Morgane Gielen

Photographer

Website : www.morganegielen.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/morgane.gielen
Instagram : www.instagram.com/morganegielen

Where are you based?
I’m based in between Leuven and Brussels in Belgium.

What does your regular week look like?
My weeks consists out of three days of school – webdesign and graphic design – the other part goes to my job as a photographer. My evenings go to my passion for martial arts. I practice Brazilian Jiujitsu and Grappling at Team Brasa.

Why do you take photos?
One of my favorite parts about being a photographer is that it forces you to pay attention to things people ordinary may take for granted, or worse, not even notice. It not only helps myself to express emotions, it’s also a way for me to help people; to make them smile, capture their strongest moments, help them grow their confidence or support them in chasing their dreams.

How would you describe your style of photography?
It has almost always been a conscious decision to use natural light for my photographs; it is just what feels right for me. My favorite thing is to work in various locations, with the goal of creating a connection between the model and the surroundings. I tend to switch between dramatic and a ‘corky’ feeling depending on location, clothing and intent of the picture. Fashion photography has become a large part of who I am today. I love the process and think a part of me will always want to shoot it. However another side of me will forever be seeking new explorations and other challenges in different styles.

Which image are you best know for?
Actually it’s one of the first shoots I did when I started experimenting with fashion photography, in 2012. At that time it was a friend and I decided to put her in front of the camera because she was so photogenic. The make-up artist made beautiful face-painting and with the styling we went for Bohemian. All fell in place and the results made people like it a lot.

What makes a perfect photograph?
Once a photo has caught your attention, it needs to have details to keep the eyes interested. I’ve come to appreciate that a good photograph is one that causes some sort of emotional response. We’re bombarded with so much imagery that our most common response to photography is indifference. If an image surprises me through an unusual view, wows me through its sheer beauty or makes me angry by showing injustice, it is a good photograph. It could be technically terrible, poorly composed and horribly exposed, but if it causes an emotional response, it will be memorable and therefore successful.

Do you think photographers have a positive or negative impact on society?
Photography has impacted society by allowing people to see others whom they would never have an opportunity to see otherwise. Photography changed the way we remember things. Photographers use their cameras as tools of exploration, passports to inner sanctums, instruments for change. Their images are proof that photography matters – now more than ever.

What is the most powerful photograph you have seen?
I’m burning my brains out with this question. I appreciate so much work, I get inspired by so many different photographers, from the past and the current life. It’s impossible for me to choose one…

Who would play you in the film of yourself?
Recently I saw a film with Léa Seydoux and I was so impressed with her acting. She is very natural and has an ‘imperfection’ about her that I like. She can totally play me!