Interview With A Photographer: Michiel Pieters

Where’s home?

I grew up in a small town in Belgium. Not much to see or do, but it isn’t too bad.

What is the favourite place you’ve travelled to?

My favourite place I travelled to is undoubtedly New Zealand. I went there with a friend almost 3 years ago, and it was my first real road trip. This trip has literally changed everything for me.

How did you get started as a photographer?

I’ve always liked taking photos, ever since i was a kid. But during my trip to New Zealand, i started getting into landscape photography more and more. And that’s basically all i do now.

What camera equipment / software / tech do you use?  Any must haves?

I shoot with a Canon 5D mark IV and mostly use a 27-70mm f2.8 lens on this. I edit everything in Lightroom. 

What photographers have influenced you, how you think and shoot?

People like Chris Burkhard and Alex Strohl are obvious inspirations. I also have a lot of friends in the German Roamers collective, and apart from friends, they’re also people i look up to and learned a lot from.

Any top tips for Instagram?

Don’t post all your best photos during/right after a trip. Try to spread them out over a longer period so your feed keeps looking good.

What are you trying to communicate through your photographs?

I just try to inspire people to go out there and explore. Really live and not just sit indoors every day.

What motivates you to continue doing what you’re doing?

The feeling of being surrounded by nature and being able to capture moments is something I enjoy a lot, and something I miss instantly when I’m not able to be out there.

Are you a bathroom singer?

 Of course, who isn’t?

Do you have any advice for young aspiring photographers?

You want something, go get it. Period.

What are your goals for the future, regarding your work?

I’d like to be able to travel a lot more and make a name for myself. Hopefully get noticed by the right people ate the right time and we’ll see where it all leads to.