Meeting Maxime.
I met Maxime for the first time on May 25th. The air held a gentle warmth, signaling the impending arrival of summer. I was meeting a bunch of other wedding photographers for drinks and dinner. It was the kick-off for a ten-month coaching trajectory we all took part in.
I met many new faces that day, and much of that evening is now residing in the recesses of my distant memory. (How ironic that none of us took pictures that evening, to remember the details, right?) One vivid encounter though, remains etched in my mind. It was, as I was searching for a quiet place where I could pump in peace. (Nothing to do with working out, but everything with motherhood and breastfeeding.) I stumbled upon Maxime, noticing the last light of the day, falling into an abandoned old living room.
And I remember thinking to myself, “She's got a great eye for light!”. And that's how I met Maxime.
Throughout the months that followed, both Maxime and I evolved and made significant tweaks to our craft, websites, and social media presence. Under the tutelage of three of Belgium's finest photographers, we each found our distinct routes to artistic expression.
Fast-forward to November, when Maxime found herself seeking a photographer to revitalize her personal brand, and I had just decided to make a pivotal shift in my approach to photo sessions: The era of swift pay-and-go transactions gave way to the start of personalized photographic journeys.
True self sessions, but now for real.
For quite a while, my individual photo sessions have been called "True Self" sessions. The why of it, lays in the desire to capture the real you.
But let's be honest, that isn't easy to do. And creating images that reflect your who you are on the inside, takes some digging and groundwork. Thus, I decided to make a big change. Starting with Maxime.
I started by taking a look around on her website, especially the “about me” page. Notes were taken, and an inspirational Pinterest board from Maxime added a creative touch to my process. Ideas were brainstormed, and I sought to identify intersections among them all. The next step involved a virtual coffee meeting where we could chat face-to-face.
As I posed a series of questions during our video coffee chat to gauge whether my idea for Maxime would be a good fit, I was a bit confused.
It seemed I hit the nail on its head with the idea I had for Maxime. Yet, she had a different idea. Keeping an open mind, I presented a solution: not just one, but two meticulously curated mood boards encompassing vibes, locations, and wardrobe suggestions. I suggested sending both to her, allowing her to make the final choice. After all, this is about her branding, her face, and her identity.
About Maxime:
On her “about me” page, Maxime wrote something that stood out to me:
What you can always wake me up for? A good cup of coffee, a delightful breakfast, winter sunshine in freezing temperatures, an aperitif with the people I cherish the most. Four days of Rock Werchter, hugs from my babies and hubby, a meaningful conversation, a Harry Potter marathon, Studio Brussel's "Afrekening," a day by the sea (wind in my hair, sun on my nose – YES, please!), and a breathtaking sunset. Let's just say these things bring me immense joy, and I truly savor each moment of them.
Naturally, I had to bring her to the seaside, even in winter, clad in our cozy attire and snug knits. Because, to my belief, what genuinely brings you happiness defines who you are.
After some reflection, and digging into her feelings. Maxime too, knew she belonged on this beach with me. On that cold November afternoon.
It's an experience.
After years of immersing myself in capturing moments for couples, families, and individuals, I'm ready to transcend the simplicity of a mere “pay-and-go” service. Sure, the routine has served its purpose in the past: Reach out to me, settle the invoice, meet at the agreed-upon location, snap some pictures for an hour, and I'll promptly send them your way.
It has worked perfectly fine for creating nice portraits, but that's just it… Perfectly fine isn't enough for me anymore.
You see, I'm a perfectionist, deeply invested in the details.
I firmly believe that the effort and passion invested, not just during the shoot but behind the scenes, profoundly influence the outcome of the images.
That's precisely why I want to understand you—what brings you joy or sorrow, whether you're a lively social butterfly or an introvert, reading books on the window sill every Saturday. What are your hobbies? What kindles your love for something or someone? Armed with this insight, I can create a concept for your photo session, assisting you in selecting an outfit for the theme and colors of the chosen location.
It's the preparation and the details that will make a difference.
It's what I do for my couples when I am chosen to capture their wedding day.
And I want to make the same commitment to all others that want to be immortalized through my lens.
This isn't just a photo session; it's an exclusive and emotional experience.
Witness how it unfolds into a gallery of images, reflecting your body AND your soul.
Speaking of emotions, there's a particular moment that deserves mention...
As Maxime and I were over an hour into this experience, the sky gradually darkened, the air got colder, and for reasons I can't quite pinpoint, something exceptional happened:
Maxime was sitting on the chair on the beach, facing me, her arms casually resting on the backrest. She covered her face with her hands, and as I snapped away, I suddenly realized she had started crying.
I took a step back, I continued capturing a few shots, sensing that this might be a moment she'd cherish in the future. I allowed her the space to just be in that moment.
When she finally lowered her hands, her gaze met mine, and a burst of laughter erupted. Her emotions had surged, making the moment profoundly meaningful for both of us. She expressed gratitude for letting the moment naturally unfold, for giving her the space to be herself, and for allowing this heartfelt, raw emotion to come to light.
soundscapes.
For those who've shared a moment with me in front of my lens, they'll attest to my affinity for using music during a photo session. Music, with its unique ability to navigate our emotions, serves as a powerful tool to awaken a certain emotion that I am looking to capture. For Maxime, I created a custom playlist based on her personality and the images we wanted to create.
The inspiration for the playlist? Rainy afternoon coffeehouse music.
I wanted to be able to picture Maxime in a warm sweater, sipping a cup of hot coffee, staring out the window into the rain.
Intrigued? Immerse yourself in the ambiance.
Your experience is only an email away.
Do you feel like this is the experience you have been looking for?
Investments start at 550€
Contact me to start your journey.