I have to admit that Brussels is full of fabulous outdoor spaces, but I also love exploring a little further afield.

My 'go to' location is of course the Abbaye de la Cambre. Its central (just off Ave Louise), sheltered which is vital to avoid bad hair day moments, and full of green space, interesting architecture, and a splash of graffiti for an urban feel. I shoot here through all the seasons for those very reasons......

I love the challenge of the Grand Place too, but it is best avoided during the tourist summer months, and you need to be a 'bright and shine up early kind of guy' to benefit from this one. But its a wonderful place if you want strong visual memories of the heart of Brussels.....

Rue Haute and Rue Blaes also give a flea market feel to your photographs and introduce a cheeky touch to unique photography opportunities.....

Chateau de La Hulpe, is just amazing. it provides wide sweeping dramatic chateau backdrops, gorgeous green spaces, forest areas, waterfront locations, and hidden gems such as the industrial style workshops and the Folon statue backdrops.....

And my latest 'love it' location is the Abbaye de Villers, crumbling medieval ruins that create such a desolute atmosphere, its perfect if you can find the out of season sunny day to create magic there..........

Some Spring floral specials also include Floralia at Groot Bijgaarden, Hallebos and the Royal Greenhouses. Beautiful colour, atmosphere and style guaranteed!

Enjoy!

Yes..... it is almost all about location location location (as they say in real estate!)

A good photo shoot is made great by selecting a location where everything can come together to create that perfect shot. Photographers spend a fair amount of their time honing their skills to find that sweet spot, and on top have to be flexible to work with the clients' wishes in an environment that the client feels at home in. A relaxed client after all is a happy client. That's why I'm always on the look out for new locations and regularly pass by the old favourites to check out the latest vibes (with my 'phone a friend' in tow on our weekends off, to test my latest ideas!). My location list needs to be long and varied!

The Marolles in Brussels is a retro favourite of mine, from the days when I had time, money (and a house to renovate!) to spend long Sunday mornings in the flea market, and to relax afterwards with a cold beer on the surrounding terraces. Rue Blaes and Rue Haute are still buzzing early on the weekend mornings, but also have a lively feel and happening atmosphere after the market traders have packed up shop and the city has tidied up the square. Jules and I started our wander around 3pm, but lighting and atmosphere in summer is probably at its peak around 6.

Just add camera happy and fun people, and then it can all come alive.