“Photography has not changed since its origin except in its technical aspects,
which are of no importance to me”.

Henri Cartier-Bresson, 1980.

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My first steps into photography date back to my childhood. Already at a tender age I was fascinated by images. However, my real photographic interest arose at the age 20. I used my photography to create a record of my life, capturing whatever interested me when venturing out with my old Nikon camera. I was determined to master it, and thus became wrapped up in the technical side of photography and the darkroom technique.

Moving to Brussels coincided with my enrolment in the Academy of Visual Arts and with the consequent immersion into the universe of research photography. I simply fell in love with photography. I discovered many photographers who inspired me. During this period of experimenting and investigating other photographers’ work, I started to develop my own style.

But the real initiation rite occurred when I met a fine art photographer, who revealed the secrets of Pictorialism to me and taught me how to develop the images using ink, gum and earth instead of silver. I found a new way of capturing images. Gradually, my photographic work is getting more personal.

I’m convinced that the intricate use of software and equipment doesn’t automatically lead to good images. Each project is a creative challenge. I use old as well as new techniques, alternative processes (gum print and bromoil) besides digital photo processing.
Photography is lifelong learning, characterized by a focus on quality and a keen eye.

Kim Engels