I am a photographer based in Ghent, specializing in fashion and lifestyle photography. My work combines professionalism with an artistic sensibility, offering clients images that resonate on a deeper, more poetic level.
My fascination with natural light is central to my photography. it is my most valued strength, using its ever-changing qualities to create dynamic compositions that feel alive and authentic. Whether capturing soft, fleeting moments or dramatic contrasts, natural light allows me to evoke texture, depth, and atmosphere. At the same time, I am also skilled in studio photography, where precision and control enable me to bring a client’s vision to life with clarity and detail.
Collaboration is at the heart of my process. I thrive in team settings, working alongside stylists, art directors, and other creatives to produce cohesive campaigns. For smaller or emerging brands, I take on the full production of shoots - from selecting models and creating mood boards to ensuring every detail aligns seamlessly with the concept. This hands-on approach ensures a consistent and high-quality result, tailored to each client’s needs.
My sensitivity as an photographer is my defining quality. It allows me to see beauty in the everyday and capture it in a way that resonates with others. Through my lens, i’m inviting viewers to see what I see. My background as a visual artist is unmistakable in my work, where subtle details, thoughtful compositions, and a painterly use of light come together to create an esthetic that feels both contemporary and timeless.
In my photography, there is always a story, even if it’s never told literally. My images often evoke the gestures of contemporary dance or theatre, with poses that convey emotion and subtlety. I pay particular attention to textures and tactile surfaces, from the interplay of light on fabric to the beauty of skin. These details, though seemingly simple, act as gateways to a deeper, unseen world - one that can be felt but not always articulated.
While I live in Ghent, I am always eager to travel for shoots, both within Belgium and internationally.
If you’re looking for a photographer who brings both artistry and professionalism to your fashion or lifestyle campaign to elevate your brand’s identity, I’d be delighted to collaborate.You can view more of my work in my portfolio or via Instagram.
Emilie Bonjé
Work
Independent photographer since 2015
Publications
A.o. The Guardian, L’Oeil de la Photographie, Life Framer, De Morgen, Xeno Magazine, Knack Weekend, View Magazine, Breedbeeld, Psychologie Magazine, Bloovi Magazine, Charlie Magazine, Steps Magazine, De Gentenaar, Mooi Magazine, Hooligans Magazine
(publications of commissioned works and personal projects)
Education
2007-2008 Master in Visual Arts, Experimental School, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
2004-2007 Bachelor’s in Visual Arts, Experimental School, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
2003-2004 Visual Arts, Painting, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
Thesis: “Physical and Mental Aspects of Depth Perception in Art”
Mentorship
2019-2020 MENTORMENTOR, an intensive group program for selected photographers who are working autonomously on an oeuvre.
2018: MENTORMENTOR, an individual program.
Book
‘Emile, the beauty of imperfection’, hard cover, 144 pages, ISBN 9789082504705
Awards
Black and White, Life Framer, honorable mention, 2022
Unknown Masterpieces, Photofestival Knokke-Heist, 2021
Outside, Bosland, 2020
Fotonale Bruges, 2016
Twens | Unexposed Leuven, 2014
32nd International Photo Festival Knokke-Heist, 2010
Preselection of the Canvas Collection Ghent, 2010
Emerging Talents from Belgian Schools of Photography Brussel, 2008
Preselection of the Canvas Collection Ghent, 2008
All True Artists Antwerp, 2007
Exhibitions
’Crust’ at Fik, Ghent.
‘Crust’ at Atelier Jules August, Ghent, 2021.
Unknown Masterpieces, Photo Knokke-Heist, 2021
Group exhibition MENTORMENTOR, Blanco Ghent, 2021
Group exhibition with Sylvie De Meerleer, Biekorf Bruges, 2021
Buy Local, Kunsthal Ghent, 2020
Solo exhibition, Library Lebbeke, 2018
Solo exhibition, CC De Factorij Zaventem, 2018
Solo exhibition, CC De Velinx Tongeren, 2017
Solo exhibition, De Ververij Ronse, 2017
Group exhibition, Fotonale Bruges, 2016
Group exhibition, Het Objectief Ghent, 2016
Solo exhibition ‘Emile, the beauty of imperfection’, St Nicholas’ Church Ghent, 2016
Photo circuit Unexposed, Twens Leuven, 2014
Beeldruim Exposeert, Huset Ghent, 2012
Beeldruim Exposeert, Meerseniersstraat Ghent, 2012
Solo exhibition, AZ Sint-Lucas Ghent, 2012
Group exhibition, Surface by Re-Found, Van Crombrugge’s Genootschap Ghent, 2012
Shop Window Art Exhibition, Meerseniersstraat Ghent, 2011
Pop-up art sale by AmuseeVous, Gandavus Portus Art Boat Ghent, 2011
’32ste International photofestival Knokke-Heist, 2010
Opa’s First B-day Mechelen, 2010
Group exhibition, View Magazine, Le Botanique Brussels, 2009
Group exhibition, Caleidoscoop Drongen, 2009
Out of Control, VUB Galerie Y’ Brussels, 2008
3 in 1, Nuit Blanche 2008, Botanique Brussels, 2008
Emerging Talents from Belgian Schools of Photography, La Cambre Brussels, 2008
Alles Kan Festival, Genste Feesten, 2008
Mastermarathon, Sint-Lucas Ghent, 2008
Extra Etage, Extra City Antwerp, 2008
All True Artists bij Lucy, Antwerp, 2007
Bevangen, Vismijn Nieuwpoort, 2007
Project Slachthuisstraat Ghent, 2007
