brussels Oct 2012

Considered Belgium's leading photographers' agency, Claudia Trucco represents a selection of professional photographers specialised in fashion and advertising.

The most recent fall/winter fashion campaigns include Sisley shot by Kurt Stallaert, R95th and One Step shot by Annabel Sougné; new advertising campaigns for Rodania watches and Dermatopia shower cream shot by Jasmine Van Hevel.

The Belgian fashion press featured three cover stories by Claudia Trucco's photographers: Weekend Le Vif's August issue presented a kids editorial shot by Maria Dawlat, the August issue of the Flemish Marie-Claire collaborated with Suzanne Rensink and Luc Praet shot a beautiful editorial dedicated to Belgian fashion designers showcasing Belgian top models (Hanne Gaby, Elise Crombez, Delphine Bafort…) for the September issue of Weekend Knack.

The agency also provides full stress-free production support for its photographers and clients.

Initials LA is a photo management and production agency based in Antwerp. Over the years, the boutique operation has grown into an international agency representing top photographers across all fields.

The agency was founded to support a small group of photographers in the development of their artistic and commercial careers. Besides organising photo productions for editorials, advertising and fashion clients, Initials LA also manages film productions for commercials and music videos.

Services include management, worldwide production of stills and moving images, casting, set co-ordination, location scouting, talent hunting, budgeting and art buying.

Clients include Interview Magazine, The New York Times, Casalis, Samsonite,  Ray-Ban, Wallpaper, Jimmy Choo, Microsoft, Sony, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Elle  Magazine, Acheo and many more.

Check the blog and visit the website for more information. Follow Initials LA on Twitter and Facebook @InitialsLA #InitialsLA.

Passionate about its work, Mindbox is a photo and film production company as well as an agency. Its "can do" attitude, attention to detail and commitment ensures smooth running productions and efficient management of every kind of project.

Mindbox organises and manages shoots for ad campaigns, catalogues and editorials. From permits to castings, model selection, location scouting and that all important cup of tea and comfortable accommodation after a hectic day’s shoot, Mindbox will ensure that every possible detail has been covered.

"We create an inspiring place for all your creative needs throughout the production process. When you're looking to shoot in Belgium, Mindbox wishes you a warm welcome!"

Visit the website for more information.

Lieven Dirckx holds a Master's degree in Graphic and Interactive Design from Ghent and Reading universities. He has been working with various major creative agencies across Belgium since 1999, but he turned to his true passion in 2005 and currently specialises in advertising, portraiture and fashion photography. He has been able to successfully blend the skill of fine art photography with the rigorous demands of commercial work.

Unlike photographers who limit themselves to only shooting, Lieven’s expertise as an art director and designer have enabled him to deliver projects from beginning to end, blending lighting skills with knowledge of design, retouching and concept development. By going beyond the image Lieven has provided his clients with limitless opportunities to take their creative concepts as far as their imagination will let them.

His clients include Coca-Cola, Eurostar, Dupont, Saab, Lycra, Massimo Dutti, Greenpeace, Colora, Jim TV, Optima, Sabato, De Standaard, Hema, Daskalides, Tucrail, The Flemish Government, City of Ghent, Esko Artwork, Wolters Kluwer, and many more.

Passionate young Belgian photographer Lisa Carletta began her career in 2008 after receiving her high school diploma in advertising. Through her photographs she brings characters to life, creating a narrative, a family, a universe, a past and present for her subjects.

Lisa favours a meticulous approach to detail, filling her environments with accessories for her characters to really exist. She is often inspired by her childhood heros and submerges her subjects into oniric, nostalgic worlds. All is tinted with a little darkness, humour - and bad taste!

Lisa won third prize in the Weekend Photo Award#1 in October 2008 with her 'Lost Doll' series.

Klaas De Buysser studied Cinematography but discovered his strength was hidden in still images, deciding to switch departments and study Photography at Narafi Brussels.

Having an endless passion for advertising, he made a final year project in cooperation with Duval Guillaume Brussels before graduating in 2009. After time spent working in-studio, Klaas became an independent photographer and is currently located in Antwerp.

Klaas does not consider himself to be an artist, but rather an experienced technician with a creative sense for framing, lighting and subtle details. High-efficiency and well considered post production have resulted in the confidence of several loyal clients.

Initiative, innovative vision, flexibility and engagement in multiple fields: Ingrid Deuss is no ordinary gallery owner, but devotes much of her energy to her role as an independent art buyer. She closely follows new developments in Belgian and international photography and has an extensive network of photographers as well as a team of freelance art directors, graphic designers and copywriters. This enables her to flawlessly manage photo shoot production and match up the right artists with the right clients.

In autumn 2010, Ingrid opened her own photography gallery in Antwerp as a platform and presentation space for Belgian and international artists. She chooses her guests with enormous care, including both upcoming talent and established names. The selected photographers are invariably characterised by their great artistic sensitivity, springing from a blend of wilfulness and personal expression. 

Every exhibition shows unique pieces, elevating photography to the level of art and akin to buying an exclusive painting.

Avantgand studio is located near Ghent, only a 35-minute drive from Antwerp via the E34 - meaning no traffic jams!.

With 160 m² of workspace and an infinity wall measuring 8.5m x 3m, the studio has a built-in system for easy use of standard colorama colours. Facilities include access for loading and unloading (roll-on/roll-off) via a 3.2m-wide car port, a bathroom with shower and toilet, and car parking for 10 cars.

The day-price to rent the studio is 250€ (full day).

The studio also has a complete list of lighting and rental material. Contact Avantgand direct for prices and more information.

La Fabrique 22a is the number-one professional photo equipment rental partner in the Belgian market. The company places its expert knowledge and unique range of products at the disposal of every client.

From its Brussels base, La Fabrique 22a offers the latest generation digital equipment, fully equipped studios and digital assistants with more than 10 years' experience.

La Fabrique recently opened new offices in Antwerp.

Check the website for more information.

Darlings is a young and dynamic production company specialising in producing commercials for television and internet campaigns. It also represents a wide range of talented directors.

Producing high-cost as well as low-budget movies, corporate films and all types of audiovisual projects, Darlings is extremely flexible thanks to its multi-talented team and light structure. The company handles much of the production process in-house, including casting, location scouting and styling.

Visit the website for more information.

Since 2003, LOVO Films has produced some of the most eye-catching commercials in the Belgian and European markets. Clients include Belgacom, Coca-Cola, Telenet, Yamaha, Toyota, Ikea, McDonald's, Gordon Beer, Center Parcs, Renault, Samsonite and Seat.

LOVO Films has won numerous national and international awards. The company operates in French, Dutch and English and offers great production services to foreign clients. In-house post production facilities are also available.

"We love what we do and you'll love how we do it."

Visit the website or contact Francois or Bert for more information.

Awarded young film director Matthias Lebeer is currently directing the 2012 GT Academy TV series commissioned by Nissan and Sony PlayStation. The series has been sold to Channel4 (UK), RTL (France, Germany, Holland and Italy) and Eurosport. GT Academy is in search of Europe's fastest virtual race driver who has the potential to become a real-life race driver.

Matthias is good at developing character driven stories and masters the craft of putting the most beautiful emotions on screen. He has always enjoyed new challenges and likes to explore new techniques and methods, including VFX. This enthusiasm has given him the opportunity to direct TV commercials for various major brands including Braun, Gillette and Volvo.

Matthias is represented by TRS (Brussels), Magali Films (Paris), La Paquita (Paris), CAB Films (Cape Town) and Silverlining Pictures (South Africa, Malta and London).

Be sure to keep an eye on his portfolio.