Breaking down conventional barriers and bringing inclusivity and diversity into the fashion world is what drives Morgane Gielen. The Belgian photographer has combined her love of photography with a passion for calling out unrealistic beauty ideals in the fashion industry.
"To me as a young woman, it made me think I wasn't good enough. I met so many other minority groups that had it much worse," she says. "I love fashion, but I just wanted to show my own world in fashion, and how it can be different. It can still be very close-minded, so this is my form of activism and rebellion in between the lines of society."
FASHION
Morgane Gielen
After picking up a camera aged 14, Morgane began experimenting, photographing herself and her friends, and uploading her images to social media. "My uncle is a photographer and he gave me a little Canon PowerShot – I can't remember the exact model – and it all grew from there," Morgane explains. "I moved on to photographing amateur models, and when I was 16, I set up a business page on Facebook. I was motivated to continue because of the response I was getting."
Today, Morgane is renowned for her work championing diversity across lifestyle and fashion photography. But she had to battle back from a serious illness to get to where she is. "I got sick in my first year of college with glandular fever. I was almost dead at that point; I was so unwell in hospital. It was years of recovery, but I still took pictures on my own and did a workshop here and there," she says.
Specialist areas: Lifestyle, fashion
Favourite kit:Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
After enrolling on a course organised by the Belgian Government, which supported people wishing to set up their own businesses, Morgane added to her ever-growing skillset. "They supported me with coaching workshops and bookkeeping – I couldn't start a business without those skills. It's stuff you aren't taught in school."
Morgane officially started her photography business in January 2018, specialising in lifestyle and fashion photography, and has since gone on to launch the No Babes Agency, which represents models, make-up artists and stylists who share her vision. And what began as a photography project on Instagram is now the first inclusive model agency in Belgium.
"No Babes came at a time when I'd been depressed after being sick for years. I thought, I don't want to be alone with this," she explains. "Everyone has a story. I started asking people for their stories, translated them into images and decided to make a photobook out of it. I then started the first inclusive model agency in Belgium, so it's all very interlinked. But it began with me searching for self-acceptance and dealing with my own trauma, and I then met like-minded people."
The success of the No Babes photobook and exhibition continued to grow, and Morgane has seen her photography featured on television. "I invited some journalists to the No Babes photobook launch and they then followed me photographing 10 stories for the #NoFilter segment in the TV programme Iedereen Beroemd [Everybody's Famous]. I now get invited by organisations to talk about inclusivity in panel discussions or at workshops."
Morgane's career highlight? Achieving an ambition she has held since first picking up a camera. "Ever since I was 14 years old I've wanted to be a Canon Ambassador. I manifested like crazy and now I can call myself one! That's the biggest shock of my bucket list."
What's been the most memorable project you've worked on so far?
"My first book, No Babes. There are so many concepts in there. I did a project around gender fluidity in children, as well as quarantine kids, which focused on children who have been quarantined due to serious illness. The kids in general made such an impact. The gender fluid project was shot in a hotel in Ghent and the children just had a cuddly toy to show if they were a boy or a girl. It really stood out to me and I remember every story from that book."
How would you describe your photographic style?
"I like portraits, especially when people look directly into the lens and make it confrontational – 'Here I am and you're going to accept me just as I am'. In general, I had a dark period but I'm more colourful now – I like the entire picture to make a statement."
How do you process the stories you capture emotionally?
"In some ways I can take it in and turn it into something positive, even though someone in front of my lens might be dying in a month. I think, 'I'm so happy we can share your story and create awareness,' so I don't really need processing time. For me, I just want to get the work out there."
What advice do you have for photographers wishing to follow your path?
"People should realise that it's not all about taking pictures – you need a sense of entrepreneurship, and you need to enjoy it. About 10% of the time I'm taking pictures and 90% I'm doing other stuff to keep my business running – emails, admin, marketing. Also, don't be afraid to immediately show what you're about, even if you're not sure yourself yet."
One thing I know
Morgane Gielen
"Stay true to yourself, and don't let anything hold you back. There will be people waiting for you to do what you're going to do. Follow your intuition – I did that and that brought me the most success, even though I never expected it. Don't just try to do what people think you should do."
Facebook:Morgane Gielen Photography
Instagram:@morganegielen
Website:www.morganegielen.com
Morgane Gielen's kitbag
The key kit that the pros use to take their photographs
Cameras
Canon EOS R5
With the ability to shoot 8K video as well as stills, the Canon EOS R5 is as versatile as it is dependable. "I really love the quality for both photo and video, and how lightweight the camera is," says Morgane. "I also love the eye tracking tool and autofocus."
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
With its superior build quality and performance, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a mainstay in Morgane's kitbag. "It works so well for me. The quality is amazing, and I love the LCD touchscreen," she says.
Lenses
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
A lens that allows photographers working in all fields to capture crisp, clean images, even wide open at f/1.4. "The Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM is great for when I want to connect to my model and focus on the eyes," says Morgane.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
With its extended zoom range, this L-series lens provides a wealth of shooting options. "You can make amazing portraits, and capture more full-on designer clothing outfits," says Morgane. "You can play with perspective a lot."
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
This fast telephoto zoom lens gives photographers including Morgane much creative freedom. "I love observing people from far away at events and weddings, and you can capture spontaneous smiles and moments," she says.
Accessories
Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R
Designed for use with the Canon EOS R system, this adapter allows EF and EF-S lenses to be used with EOS R cameras.
Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT
Morgane uses her Speedlite in myriad creative ways: "I love 'in the face' fashion flashes."
Related article
-
ARTICLE
Inside two fashion photographers' kitbags
Fashion photographers Kid Circus and Jaroslav Monchak share with us their must-have kit.
-
PORTRAIT
Outdoor fashion portraits with a Canon RF lens
Sascha Hüttenhain shares how the Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM lens helped bring his creative portrait concepts to life.
-
PRINT
Runway and street fashion from camera to print
Discover how Leo Faria captures the essence of 'Street Style' and why making large-format prints is a key part of his process.
-
FASHION
10 top tips for aspiring fashion photographers
From lighting to composition, discover the insider tips that will transform your pro-level fashion shots.
Canon Europe Ambassador Programme
Find out how the ambassador programme works, and meet the phenomenal photographers chosen to represent Canon.
Canon Professional Services
Members get access to CPS Priority Support, both locally and at major events; a priority Fast Track repair service; and — depending on your level of membership — free back-up equipment loans plus return shipping and discounts on maintenance. They can also enjoy exclusive members’ offers.