep it natural, relaxed and try not to orchestrate too much.

How would you describe your style of photography?
I try to capture my wedding pictures in a non-orchestrated manner. I use more of a journalistic approach. This, of course, is not always easy because people are different. My fashion and people shoots are done in a natural and recognisable style. I really like the high-fashion, super modern shots taken by some of my colleagues but that’s not my cup of tea.

How and when did you start photography?
I think, like many of us in our early years, with my dad’s old camera. I remember trying different things, getting my films developed and wondering why I had to wait so long for my pictures. As years passed by, I wanted to learn more, try more things and finally took up a course to get my degree in photography. And I am still learning because photography is a never ending learning process.

Life is so short, so we should learn to appreciate the small things around us.

What are your thoughts on film versus digital photography?
I still do both but I admit I use film very rarely now and only for my black & white shoots.  Shooting black & white photographs used to be a lot better on film for years but this difference has become smaller and smaller as digital technology has been getting better. 

But the main principle remains the same – look around, compose, adjust your light and capture your image. Whether it is digital or film, it has to be good! Digital only makes things a bit easier and faster but the principle remains the same.

Of all the genres that you work on, which one do you enjoy the most?
I think (I enjoy) wedding photography because you get to see all the happy faces when you are delivering the results! Making a nice bill for a large publicity shoot is also good, but you don’t get as much pleasure from the results as from people who have been portrayed nicely and showing them that they can also look good in a picture!

For his spring collection, we went to great locations, had a whole range of nice accessories, a great model – everything was taken care of! The best part of those shoots was the overall positive experience. There was no negativity, everyone knew what to do and they tried doing their best. And that’s what I really like! After working together several times now, he has become a friend and when I need some fashion stuff, I can rely on him and when he needs some pictures, I’m there to help.

Can you share a memorable photo with us?
It was with a young fashion designer from Antwerp, Bjorn Verlinden, who needed pictures for his new spring collection. Working with this guy is like not working at all, it’s just fun! He keeps on coming up with new and crazy ideas, which is great because it makes things a lot easier for me from time to time.

Your thoughts on fine art photography.
This is great to look at. I really enjoy looking at fine art prints. However, fine art photography is time-consuming and has to be carried out with very good attention to detail. For me, it would not be possible to make a living out of fine art. But from time to time I take up the challenge of fine art too. Like I said, photography is a never ending learning process.

similarly, printing is the final touch, the way to present your pictures. It has to be done well, as it is your publicity.

What do you like to do when you are not shooting?
Relax, enjoy the sun (not often possible in Belgium!), go out for a nice dinner, have a drink, go out for a walk at the seaside and enjoy life. Life is so short, so we should learn to appreciate the small things around us. But as you probably know, a professional photographer doesn’t get a lot of time-off…

What would you have been if not a photographer?
I would probably be an employee in a marketing firm. I have a degree in marketing too, so I’d probably end up doing something with it.

What are your thoughts on printing in photography?
Photography is like cooking – you can choose your ingredients such as light, subject, camera and setting. When you make something delicious but don’t present it well on a nice plate, it won’t be regarded as a well served meal! Similarly, printing is the final touch, the way to present your pictures. It has to be done well, as it is your publicity.

	Quick Four: Your Favourite Camera: Nikon D3 Your Favourite Shoot: Bjorn Verlinden’s fashion shoots Your Preferred Location: The south of Spain, with its nice weather, beautiful authentic villages and the deep-blue oceans Your Ideal Day: I try to make every day an ideal day. I have a nice time with people I like, do things I really like to do and try to make some more people happy with my work!

Photos by Gert Huygaerts | Fotosocial