Jurgen Schraepen
I am a Belgian amateur photographer with over four decades of experience behind the lens. Now 53, I discovered photography as a child through my father, shooting black and white film at a time when every frame had to count. That hands-on introduction left a lasting impression — one I carry with me to this day.
I still shoot analog black and white on occasion and develop my own film at home. The darkroom process remains an essential part of photography for me, not a nostalgic exercise. The control it offers over the final image is something digital cannot always replicate.
Over the years my equipment has evolved — from Canon and Nikon, where I built my technical foundation, to Olympus, and eventually to Leica. It is a brand whose approach aligns closely with my own: keep it simple, keep it precise, and let the image speak for itself.
My work covers black and white, landscapes, people, and nature. Across all of these, the emphasis is on composition, light, and timing rather than heavy post-processing.
Photography for me is not about gear or trends. It is about paying attention, being present, and making considered images — whether on a roll of film or a digital card.