A Soul’s Homecoming

For a long time, I believed that to be a professional photographer, I needed a ‘museum of options’. I thought that owning the best equipment from every brand would prepare me for anything. But recently, I reached breaking point. Looking at my shelves, I saw a collection of distractions drowning out my voice rather than amplifying it.

The Weight of a Childhood Dream

My journey to achieving this clarity began with a dream I’ve had since childhood: to work with Hasselblad. A few years ago, I realised that dream with the 907X 50C and the 503cxi.

However, when I took them into the field, I realised that a dream on paper isn’t necessarily a reality in practice. I found myself fighting the gear, adjusting my rhythm to match the machine rather than the subject. The Hasselblad is a masterpiece, but I realised that I was trying to write a poem in a language I didn’t speak fluently. At the same time, I was using the Canon R3 — a useful tool, but for me it lacked soul.

The realisation: Five Years in the Making

Five years ago, I first held a Leica in my hands, and it set in motion a process that I could no longer ignore. What began as an exploration became my North Star. No matter how many ‘superior’ systems I tried, I always found myself drawn to the cold, purposeful metal of the M-System.

I realised that my professional practice and my photography were meant to beat as one. I don’t just want to take a picture; I want to capture the raw beauty of my subjects’ souls. The M-System doesn’t just take photos — it demands that you live them.

A digital workflow of exclusive pieces.

This weekend marks the end of my work with my Canon materials. Today, I sold a chapter of my life, but I am happy to invest in the right place. To replace the old systems, I have chosen two digital instruments that match the high level of exclusivity of my work.

The Leica SL3 Reporter is a rare, purpose-built edition. Clad in high-strength Kevlar fibre, its armoured texture provides a unique grip. It has a discreet matte green finish and lacks the ‘Leica red dot’, enabling me to blend into my surroundings. It is a rugged, silent witness, built for the most demanding of storytellers.

 

The Analog Resurgence: A Future Built on Authenticity

There is a common misconception that analogue technology is disappearing. I don’t believe that for a second. In fact, I believe it is making a comeback stronger than ever. In a world flooded with AI-generated ‘perfection’ and sterile digital files, there is a hunger for authenticity. We crave the texture, the anticipation, and the tangible reality of light hitting silver halide. People want to experience something genuine again. My decision to commit fully to Leica is my contribution to this resurgence. I am not looking back; I am paving the way towards a more authentic future.

The Mechanical Heartbeat: MP & M-A

In order to secure my legacy in this analogue revival, I have invested in the two ultimate mechanical masterpieces.

The Leica MP (Mechanical Perfection): I traded in my iconic M6 to acquire a gloss black MP. This is not just a camera; it is a living record. Unlike chrome finishes, the black paint is designed to wear over time, slowly revealing the solid golden brass chassis beneath — a physical record of our journey together. It features a purely mechanical shutter that is a marvel of engineering and requires no power to capture a moment.

 

The Leica M-A (Typ 127): While the MP represents perfection, the M-A embodies purity. It is the most straightforward camera in my collection, as it is entirely devoid of electronics. There is no light meter, no battery and no distractions. It marks a return to the fundamentals of photography: shutter, film, and intuition.

The soul in the glass.

Ultimately, this transition is all about the Leica M glass. These lenses capture a level of emotion and depth that cannot be replicated by any other means. They don’t just record light, they interpret it. Thanks to the technical harmony of the short flange distance and world-class optics, they capture a character and a ‘glow’ that I have always wanted to give my clients. When I look through an M lens, I see a living, breathing story.

A Partnership of Belief

This transition was a huge undertaking, and it would not have been possible without the tremendous support and approval of Leica International, Leica France and Leica Belgium (Zaventem).

I am deeply grateful for their collective efforts and belief in my work. They did more than just help me trade equipment — they convinced me that it was time to merge my practice and my photography into one uncompromising identity.

The New Chapter: A Legacy of Light

This weekend, as I click the shutter on my final assignment using the “jack-of-all-trades” kits of the past, I am closing the door on a “museum of options” and embracing a singular truth.

My shelves are almost bare now, and they have never looked more beautiful. By stripping away the noise, I have finally found the silence required to capture the essence of a photograph. I am no longer a collector of brands; I am a witness with a Leica.

WivtPhoto.be has finally come home. The distractions are gone; the soul remains.

Thank you