The Homecoming

A new image for my ongoing series "The Nearest Truth” , where I explore the possibility’s of location scouting, combined with a strong narrative.

For this project I embark on a journey through inspiring locations that have the power to ignite the imagination. Guided by the virtual lens of Google Street View, I find myself wandering through the digital corridors of the world, embarking on endless virtual walks. Like a spy plane soaring above, I observe the landscape from different angles, seeking out wooded areas, specific architectural styles, and mysterious structures that exude a captivating atmosphere. These locations serve as the foundation upon which I build my narrative.

A captivating story of a long lost daughter.

BALLAD FROM EDEN

In this photo series I explore the thin line between the familiar and the disturbing. Starting from a nostalgic photo series of still lifes, inspired by quintessential Flemish interiors and imbued with references to Flemish painting, Caravaggio, Edward Hopper and the films of David Lynch, I show seemingly domestic scenes that are slowly taken over by nature. By subtly integrating exotic animals, insects and plants in a surprising A.I. study, each still life acquires a strange layering.

These works question the recognizability of our safe environment in which we grew up and memories and reveal the dark undertones that lurk beneath the surface of the everyday. What at first glance seems warm and familiar, turns out to be a mirror of alienation and transience. Nothing is what it seems.

BEFORE AND AFTER!

The base, still live picture (no retouch) that I’ve taken and the final image, after my A.I. experiment.

Feel free ask me more about this project and see the all the original images, before the A.I. treatment.

I'M MAKING A MOVIE !

Short Film "The Sound of Broken Glass"

As a photographer, I have always been fascinated by the power of images to convey stories. My short film, "The Sound of Broken Glass," combines my passion for photography and film to bring a deeply personal narrative to life.

This black-and-white film delves into the complexities of a relationship in crisis, capturing the tumultuous interactions between a couple grappling with the aftermath of a dramatic event. Through visual poetry and choreography, I aim to immerse viewers in their emotional journey, highlighting moments of connection and distance while manipulating the concept of time with reverse scenes.

Moodboard

The film begins with a Polaroid that reflects their joyful past, quickly disrupted by a powerful dance representing their struggle. Using symbolism—such as a man gazing at his reflection while water rises—I visually articulate the characters' inner conflicts. A mysterious visitor and a shocking event involving a bird serve as metaphors for loss and the fragility of love.

In the climax, as the couple seeks to reconnect in a forest, I capture the tension and chaos within their relationship. The film concludes with unresolved tension, inviting reflection on the depths of human connections. Featuring no dialogue, only ambient sounds, the film will be complemented by a poignant soundtrack created in collaboration with a Belgian composer.

I am dedicated to bringing this vision to life with care and attention to detail, confident that it will offer a unique viewing experience. With support, I aspire to share this resonant story with a wide audience.

Hope to share the movie with you soon!

The crowdfunding has started, feel free to check it out and how you can support the making of my shortfilm.

https://www.voordekunst.nl/projecten/18409-the-sound-of-broken-glass#donaties

Warm regards, Geert

Raise your Glasses! To the new Jägermeister Campaign.

I had the privilege to work on the Jägermeister print campaign featuring their new product, Manifest. A high-end alcoholic drink designed to be shared with best friends during unforgettable moments. The concept involved photographing groups of stylish youngsters in luxurious settings like castles, restaurants, and cigar bars—locations where they may seem unexpected but feel perfectly at ease, cherishing each other's company over a great drink.

The production took place in Milan, offering an abundance of beautiful backdrops to enhance the visuals. Grateful for the experience and the fantastic outcome achieved with an exceptional team.

Some behind the scenes footage, for you to enjoy.

DAFT, The sound of music in the Ardennes.

I created this series of 3 images for a venue that combines a high end music studio with exquisite hospitality.

A hotel and creative space for musicians in the Ardennes in Belgium.

I was asked to create the concept and the images where the music and hospitality come together.

DAFT is very proud of their professional studio and sound equipment, so I invented these theatrical isles with a story within the space.

The wonderful team that made this possible. And me, pretending to play the piano.

Lucas, my first assistant, tuning the guitar. He’s an amazing guitarist, didn’t now that!

This is not a real campfire, is it?

The Nearest Truth: Exploring the Hidden Narratives

In my latest photo series, I embark on a journey through inspiring locations that have the power to ignite the imagination. Guided by the virtual lens of Google Street View, I find myself wandering through the digital corridors of the world, embarking on endless virtual walks. Like a spy plane soaring above, I observe the landscape from different angles, seeking out wooded areas, specific architectural styles, and mysterious structures that exude a captivating atmosphere. These locations serve as the foundation upon which I build my narrative.

However, the initial allure of these virtual discoveries often gives way to reality when I visit them in person. Changes in the environment or alterations to the building itself can leave me disappointed. Just as Google Street View captures a moment in time, my photographs also freeze a specific instance. Yet, in their evolution, they reveal the loss or emergence of certain character traits unique to each location.

Every place undoubtedly harbors a story, a history waiting to unfold. These stories become the seeds for my photo series. Approaching with an air of naivety, I engage with the owners of farms, houses, and other inhabited places. My initial intention is to seek permission to capture their residence in an image. With a genuine curiosity, I ask them to share a personal story that resonates deeply with their home. An event or memory that has left an indelible mark and is intimately intertwined with their dwelling. It's as if I am selecting a still from a movie, immortalizing a moment frozen in time.

The Inauguration Call

The residents' personal stories form the foundation of my images. Drawing inspiration from their narratives, I create and stage new situations that expand upon the truth, allowing room for interpretation and exaggeration. The resulting photographs, The Nearest Truth, are grounded in true stories yet venture beyond simple documentation. Nothing is quite as it seems, as I aim to create a world where reality and imagination blur together, beckoning viewers to question their own perceptions.

Through this approach, I hope to uncover the hidden narratives embedded within these captivating locations. The fusion of personal stories, carefully constructed staging, and the inherent magic of photography allows me to delve into the depths of human experience and create visual moments that resonate on multiple levels.

In The Nearest Truth, reality dances with the imaginary, prompting viewers to delve deeper into their own interpretations and immerse themselves in a world where tales are told through the lens of a camera.

Shallow Water

Gemini Rising

Neptunes Offer

The Moon Curser

Young Mustang

MADE WITH LOVE

I had such a good time creating the image for the new Channel 4 series "True Love." The concept of the show, which revolves around friends taking their destiny into their own hands out of love for each other, provided a rich and inspiring backdrop for the photoshoot.
The series, aptly subtitled "You would kill for friends like these," allowed for a freely interpreted visual narrative that captured the essence of this gripping storytelling. The photo we created reflects the deep bonds, intense emotions, and gripping drama that audiences can expect from "True Love."
Working on this project was a true pleasure, and I'm thrilled to have been a part of bringing this compelling story to life visually through my lens.

HOW IT WAS MADE

The seamless fusion of two distinct locations, Belgian fields and a London photo studio, brought to life a captivating visual narrative. The tranquil beauty of the Belgian countryside served as the backdrop, with gravestones carefully integrated from a nearby graveyard. Meanwhile, the characters were captured in the controlled environment of a London photo studio. The ingenuity of the real turf set, elevated to create a foreground grave, added depth and poignancy to the composition.
In post-production, these disparate elements were expertly stitched together, resulting in a visual masterpiece that seamlessly merged the tranquility of nature with the urban sophistication of the studio. The collaborative efforts of a talented team and cast elevated the project, infusing it with emotion and resonance.
The entire process was a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, culminating in a real love story from its conceptualization to its stunning realization.

After Dark: Transcending Time and Exploring the Mysterious

Google Streetview image, transforming day into night.

The allure of Google Street View lies in its ability to provide informative daytime images of various locations across the globe. However, as a photographer, I am intrigued by capturing the aesthetic side of these images, where artistry intertwines with exploration.
Like a spy plane, I scan the Google Earth map, seeking out captivating areas to delve into. With each virtual journey, I transport myself to places I have never physically been before. Through endless walks along these virtual streets, I unravel the aesthetics embedded within the images, driven by the desire to lose myself and discover the unseen.

Transforming the sun into the moon makes sure the direction of light is respected.

As I navigate through this digital realm, I exercise my artistic eye, selecting and framing scenes much like I would in reality. Some may argue that the photographer's skill is not required in this context, yet the experience evokes a similar sentiment.
Google Street View, unlike the real world, never sleeps. The sun never sets, and the lights of a city after dark remain unseen. This continuous wakefulness creates a delirium of sleeplessness. To counter this perpetual daylight, I have chosen Hong Kong, a city that never sleeps, as the subject of my exploration.
In order to infuse this adventurous tool with a sense of tranquility, I transform the images captured on my computer screen into nighttime scenes. I search for desolate streets, where I can flick on streetlights and evoke the mysterious ambience that the night so graciously brings. In a sense, I manipulate time.
Just as the Google Street View car freezes a moment in time, so do photographs. However, photographs inherently possess the power to witness the evolution of landscapes over time, patiently awaiting the next passing of a Google car.

Empty streets are hard to find in Hong Kong. It helps to create mystery.

Through this venture, I aim to redefine the boundaries of exploration and artistic expression. By transcending time and reimagining the familiar, I strive to breathe new life into these images, casting a nocturnal enchantment upon the ubiquitous daylight.

Empty Rooms: Portraits of Sleepwalkers in Nature

The "Empty Rooms" series is a surreal collection of portraits capturing sleepwalkers as they meet in nature at night. Shot without additional light, these images have a dreamlike and ethereal quality that draws viewers into an intimate and otherworldly realm.

I used long exposures of up to 20 seconds to create these haunting and otherworldly portraits. This effectively blurs the line between dream and reality, capturing the sleepwalkers in a state between consciousness and unconsciousness.

I asked the models to open their eyes for ten seconds and close them for ten seconds, creating a translucent and almost ghostly effect. The result adds a layer of depth and complexity to each photograph.

As viewers gaze into the sleepwalker's eyes, they are drawn into a world beyond their imagination. The combination of the long exposure and translucent eyes creates an intensely personal and striking image that is both mysterious and captivating.

A juxtaposition of nature and unconsciousness creates a world that is both intimate and otherworldly, drawing viewers into a dreamlike realm.

OH MAE GOD !

Album cover art for Mae Muller

With the AI debate in full swing, I challenged the tool to write my next post. Here it is.

I recently had the pleasure of being commissioned to shoot the artwork for Mae Muller's debut album. As a talented up-and-coming artist, it was an honor to be able to help bring her vision to life. The shoot took place at a studio located in the heart of London.

We spent the morning preparing for the shoot, carefully selecting the wardrobe and accessories that would best convey Mae's unique style and personality. We experimented with different lighting techniques and backdrops until we had created the perfect atmosphere for the shoot.

Once everything was ready, Mae stepped into the spotlight and began performing for the camera. Her energy and passion were contagious. Mae switched characters 14 times in one day for this shoot. I was able to capture some truly stunning shots, showing off Mae's natural beauty and incredible talent.

After the shoot wrapped, we reviewed the images together and chose the perfect shots to use for the album artwork. Seeing the finished product, I was filled with a sense of pride and professionalism that comes with a job well done.

Working with Mae Muller on her debut album was an unforgettable experience. It was a joy to collaborate with such a talented artist and to be a part of the journey towards creating something special.

Mae Muller switched characters 14 times in one day for this shoot.

Ghosts don't have shadows

As Brussels today is a “ghost town”, I drew inspiration by the Indonesian myth of Pocong, the shred ghost representing a soul trapped in its white sheets. This character is currently used in Indonesia to scare people in order to increase their awareness of COVID-19 danger.

I have a strong connection with Java because of previous projects on the island: to me, it always conveyed a mysterious atmosphere.

In this new project the personal adaptation of the myth of Pocong is a metaphor for the ghost city Brussels has become because of the COVID-19 restrictions. The muted streets as a big theatre - the only one allowed these days... - playing the invisible side by side walk of Life and Death. The few spectators are lonely and by themselves, showing the defection of disappearance: like outlaw ghosts drifting around the city, without neither direction nor substance, they are suspended in time and space. Not even the wrapping shreds of Pocong ghosts for them: in their transparent presence there’s the memory of what they were and the possibility of what they could be.

Finally, they don’t have shadows, because ghosts don’t have shadows.

HOLY GIN FOR ALL

This period allows us to think and rethink, the way we work, the way we live.

I had the idea to support a local brand. I asked them for a bottle (that soon will be opened) and created this image.

What better time to make a still live study for the lovely people of Holy Water Gin.