The Lens Opens: My Blog Series

Hello and welcome!
I’m Mats Claus, a passionate Photographer based in Antwerp, Belgium. If you’re reading this, it probably means you love photography—or at least the way a single photo can freeze time, tell a story, and evoke real emotion. Or you met me somewhere and wondering what I want to yap about.

This is my very first blog post. So before I share tips, behind-the-scenes, or beautiful galleries, I thought it would be right to start with something more personal: the “why” behind my work and why I’ve decided to start this blog.

My journey with photography began at a young age, when I was first introduced to my grandfather’s camera. I grew up in a family with a rich history in painting, with artistic roots reaching back to the 1800s. I found my love for creating images that spoke to both the heart and the mind. From the moment I picked up a camera, I knew I had discovered my passion. At 14, I began studying photography, and now - 18 years later, it has become my lifelong pursuit. But over time, it grew into a real passion for storytelling through images.

My photography is a reflection of what I feel, not just what I see.
Whether it’s the quiet mood of outdoor light, the atmosphere of a wedding, or the subtle energy between two people — I try to capture the emotions that speak to me in that moment. It’s never just about clicking a button.
For me, it’s about sensing the vibe, reading the environment, and gently guiding my subjects to feel at ease within it. Every image becomes a blend of the surroundings, their story, and my own emotional response.

The truth is, a camera doesn’t create a photo — you do.
The camera is simply a tool, no different than a guitar, a paintbrush, or a filmmaker’s lens. It’s the artist’s mind and feelings that bring an image to life.

That’s what I aim for in every shot:
To express not just how something looks, but how it feels.

Singularity

Why I’m starting this blog and what to expect.

In an age of quick social media posts and the attention span of viewers the size of a goldfish, I wanted to create a space where I could share more than just the final images. Surprise surprise, a place where I can speak freely without the limits of captions or whether a nipple might be visible (Instagram I see you).

Whether you’re starting with photography, looking for inspiration, or simply curious what insights i’m offering, I hope this blog will offer you something of value. I’ve challenged myself to write in the future on several subjects and before I start of about exactly what, I instantly state that I do not consider myself a specialist or a photography guru. These are my views, opinions and feelings - and in this ever evolving medium I also invite you to join me in this conversation. Even after 18 years I often still feel like an amateur and the imposter syndrome is very often still a thing in my mind. But let’s approach that as a good thing because it leaves room for self evaluation and criticism and a will to become a more skilled photographer.

I’m not going to cover the usual topics like "how shutter speed works" or "how to set up good lighting in a studio." Let’s face it — the internet is flooded with content on these subjects, and with just a click, you’ll find more than enough information. I’m not here to add to that clickbait.

That said, if you do have any basic questions about these topics, feel free to ask! Don’t worry, I’m not Ebenezer Scrooge :) .

Let’s explore beyond the surface and examine why certain images resonate with us. Or why they resonate to you but not to me. What is it about beauty, color, and composition that captivates the human mind on a subconscious level? Let’s delve into the relationships between different art forms and how they continually shape and influence one another.
I think you get the picture - drumroll Baddum Tssh*

Power of Emotions

Photography is, at its core, a deeply personal art form. Every image is more than just light and composition — it captures a fleeting moment, an emotion, a perspective that words often fail to express. For me, each photograph tells a story, not just of what I see, but of how I experience the world.

Through this blog, my goal is to share more than just my portfolio. I want to invite you into the thought processes, inspirations, and quiet moments that shape not only my work but everything surrounding light. It's a space for reflecting on how photography connects us — to places, memories, people, and even parts of ourselves we might not have noticed before.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I truly appreciate you taking the time to explore this with me. Now, I’d love to hear from you:
What kinds of photographic moments move you the most?
Is it the grand, sweeping landscapes? The quiet, intimate portraits? Or perhaps the abstract, unexpected details that tell their own stories? Or something I haven’t even touched.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on Instagram @Mats.Claus.photography (or the small instagram icon on the bottom of the page)— I’m always up for meaningful conversations about art, creativity, and the stories we tell through images.

Here’s to stories well told,
- Mats Claus

6AM - Ranger Danger