Photographer: Elisabeth Decabootere

My journey into photography began in 1995, in the quiet darkness of an analogue darkroom — a place that would later become my sanctuary.

I still remember developing that very first photograph, watching an image slowly come to life in the developer tray. There was something almost magical about it. From that moment on, I was captivated.

As the world moved from film to pixels, I eventually said goodbye to my analogue companion and embraced the digital era. Yet the essence never changed. Photography became an inseparable part of who I am.

Over the years, my lens has explored many subjects and stories, but eventually it brought me back to where I truly belong:

portrait photography.

Today, my work is centred around creating Painterly & Fine Art portraits — images that go beyond capturing how someone looks. They preserve character, emotion and a moment in time.

I believe these portraits are the family heirlooms of tomorrow.

Because a portrait should be more than a photograph.
It should be art.