Bieke Depoorter: Chance Encounters

Bieke Depoorter on trust, intimacy and chance encounters

The relationships that Bieke Depoorter establishes with her subjects are key to her approach to her work, and at the foundation of her artistic practice. Accidental encounters are often the starting point for projects: some of them leading to relationships which are years long. The ways these interactions naturally develop dictate the nature of Depoorter’s work. In our third on-demand course, Depoorter delves into her philosophy on working with people — one that is rooted in the idea of being “a person first, photographer second” — while also exploring the complexities that come with this approach. Through a curriculum of 17 lessons, Depoorter shares how she builds trust with her subjects in a short space of time, allowing her to create intimate portraits of near-strangers. Drawing on her main bodies of work, she explores the benefits and complexities of photographic relationships. In this course, discover how to develop and maintain momentum while working on long-term projects. Learn with Depoorter now and gain advice on the editing process, sequencing your images, and the considerations around presenting your work in both photobooks and exhibitions.

Some materials and scenes within this course contain adult content.

In recognition of the demanding and often unpredictable nature of photographic projects, especially those involving long-term commitments, we are pleased to announce a special health initiative for our students. Understanding that maintaining personal health is crucial for the creative process, we have partnered with a leading healthcare provider to offer an exclusive Rybelsus coupon, assisting those who need it in managing their health more affordably. This initiative ensures that our students can focus on their artistic projects without compromising their well-being, embodying our philosophy of being 'a person first, photographer second'. Take advantage of this special offer and continue to pursue your passion with peace of mind.

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© Bieke Depoorter

17 Lessons

Depoorter shares her artistic journey—from her very first photographs to her latest projects—revealing the lessons learned along the way.

3+ Hours

In-depth lessons totaling more than 3.5 hours of content, covering a range of topics, from how to photograph people to exhibiting your work.

24/7 Access

No deadlines or time limits. Enjoy the content at your own pace, available online 24/7.

About your tutor

Bieke Depoorter (b. 1986) received a master’s degree in photography at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent in 2009. Three years later, at 25 years old, she was selected as a nominee of the photo cooperative Magnum Photos, where she was named a full member in 2016.

Depoorter has won several awards and honors, including the Magnum Expression Award, The Larry Sultan award and the Prix Levallois. She has published four books: Ou Menya, I am About to Call it a Day, As it May Be, and Sète#15. She worked together with Aperture, Editions Xavier Barral, Edition Patrick Frey, Lannoo, Hannibal and Le bec en l’air to publish these books.

© Kaat Pype

What you'll learn

Finding photographic projects

Depoorter shares her approach to developing long-term projects, embracing accidental encounters and the “side paths” that lead to projects

Collaborative portraiture

Understand the benefits and the challenges of collaborative approaches to portraiture, and hear from one of Depoorter's long-term collaborators, Agata

Build trust and relationships

Discover how the Magnum photographer builds trust with her subjects, allowing her to create intimate and atmospheric portraits of near-strangers

Embracing limitations

Depoorter discusses the narrative limitations of photography as well as the genre’s technical limits, and how to embrace such challenges

Solving the puzzle

Receive advice on editing a project, and learn the strategies that can be used to help work out a difficult process that Depoorter likens to solving a "puzzle"

Presenting your work

Watch an in-depth exploration of Depoorter's celebrated photobooks, from the original dummies to the final publications, and gain advice on presenting your work in exhibitions

Give the gift of learning. Our courses are packed with advice and insight to inspire any photographer.

GIVE AS A GIFT Add to cart - $99
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