Shooting Days

Unlike the Shooting Days in Belgium, where we go to a different location each day, all shoots are held at the former Vogelsang military base. Each photographer takes one or more models to a specific place, after which everyone meets at the house for a meal. The shoots take place both during the day and in the evening.

One of the photographers made a welcome sign (picture on the right) that we placed in front of the house.

On the first day, we took advantage of the arrival of one of the models on a motorcycle to take photos with that theme. I brought an extra motorcycle suit for the occasion.

But of course, it was in the evening that the photographers (and the models too) had the most fun. For the first photo, we used the setting sun in the background and flashes to illuminate the model, who would otherwise have been in the dark (backlight). After that, we used continuous light. Not all photos were taken exclusively with continuous light; in many photos, we used regular flashes, and the continuous light only created colored reflections on the motorcycle.

We also shot some classic portraits, as each photographer delivers a different result when shooting in the same location with the same model.

One of the models i worked with. Black and white seems to suit him better on most of the pictures.

One day, a young photographer came to work with us. He used my equipment, but six months later, the models still hadn't received their photos. That's why we only work with reliable photographers.

We also visited La Redoute. The link shows the history of this place: first a Nazi training center (Ordensburg Vogelsang), then a base for the Belgian Armed Forces in Germany (Camp Vogelsang), and finally a nature reserve. There's also a video filmed above the chimney. You can download the Vogelsang video here.

One of the models filmed the entire photo shoot at La Redoute.

One day it was very hot (and the next it rained). Because it was so hot, we went to a park with a lake. These aren't the best photos (I only took a few), but the models and photographers had a great time. It's not really my thing.

And a last portraits to end the page...

Specific information about the upcoming Shooting Days

In Belgium, in Huy
from Tuesday, May 12th to Sunday, May 17th
In Germany, again in Vogelsang
from Thursday, August 13th to Sunday, August 16th

Each time, we rent a house for a few days so the models can stay on-site. This is especially useful for models traveling from far away, as they can arrive the day before and rest for the shootings. The house has separate bedrooms, and reservations are required.

In Huy, the train station is 250 meters from the house, and there is private parking at the house: no reason not to come. In Vogelsang, it's a bit more difficult, and it's recommended to come by car. Private parking is available near the house.

All meals are provided on-site; the photographers cook (most of whom have gained considerable experience during the Shooting Days).

More information is available on the website dedicated to the International Shooting Days. Details are regularly added (shooting locations with GPS addresses, program, photographers, daily menu, etc.).

Don't forget that you can request a private shoot if you'd like to learn more about the working methods of the Belgium Model Academy (the organization behind the Shooting Days). This is particularly relevant for Belgian models, but also for models from the Netherlands, Germany and France.