Empowering Creativity – My Keynote Experience with Koylab in Gent, Belgium

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Gent, Belgium, to serve as a keynote speaker for Koylab at Creative Connect, an event dedicated to the future of photography and fostering creativity within our industry. This experience was especially meaningful as I also had the honor of being part of the jury and awards ceremony for the Belgium Photo Awards. Engaging with top talents and recognizing their achievements added an inspiring dimension to my trip, highlighting the excellence and innovation within the European photography scene.

Gent, with its stunning medieval architecture and vibrant artistic community, provided the perfect backdrop for connecting with like-minded creatives and exploring new perspectives. Surrounded by this historical beauty and dynamic energy, we dived into conversations on the evolving role of photography, the power of visual storytelling, and the technologies pushing our craft forward. I’m excited to share insights and personal reflections from this memorable event that celebrated both the present and future of photography.

Belgium Top Photographer and Speaker Presenter Raïs De Weirdt here she was about to introduce me, , she also held her own talk and was Host of the Belgium Photo awards ceremony, so yeah you’re going to see her a lot in this post.

Raïs De Weirdt acting camera shy, why president of the Belgium Photo Awards

What an amazing career of over 40 years, below we shared some cake.

YES, Even as I am walking on stage, I am taking pictures.

THE Hostess with the mostest . and yes I have a lot of pictures with or of Rais De Werdt but why not ? She is awesome .

She was styding the evening’s Q cards before the event started .

Pieter Van Dooren giving me thumbs up ..

40 years of Photography and 25 years of friendship .

The trade show at Creative Connect was a lively hub, filled with some of the biggest names in the photography world. From Fuji, Nikon, and Canon to Koylab and many others, each brand had an exciting booth showcasing their latest innovations. As a Fuji ambassador, I had the pleasure of meeting fellow ambassadors and swapping creative insights, which made the experience even more inspiring. The event felt like a celebration of photography, offering an amazing chance to connect with brands and fellow photographers, all eager to push the boundaries of our art form.

Everything was all set to go, so Mieke is smiling .

Fellow Fuji film Ambassador Ionnis Tsouloulis

The Creative Connect Team during the briefing

Marthe Making sure everything is running smoothly

Hello, is it time for the awards event .

Ibleed setting up, making sure everything is perfect .

Koylab booth with Ibleed had some of my favorite projects there,

I wonder what these two were up to ? Maybe talking about my Algarve workshop

🔑 Keynote Focus: Project Success & Creativity

My “Empower Creativity: Project Success” keynote centered on harnessing creativity as a driving force for impactful projects. I highlighted three essential pillars:

Thanks, Rais for the pictures of my Talk

The Role of Creativity in Project Success: Creativity is more than a skill; it fuels meaningful, impactful work. I shared strategies for channeling creative energy to produce unique projects that resonate deeply with audiences.
The Value of Physical Prints in a Digital World: In today’s digital age, physical prints maintain a timeless significance. We discussed how high-quality printed works, like Koylab’s beautifully crafted photo albums, create lasting impressions and add a tangible element to the storytelling.
Tips for Consistent Creativity: Staying inspired can be challenging, especially with a busy schedule. I offered my methods for nurturing creativity across multiple projects, balancing personal and professional work to keep ideas fresh and innovative.

🎨 Portfolio Reviews: Connecting and Inspiring

Beyond the keynote, I had the privilege of conducting portfolio reviews and offering one-on-one feedback to photographers from all over Europe. This experience allowed me to help creatives refine their work and enhance their portfolios. Some key points we covered included:

Developing a Cohesive Style: Consistency in style is crucial for photographers, especially those looking to build a professional portfolio.
Curating for Impact: Sometimes, less is more. I emphasized the importance of showcasing only the best, most unique work.
Understanding Audience and Purpose: Tailoring portfolios to different audiences—whether clients, galleries, or social media—can significantly enhance how work is received.

🤝 Reconnecting with Friends and Students

A memorable highlight was reuniting with some of my former students from our Algarve event last February. It was inspiring to see their progress and hear about their latest projects. I also had the pleasure of reconnecting with the talented Raïs, a fellow Koylab ambassador. Her dedication and vibrant energy always bring a creative spark to these gatherings. We shared valuable conversations about pushing boundaries in photography and the importance of printed works in preserving stories.

🇧🇪 Exploring Gent’s Cultural Richness

No trip to Gent would be complete without taking in its beauty. I spent time exploring the historic streets, diving into local art, and enjoying its rich culinary scene. The blend of medieval charm and modern city life offered endless inspiration, enriching the experience.

Reflecting on this journey, I’m immensely grateful to Koylab for the opportunity to share insights, connect with passionate creatives, and reaffirm the value of creativity in shaping impactful photographic narratives. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of print and creativity, and I look forward to more opportunities to empower others in the world of photography.