Theoretically, when it comes to photography, there shouldn’t be much need for words — just scroll and let your eyes do the work, like gazing at a painting, searching for its story, if there is one. But beyond showcasing his talents through a small selection of shots from his "Brussels, My Beautiful" series, we had the chance to interview him, and now Thomas Hansenne is officially part of our Insiders community!Note that this ITV was previously done for Concierge Magazine, part of our media brands.

So, let’s dive in, get to know him better, explore his work, his unique perspective, and, of course, his stunning photos.

ID / Thomas Hansenne alias Tomix_Pix Brussels.

CM > Thank you, Thomas, for this meeting and interview. Let's dive straight into the genesis of your career as a photographer. Did you embark on any specific training? Tell us about your journey.

TH > Photography marked the dawn of my second act! After a stint in business studies, I ventured into the realms of supply chain and purchasing. Then along came Covid, the mid-life crisis, and this overwhelming urge for a shift in direction. But the compass of my future career was spinning aimlessly. That's when I sought the guidance of a coach, to shed some light on my path. I'd like to take a moment in this interview to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Pierre Lemonnier for his invaluable support during my period of introspection. Around the same time, I stumbled upon a photographer, Pierre T Lambert, who became a great source of inspiration. A former engineer turned travel and adventure photographer, Pierre offers an "online" course that transformed my perspective on photography. I dove into this course with immense enthusiasm, consumed a plethora of photography videos on YouTube, and most importantly, I began to embark on numerous photographic expeditions around Brussels. The goal was to experiment with new ideas and, above all, to revel in the joy of it all.

CM > Tell us about your selection of photos showcasing Brussels. Which camera(s) did you use, any special techniques? How does the city inspire your work, and what are your favorite spots or neighborhoods for capturing the capital?

TH > All my photographs are captured with a Fujifilm XT-4. Beyond its somewhat vintage appeal, I'm particularly fond of its compactness. This camera is also my go-to for professional shoots. I identify more as an urban photographer. I'm drawn to the vibrancy cities exude.
Brussels is uniquely eclectic, both in its population and its architecture—from the old alleyways in the city center to the more modern buildings in the European quarter.
Plus, nature is never too far away, thanks to the various parks. The European quarter, in fact, ranks high on my list of favorite playgrounds: a real anthill of activity in the morning, brimming with energy, and the nearby Parc du Cinquantenaire where there's always something happening.
Through my lens, I aim to offer a fresh perspective and a new way of seeing the city.

CM > Regarding photographic style, what's yours? Do you prefer capturing spontaneous moments, or do you like to plan a shoot? And when it comes to editing, which software do you use to enhance your photos?

TH > I always aim for spontaneity in my shots. Generally, I'm quite impatient, so I seldom linger too long to take a photo. However, I sometimes plan the type of photo I want to capture without organizing it in detail. I especially enjoy heading out after a heavy rain. The light and reflections are invariably fascinating. Thus, I often find myself wandering with my camera in hand, ready to snap a photo whenever something interesting catches my eye. For editing, I use Lightroom.
The goal, of course, is not to distort the photo but to enhance it: cropping, adjusting the brightness to highlight an element, or concealing another.
I believe post-production is also part of the photographic process. It represents another facet of the photographer's creativity and sensitivity.

CM > For the upcoming generation of photographers, what books should they read, which specialties or paths should they favor—fashion, architecture, design, food, advertising? What advice do you have for someone who wants to become a photographer?

TH > As I mentioned, my journey into photography was somewhat serendipitous, so I can't really prescribe a specific path to follow! The best piece of advice I can offer is to use your camera as often as possible. Practice, play with its different settings. The beauty of digital photography is the ability to take thousands of photos without wasting film. The key is to experiment. Echoing Pierre Lambert, whom I mentioned earlier: "Try something new, try something different." Drawing inspiration from the work of other photographers, whether through exhibitions, books, or even YouTube videos, is also invaluable. It opens up new worlds and techniques.

CM > What would be your dream photo shoot, Thomas? Let's imagine that anything is possible...

TH > Despite what I mentioned earlier, I'm passionate about the mountains and snowboarding. So, my dream as a photographer would be to combine these two passions.
I'd love to accompany professional snowboarders to capture their most exhilarating jumps or descents in the powder.
In addition to the photographers who inspire me, I'd like to mention Patrick Armbruster, a prominent figure in the world of snowboarding photography. Well... to fulfill this dream, I might not be in the most ideal location here in Brussels!

Very pleasant interview, amazing photos, very nice and smart person, what a great content about Brussels!
Thank you Thomas for this share, click on the link to know more about Thomas or maybe hire him for your next shooting?