RUDY LEYS 23.12.1962 Living in Belgium, I took my first steps into photography at the age of twelve with a small “Kodak” camera. At fourteen, I bought a Zenit SLR camera with my savings, and around 2010 I purchased my first digital SLR, diving back into photography with renewed passion. In the beginning, I had no clear specialty. I explored different styles and techniques, but soon discovered that photographing people is what I enjoy most. People are endlessly fascinating—everyone is unique in their eyes, expressions, poses, and style. For me, photography is about enjoying the entire process before, during, and after taking a picture. It starts with collecting ideas, developing concepts, searching for props, and sometimes even losing sleep over them. Then comes the shoot itself: interacting with the model, making adjustments, and searching for the right image. Finally, there is post-processing and the satisfaction of saying, “I’m happy with this photo.” I enjoy creating narrative photography—images that show a scene, pose, or emotion and invite the viewer to imagine their own story. A humorous twist is always welcome, especially in staged compositions. One of my inspirations is the Dutch photographer Peter Kemp, whose workshop I attended. His creativity greatly inspired me. Like any photographer, I draw inspiration from others without copying them. Working with studio flashes took time to master (and there is always room for improvement), but I also love using natural light for portraits. I work with a Canon R6 II, an 85mm f/1.2, and a 24–70mm f/2.8 lens. Collaborating with other photographers is something I find both enjoyable and educational. I am part of a small group of friends—a photo club—where we create and discuss work together. I regularly attend workshops and occasionally participate in photo events, including CCC Fotounie, where I was able to experience forms of photography that simply aren’t possible in a small home studio.