1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
Hi! I'm Mia Segaert, born in the year 1974 in Belgium. After a 25-year career in Real Estate and Finance, I made a career switch at the end of 2022 and followed my heart. Ever since childhood, I have been fascinated by photography and the artistic world. Deeply inspired by nature in general, the oceans in particular, contemporary architecture, and cross-cultural relations, I focus with my photographic work on the extraordinary landscape phenomena while traveling.
I attempt to give a new (sur)realism by accentuating the aesthetic of our precious blue planet with intuitive photography. In this way, I want to express my emotions and convey a powerful message. My photographic artworks are subjected to a rigorous selection for a sophisticated and exclusive collection of fine art prints. With my work, I want to flourish in interiors for business or home in the philosophy of biophilic design and art.
2Where did you study photography?
I started my photography journey in 2016 with Photo Art at the Academy of Visual Arts in Brasschaat (Belgium) combined with my own practice. However, due to health issues and treatments required, I had to stop the training mid 2019. As I am very motivated to become better, I started back with several modules in photography in Ostend at CVO Scale, which was part of an official training program as a photographer in 2023.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
When I made my first communion at six years old, two of my aunts gave me a small, quite adorable analog camera. I was thrilled with this present and eagerly used it to take pictures of the family event organized at our home. However, capturing those moments wasn't as easy as I had imagined.
4What equipment do you use?
Today, I shoot with a high-resolution - full-frame camera from Canon (EOS R system). It is a system camera that I have been using since 2018 and with different attachment lenses, tele, wide angle, and macro according to the situation. When I am on a trip, I have it with me at all times. I traded my handbag for it wherever I go.
5What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
I often get the comments: so fresh, so new, so fantastic, and beautiful. Your passion is reflected in your images. You express the deepest.
6What inspires your unique storytelling?
As a child, I had the need for artistic, aesthetic creativity and wanted to visualize it. I had the need to create something beautiful, with great attention to shapes, colors, and detail. Meeting the sea, was love at first sight. Immediately I felt a great attraction. Soon I wanted to explore the wide world, learn languages, and be connected to the world in intercultural relationships. Through my first career, I became further inspired by contemporary architecture. And it is these things that I bring into my photographic work.
7What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Pure, surprising, and magnificent.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Receiving this gold medal for my collection "Ethereal Bodies" is of course a tremendous honor. It motivates me so much to continue on this momentum.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Participating in the MUSE Photography Awards appealed to me greatly, as I had just created an intuitive collection that aligned with the goals of the MUSE Photography Awards. I did not hesitate for a moment. The images were made only a few weeks ago, and I received a spontaneous email from the award to participate and I just did it.
10How has winning an award developed your career?
As mentioned earlier, I embarked on my second career in art photography at the beginning of 2023. Since then, I have participated in several international photography competitions and have already received multiple awards. The year 2024 looks very promising, as I have won a gold award from the MUSE Photography Awards and four individual awards from the Federation of European Photographers (FEP). People are beginning to take notice. For me, the most important thing is to gain recognition from professional organizations, affirming that I am doing a good job.
11Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
My work is not based on any specific artist or photographer. Subconsciously, I incorporate elements of contemporary architecture and sculpture into my photography. I greatly admire Frank Gehry, Pablo Atchugarry, and Olafur Eliasson for their architectural and sculptural works. Additionally, I draw inspiration from photographers like Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Hiroshi Sugimoto. Their influence shapes my approach to capturing and creating visual art.
12What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Before I began my artistic career, I invited a friend who is an entrepreneur. She gave me valuable advice, saying, "Anything that has a story sells," and encouraged me to "Keep trying." Recently, she wrote to me for my first exposition: "The start of a long nice Fine Art Story. Well done!"
13What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
I always think long-term. The images you create should be the expression of your soul.
14What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
If you can be who you are, you can become who you want to be - unknown.
15How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I do not have to put so much effort into that. As I can be visually creative, I get a lot of energy. I am a dreamer and have a lot of imagination, but it has to be an intuition.
16Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank you for this recognition and appreciation of my artistic photographic work.
