1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Lief Keuppens and I live in Belgium. My fascination for photography started at the age of 12 when I received my first Canon camera from my parents. The medium never left me, even today after 40 years.
2Where did you study photography?
I received my first education around the age of 20 at the regional art school. This was followed by years of continuing education and all kinds of courses such as photo editing, art history, digital photography, and analogue photography.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
My first shot was on a family vacation, more specifically portraits and landscapes.
4What equipment do you use?
I work with a Canon camera and Canon lenses. My favourite lens is the Tilt-shift lens. My tripod is from Gitzo and the flashes and filters are from Godox.
5What do you hope to achieve?
I mainly hope to create beautiful images that touch and inspire people. Technically strong images of architecture also remain an exciting challenge to keep improving and learning. A publication or an expo would be fantastic.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Actually, any compliment you get for a photo is fantastic and motivating to continue doing it.
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
Storytelling to me is the pure and unadulterated truth, without additions of superfluous info.
8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Timeless, natural and detailed.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the European Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you! It is a great honour and immensely satisfying to be rewarded.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 European Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Wildlife and architecture photography fascinate me immensely. I chose the images submitted based on my personal affinity with these images. Each image has its own story to which I attach great importance.
11How has winning an award developed your career?
I think this recognition may be an affirmation of the proper use of time and energy that photography requires.
12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
ManRay, Friederike Von Rauch, and Griet Van Malderen.
13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Just do it, this is the ultimate moment in your life.
14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
The most important is to stay passionate about the world around you, seeing every detail, always having your camera nearby.
15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I don't hold the key to success and I don't believe anyone really does. Passion, persistence, and above all staying down to earth are the most important qualities.
16How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Curiosity and a never-ending interest in your job make every day exciting.
17Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank you to EPA for the awards. This gives me great satisfaction.
