Copyright, privacy and license

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Almost every image on this website is displayed with the subject’s explicit consent. (The few exceptions are images shot in the street.) My standard contract gives the client an unrestricted license to use the photographs I deliver wherever, whenever and however they want. But it also specifies that I retain the copyright of my work, and that I too may use the images in any way that I wish.

When I give the contract to a client to sign I usually point this out, explaining that the only way I can attract new customers is to show the work that I have already done. The great majority understand, and have no problem with this. But a few do object or hesitate – for a variety of reasons, they would prefer me not to use the images I make for them. I always accept this without argument. I simply amend the contract so that although I still retain the copyright, I renounce all rights to use the photographs produced. And – unlike many photographers – I don’t charge anything extra in this case. (Full buy-out, where I give up copyright altogether, is something different. For that I do charge a higher rate.)

Screenshots of gallery pages

I’ve just added two new photo galleries to the site to show my portraits of couples and of children. Understandably, these are the types of work for which clients most frequently ask me for complete privacy. So I am extremely grateful to all those who gave me permission to use these images. Thank you!


Child photography on location

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I really enjoy photographing children. They are generally more spontaneous and less self-conscious than adults, displaying their thoughts and feelings plainly in their faces and their gestures. It’s a special privilege to photograph the same child at different stages of their development.

I recently met up with this little boy and his mother for our third session together. The first shoot was in their home, the second in the studio, and this time we met in a local park. It was a beautiful day, and we chatted and strolled and photographed for just over an hour. The park has a vegetable garden, farm animals, a fishing lake, and orchards carpeted with wild flowers, so there was plenty to distract and entertain my subject.

If you are thinking of booking a professional shoot for yourself and your children, do consider the option of doing this ‘on location’. I can recommend beautiful places in Brussels suitable for children of different ages, not far from where you live.

Putting the portrait subject in context

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A successful portrait must concentrate the viewer’s attention on the subject’s face, of course. But it can also provide additional information about their profession, passions or interests.

There are plenty of different ways to provide this context. Many people wear uniforms or other special clothing in the course of their work, or to practice their favourite sport.

I’ve photographed artists with their works, musicians with their instruments, and one time a chef with a huge kitchen knife.

Of course, many of us don’t have distinctive clothing or equipment. In this case, the contextual elements of a portrait need to be symbolic or suggestive. Living in Brussels, I’m often asked to make portraits for people who work in the EU institutions. Here, we can integrate obvious symbols such as logos or flags, or go for a more impressionistic backdrop of the ‘European district’.

Perhaps you’d prefer a set of studio portraits with neutral backgrounds. That’s great! I promise we’ll make some beautiful ones. But if you’d like to add a bit of contextual richness, give me a call and we can discuss how we might do this. You like reading? We can make some shots of you with a book. Your job involves environmental protection? Let’s do the shoot in the woods. You’re a tech entrepreneur? I recommend a modern architectural background. Into music? Why not make some portraits with your earphones or the cover of your favourite album? Movie buff? Brussels has some amazing retro cinema architecture we can use.