Interviews / Stories
Interview: Photographer Gaëlle Spaas (Belgium)
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Gaëlle, I’m 18 years old, born and raised in Belgium. I’ve always been into photography, but only since last year I’ve got the chance to be busy with it for my audiovisual education. It’s been these two years that have helped me to develop my own style and passion for it. For me, photography is my life where I can find my inner peace and express my emotions.
How and when did you get into photography?
In 2015, at the age of 16, I started my audiovisual education. But my love and passion was already there when I was 13, that’s the time I got my first digital camera, an old canon eos 300d. The reason I got into photography is because of my father, he put me in front of Photoshop at the age of 7-8 and and since then I’ve never stopped using it, from using stock photos from the internet and doing a lot of photo manipulation to creating my own pictures. I wanted to shoot the atmosphere and the model at the same time, so I decreased the level of manipulation over time.
What does photography mean to you?
You could say that I wake up and go to sleep with photography. I have found a specific style in photography which allows me to be creative in photography as well as editing in photoshop. I can spend endless time in editing pictures as the final result tells a whole story of who I am.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
Mainly my artwork exists out of a mix of fine-art, portraiture and conceptual art, with a minimum of additional lightning resulting in a natural beauty.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Yes, before a shoot I always try to figure out what I need by creating a moodboard, finding all the right props and model(s).
Where do you get inspiration from?
I find inspiration from other amazing artists and photographers who are working in the same style, but I try to create an exceptional art portrait of my own evolving in a specific approach that can be recognized as mine.
Studio, on location or both?
I prefer to work on location, but for specific themes is a studio more suitable.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
For the time, as being a student, I would describe myself as a hobbyist, but wanting to evolve to a paid professional.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
The session I did for my end work this year at the art school was memorable as it was very cold and the model had to lay in the water, which she did amazingly well, and resulted in some beautiful pictures.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
The biggest source of inspiration comes from my interests in the beauty of nature combined with the great outbursts of creativity alternate with feelings of melancholy and inner peace.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Canon ofcourse. Once started with Canon, it’s most likely to stay with Canon. ;) At the moment my most favorite lens is a 50mm 1.2f, but I also would love to work with a 85mm lens someday.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Following your own dreams and evolving step by step. Don’t let social media take control of your artwork. The most important thing is not giving up when things turn bad, and always believe in yourself. :)
What do you think of our new magazine?
My first impression is that it’s a great opportunity for models, photographers and other artistic people to be known outside the frontiers we live in.