1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
Hello, I’m Pieter Clicteur, a professional photographer born in Ostend on November 7, 1978. My journey into photography was anything but conventional. After spending a decade in the IT sector, I embarked on a 14-month journey through Asia and Oceania that changed my life. Armed with a semi-professional reflex camera, I discovered a profound passion for capturing the beauty and stories around me, which ultimately inspired me to shift careers.
When I returned to Belgium, I committed to a three-year intensive training in photography, immersing myself in its many dimensions. Over the years, I’ve developed a versatile approach, covering everything from social reportage and event photography to portraits, studio work, and commercial projects. Photography has become not just my profession but a meaningful way to connect with people and tell their unique stories.
2Where did you study photography?
I studied photography at Syntra West in Bruges, Belgium but kept on learning through workshops, masterclasses, courses and other trainings.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
My first shots were made during my world trip. At that time, I was taking my first steps into photography and started to discover how great it was to make photos.
4What equipment do you use?
Nikon, for the moment a Z9 with 14-24; 24-70; 70-200 (all f2,8); 105 macro, 50mm 1.8.
5What do you hope to achieve?
Keep on exploring new limits, keep on working as I do now and expand my career into art photography.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
I always like it when people say I capture the soul of the image.
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
For the moment I'm working on my series "Animalia Humanitas". In this portrait series, developed over the past two years, I explore the concept of anthropomorphism by photographing animals as if they were human subjects. Each animal is treated as an individual, with its unique personality and character brought to life through a carefully crafted studio setup and extensive post-processing.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the New York Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I believe that participating in contests such as the New York Photography Awards is the perfect way to measure your work with the rest of the world. It is a very good window to showcase your work. Winning a silver medal is of course a great honor and keeps me motivated to work on it.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the New York Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Over the past two years, I have focused on animals that are less commonly celebrated in portraiture—creatures that may appear strange, overlooked, or extraordinary. Rather than photographing familiar pets, I seek out animals whose unique appearances and personalities push the viewer to see beauty, elegance, and individuality in unexpected places. This cat is not your regular house cat, it caught my attention so I wanted to make the picture a bit off the edge.
10How has winning an award developed your career?
Winning awards is always a very nice push in the back to keep on going. It opens doors and puts you on that next level.
11Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Stephan Vanfleteren, David Yarrow, and Howard Schatz.
12What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Keep on going! During my studies, a few fellow students advised me not to proceed with photography. One of my teachers told me that, if I kept on going, I would reach my goals. He actually made me look ahead and make sure I started my career in photography.
13What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Practice! I'm teaching photography and keep telling my students to practice. A musician practices, and a sportsman trains, why shouldn't we have to practice our photography? So don't go from assignment to assignment but pick up your camera in your free time and do free work. Passion projects raise your level.
14What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Passion! I'm convinced that without passion, photography is nothing.
15How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I am a member of the National Association of Photographers where we are offered a lot of courses and training. Next to that, I try to keep up by reading articles and watching tutorials.
16Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank you so much for organizing this amazing contest!
