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AWKWARD is an artistic photo project and exhibition, featuring 96 images made in Hasselt. Each of the 48 staged scenes is paired with a portrait of the main character, exploring the theme of loneliness in a crowd—that familiar urge to just go home.

Inspired by Gregory Crewdson, Helmut Newton, Erwin Olaf, and Alec Dawson, the series delves into social alienation and how we position ourselves in a world that often feels misaligned with who we are.

The cinematic images contrast surreal social situations with intimate portraits, revealing the emotional gap between inner experience and outward appearance.

AWKWARD invites the viewer to reflect on discomfort, distance, and connection. Those who see themselves in these images are not alone.

AWKWARD is een artistiek fotoproject en een tentoonstelling met 96 beelden, gemaakt in Hasselt. Elk van de 48 geënsceneerde taferelen wordt gekoppeld aan een portret van het hoofdpersonage en draait om het thema eenzaamheid in de menigte—dat herkenbare gevoel van: “Ik wil gewoon naar huis.”

Geïnspireerd door Gregory Crewdson, Helmut Newton, Erwin Olaf en Alec Dawson onderzoekt de reeks sociale vervreemding en hoe we onszelf positioneren in een wereld die vaak niet bij ons binnenleven past.

De cinematografische beelden zetten absurde sociale situaties af tegen intieme portretten en tonen zo de kloof tussen wat we voelen en wat anderen van ons zien.

AWKWARD nodigt de kijker uit om stil te staan bij ongemak, afstand en verbondenheid. Wie zich herkent in deze beelden, is niet alleen.

What you need to know:

LOOKS :

If you think you may have what it takes, chances are I’ll agree.
I’m more interested in personality and character than classic beauty (though I won’t say no to the combination, of course!).

TIME:

You’ll need to set aside some time for the photoshoot.
How long exactly?
It’s hard to say, as it depends on many factors, but I would estimate between 3 and 6 hours.

MONEY:

We’re both investing time into this project.
I’ll bring high-quality equipment and you’ll bring your personality, confidence and trust.
It’s a win-win situation, so let’s keep it that way!

HEIGHT:

“I’m not tall enough to be a model!” — BLLSHT! You won’t be walking a catwalk, so height is no issue!

WEIGHT:

It’s a sensitive topic, but I believe beauty lies in the uniqueness of each individual. No body shaming here!

AGE:

Age doesn’t matter to me as long as you’re 18+ and can walk without assistance.

COMPENSATION:

In the end, I own the rights to the images taken. “But what’s in it for me?” I hear you ask. Well, you will get your picture printed in a book and maybe in one or more exhibitions. Your name will get mentioned with every publishing (if you want).
If the result is outstanding, you might even score a high-quality print – who knows?

STATE OF MIND:

You should be expressive, open-minded and adventurous.
I’m not specifically looking for promiscuous individuals, but if you’re too shy, it could be a small challenge.
I like free spirits, but if you’re a bit of a “stuck-up Barbie doll” and want to give it a try, I’m all for it.
Actually, I kind of like Barbie dolls!

NUDITY:

See this article for more details on my thoughts on this. While being willing to pose nude is not a requirement, it is preferred.
Maybe you don’t want to pose nude, but you must be at least comfortable with another model being naked on set.
Check out the works of Gregory Crewdson, Alec Dawson, Erwin Olaf, and/or Helmut Newton to understand the style I admire.
Not that I’m trying to copy them, but I adore their work!

GENDER:

I don’t discriminate, but I’ll admit my camera tends to prefer girls above all else.
And who am I to argue with the camera when it does all the hard work?

LOCATION:

AWKWARD is a project in my hometown Hasselt.
All the shoots will take place in a location in the city.
If travel expenses are high, let’s talk…
I’m sure we can come to an arrangement.

MORE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, feel free to reach out to me via Instagram or the contact form.

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