Photography is the recurring thread throughout my life. After graduating as an agricultural engineer I assisted for years the portrait photographer Rony Heirman. Meanwhile, I studied photography at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Afterwards I further specialized in technology and content in the Czech Republic (Prague), Switzerland (Basel), Netherlands (Apeldoorn) and France (Arles).
I practice, as you can see on this website, all types of photography including historical photographical processes. I am a committed photographer and like working in the social sector.
My challenges are:
- The integration of art photography and commissioned photography;
- Revealing what you do not see at first sight (emotions, never sharp, never clear, always double), and capture them in pictures;
- Empower people through Instrumental Photography.
My passion goes to people, sensual portraits, portraits of people that are willing to lift a corner of their veil. The cosy atmosphere in my studio and the way I deal with my models are extremely important to make this possible.
To further explore the medium of photography, I studied Culture Sciences (Visual Culture) at the VUB. Icompleted this training with the thesis: "Aspects of ethical photography. Research into the possibilities of the medium photography to contribute to emancipatory processes, resilience and well-being". With my research I won the Max van der Kamp thesis prize.
"Master in Cultural Sciences (profile: Visual Culture)", VUB 2010"Label Belgian Professional Photography" (architecture, reportage, portrait)" 1996,1999 en 2001"QEP-label, ‘Qualified European Photographer’", 2000 "Certificate in Arts", department of Photographic Arts, Royal Academy of Arts, Ghent 1989 "Degree in Industrial Agricultural Engineering", Superior School of Agricultural Industries, Ghent 1978
"Feminism and diversity in transnational hirstorical perspectif", University Ghent. 2O18
"Media and Gender", University Ghent. 2018
"Caseïne print", Polychrome, Middelburg, NETHERLANDS,2017
Wet plate collodium, Jeroen de Wijs, FotoMuseum Antwerp, 2016 Cyanotype, Middelburg, NETHERLANDS, 2015
“Digital negatives with kallitype", Polychrome, Middelburg, NETHERLANDS, 2014
“Historical criticism of word and image in the mass media", Prof. dr. Gita Deneckere, UGent, 2013
“Expertise in determination of historical photografic processes, FoMu, Antwerpen 2011
"Collection, formation and purchasing policy of museums of photography", BAM (instituut voor Beeldende -, audiovisuele- en mediakunst”, FoMu, Antwerpen, 2011.
“Use, protection, detection and promotion of visual work on internet”, SOFAM, Gent, 2009.
“Nude and portrait”, Erwin Olaf, Belgium, 2001.
“Albumine print, gum print”, Luce Picta, Belgium, 2000.
"Platinum print", Roger Kockaerts (PH7), Belgium,1999.
"Gum print", Jean Janssis, Charleroi, Musée de la Photographie, Belgium, 1998.
"Historical Processes", Polychrome, Middelburg, NETHERLANDS, 1998.
“Light management on location,technical camera , Photo make-up”, Fotovakschool, Apeldoorn, NETHERLANDS, 1995.
‘Techniques d´éclairage", Broncolor, Basel, SWITZERLAND 1994.
"Techniques de visage", Académie des Arts, Belgium, 1993.
"International Seminar on photography", workshop , Harry Gruyaert, Belgium, 1993.
‘Mara Art Photography Workshop", Prague, CZECHIE 1992.
"Design with light”, I.C.P.A., Belgium, 1992.
“Substantial aspects of nude photography on location", I.C.P.A., Cahors FRANCE 1991.
“Nude Photography in studio” and “Portrait Photography”, I.C.P.A. (International College of Photographic Arts), Leo Roeten , NETHERLANDS 1990.
"Rony Heirman´s assistant", portrait photographer and teacher at the superior School of Arts Sint Lucas, Brussels.
Jury Photo-art Academie Temse.
Curator Leo Baekeland photo exposition, Church Groot Begijnhof, Gent 2017.
"Caught by freedom...", VUB 1989-1996, VCR R. Moucheron, Vilvoorde."
J.M.Bottequin in debate with Patsy Sörensen, human rights activist; Sybille Vanweehaeghe, sexologe and moral philosopher; Hilde Braet, author of 'Ontbloot' and art-photographer; Christine verbiest, Moderator and art connoisseur; Zebrastraat Gent.
"7 x 7 = septenaires - portraits of J.M. Bottequin", Introduction by Hilde Braet en Michèle Francken, ART in the Geuzenhuis, Gent.
"The Power of a Photo", Guest Lecture in the college 'Theory and practice of art- and image education', Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 2017
Social photography", Organisation : Centrum voor Beeldexpressie afd. West-Vlaanderen Conferentiezaal Stadhuis, Markt, Ieper.
"Aspects of Ethical Photografy", Orde van den Prince, Salons De Vlaschaard, Lierde, 2017
"Self image before the lens - photo sessions for (ex) cancer-patients", VC De Sleutelbrug, Brugge, 2016.
"What is the value of Ethics today?", Symposium, Sint-Blasius Dendermonde, m.m.v.CME, Prof. Dr. Paul Schotsmans, Hilde Braet, Dr. Bob D'Haen, Dhr. Mario Heirewegh, 2016.
"Leuven VeelZIJdig ", Lecture about The Self(in)Picture, International women's day, Leuven, 2016.
"Jezelf naar waarde schatten-Valuing yourself ", workshop, Landelijk Kennisinstituut Cultuureducatie en Amateurkunst (LKCA), Ede(Akoesticum), Gelderland, 2015.
Member of the Jury 'De Curieuze Collectie', INFO, 2015.
Curator Leo Baekeland photo exposition, Centrum voor Beeldexpressie, Ghent 2015.
"De kracht van een foto", Historisch Cafe Tom Bouman, Buren van de Abdij, Herberg Macharius, Gent 2015.
Pieces of art in possession of the "Musée de la Photographie à Charleroi" (MPC2014/61/1à3) 2015.
Participation at the Expertmeeting "Talking Photography" PRICCAPractice, academie Minerva, PRICCAPractice (Photographic Research in Cross-disciplinary and Cross-culturale Practices) is the expertisecentrum for photografy as research van het lectoraat Image in Context van Academie Minerva, Groningen 2014.
"Photography in Belgium. A focus on the sector - Four Encounters.", Interview, Wiels Brussels 2013.
"Fotografie in België - La photographie en Belgique - Photography in Belgium.", Study of the social and professional conditions for photographers in Belgium. (commissioned by SMartbe). - Member of the steering committee.
"The power of photography: how images influence our look into ourself and into society.", European Humanist Youth days, Brussels, 2013.
"The use of photography in community arts projects", Fotomuseum Amsterdam, 2013.
Erotic selfportrait", Lupercalia, Ghent 2013.
Guest college, Further training Teachers Esthetics, VSKO, Mechelen 2012.
"Vernacular erotic photography", Boekenbeurs, Antwerp 2012.
Introduction "The power of a photograph", Antwerp 2012.
Curator of the exposition "Stripped", Ghent 2012.
Curator of the exposition "Met het oog op Boon", Ghent, 2012.
Winner Max van der Kamp scriptieprijs, Utrecht 2011.
"Can Art contribute to a more human society?", Debate with discussian, KUMESA, with: Antoon Van de Braembussche (prof), Rik Pinxten (prof), Johan Swinnen (prof) and Hilde Braet (fotografe&master), De Groene Waterman, Antwerp, 2011.
Guest lecture "Ethical aspects of world-photography', VUB, 2011.
"Colloquium - Zelf(in)Beeld", Geuzenhuis, Gent, 2010.
"Impress 2008" intro and interpretation of the photo-exposition of (f)ART, Eeklo 2008.
"Kompanen van Boon", group exposition, intro and interpretation, Gent 2008.
Speaker at th "15e Congrès du GNPP", Deauville (France), 2007.
"A picture is not a snapshot", workshop, Ieper, 2007.
Lauréat "Recherche personnelle", Eté des portraits, Bourbon-Lancy, (France), 2006.
Speaker at the PIP-festival, Pingyao (China), 2005.
Speaker at Photokina, Köln, (Germany) 2004.
Speaker at the International Congres of Photography at Valencia (Spain) 2004.
Speaker at the International Convention for Professional Photographers, Orvieto (Italy) 2003.
Winner of the competition “Gentse Feesten Affiche” 2002.
“Dive in the river Dender”, photo project with Nilton Moreira da Silva: a dive in the past of the city Dendermonde.
Educational Project ‘Art and Technique’, 2001 - 2002.
Educational Project ‘Kunststof’, in various primary schools, 2201 - 2002.
National selection Belgian Professional Photography 2001.
Selection ‘Instant Décisif’, Kunstencentrum Rood Klooster, Brussels, 2001.
‘Qualified European Photographer’, 2000.
National Selection Belgian Professional Photography ( report, portrait) 1999.
Lectures for KODAK about the Portra Film, 1999.
‘Flags and Pennants’: social and cultural educational work in ‘de Muze’, primary school Ghent. Photography as a means for the development of the image culture of children between 3 and 12 years old and of their critical thinking about society, 1997-1999.
National selection of Belgian Professional Photography (architectural photography) 1996.
Pieces of art in possession of the ‘Bibliotheque Nationale’, Paris, 1995.
Honourable mention Provincial Prize of Photography 1991.
Selection ‘Flanders Erotica’, 1993, C.G.S.O.
Selection ‘VII bienal internacional de arte de Cerveira’, Portugal 1992.
First prize black and white photography, ASLK, 1989 and 1990.
"Buthan", in OUT nr. 4, 2018, pp, 24-26, interview and photographs Hilde Braet.
"European Photography enhanced by our diversity, focused by our humanity", Johan Swinnen, in PhotoEspaña 2016 Encuentros PHE, p.76-89, casestudy and photographs Hilde Braet.
"Vulnerable groups benefit from the bearable lightness of photography", Utrecht LKCA.nl. (landeLijk Kennisinstituut CultuureduCatie en amAteurkunst), Cultureel Kapitaal LKCA.
'Instrumental Photography. The Use of the Medium Photography to Stimulate Empowerment.', Leiden University Press, Depth of Field, volume 5, no 1, december 2014
'ONTBLOOT, vernaculaire erotische fotografie', Hilde Braet, Gent-Brussel 2012, Willemsfondsvzw-Academic and Scientific Publishers nv, ISBN 978-90-5718-197-9
'De Kracht van een foto', Hilde Braet, Antwerpen-Apeldoorn,GARANT, 2012, ISBN 978-90-441-2938-0
'Samengevat', poëzie Paul Wynants, fotografie Hilde Braet, 2011
'The power of photography', in Cultuur +Educatie, nr. 32, jaargang 11, pp. 10-27.
'Onderzoek naar cultuureducatie: theorie versus praktijk', in Cultuur & School, nr. 68, juni 2011
"METRO", 'Superessay: Photo's transform our image of reality', monday 4 april 2011
"Neighbors of the abbey. 800 years poor and rich", 2011
"Zelf(in)Beeld", book, Vermeylenfonds 2010
"The Instrumental photography of Hilde Braet", De Geus, pp. 32-35, november 2010
"Neighbors of the abbey", 2009
"100 jaar Sint-Pietersinstituut - Gent 1908-2008", Dirk Musschoot, foto's Hilde Braet, 2008
Revue “La Fotografia Social”, nr 30 2006
"India News Flash 16", photo's honorary doctorate VUB for Mrs. Sonia Ghandi, 2006
"Cooking with Cookies", Handleiding voor het opzetten van een kunsteducatief erfgoedproject in secundaire scholen, VZW De Veerman, 2006
"Naughty delicious", Rodenbachstichting, 2005
"The Light Room", book ofProf. Johan Swinnen with "80 photo's of Belgian photographers", 2005
“Heritage in the classroom”, Cookies ‘Hallerbos’, Antwerpen Apeldoorn 2005
"Eten op zijn Vlaams", recipe book of Louis Paul Boon, FVV, 2004
"Emancipation for mental disabled people", WIV 2003
"Memories of Turkish people in Ghent", 2002
Article in "Maxim" about nude photography, 2001
"Flags and Pennants", 2001
"The view of the Yeti: Bringing up children in the spirit of self-awareness and kindredship", Michel Vandenbroeck, photo's Hilde Braet, 1999
"The presumption of a creation", bibliophile publication with a text of Paul de Wispelaere about Karel Dierickx’ studio, 1995
"Women photoboudoir", book, VUBpress 1993
2018
"Believe together in Ghent", with Guillaume Decock, Nathalie Samain, Jules August, Hans Borg, Hilde Braet, Damon de Backer, An van Gijsegem, Hendril Braet, Erien Withouck, Sint jacobskerk, Gent.
"Hommage aan Jean-Marie Bottequin", "In Connectedness" with Hilde Braet, Hans De Greve, Benny De Grove, Patrick Dekeyser, Michèle Francken and Norbert Maes, Zebrastraat Gent.
2017
"I contadini di Somano are coming to Gent", Het Objectief, Gent.
"A refugee in my street", Boelare, Eeklo.
"I contadini di Somano", Piemonte, Italy
"Me and the other", part of "Exodus", KUMESA, Galerij Kathleen Vinck, Antwerp.
" Heritage day 2017: Care and safety for refugees. PORTRAITS of OCCUPANTS", Rode Kruis Opvangcentrum Eeklo.
2016
"The GENERATIONS- Elias et ses compagnons de route", De Markten, Brussel.
" Mens",multidisciplinaire kunstmanifestatie, Foto's en Haiku's, Honest Arts Movement, Hof van Ryhove, Gent.
"We doen het voor u - Onbekende Vlamingen hebben recht op een KRACHTIG portret", CultuurCentrum Ter Vesten, Beveren-Waas.
" Leuven VeelZIJdig ", Exhibition about The Self(in)Picture, International women's day, Leuven, 2016.
"INTERNATIONAL EXHIBIT #1", Cyanotypie, Atelier @pH7, Brussels.
"GROUP EXHIBIT PICTO BENELUX, Studio BAXTON, Brussels.
2015
"FETISH ART", Gallerie de l'Ancienne Quincaillerie Vandereycken, Ixelles, Brussels.
""VISUAL TALES - diversity training in the picture", UZ Leuven campus Gasthuisberg.
"Le regard photographique sur la femme par des femmes photographes" ", à l'occation de l'exposition "Women are beautifull" de Gary Winogrand, Charleroi 2015.
2013
"FETISH ART", Gallerie de l'Ancienne Quincaillerie Vandereycken, Ixelles, Brussels.
2012
"STRIPPED, vernacular erotic photography", Lakenmetershuis, Willemfonds, Ghent.
"The Power of a photo', Garant, Antwerp.
"Chapel route",an unusual bike-route through the lens of Hilde Braet and her students, CC Ter Vesten, Beveren-Waas
"L'été des portraits" Bourbon-Lancy, France.
2011
"Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in young hands", De Veerman vzw, artistic coaching a.o. Eva Peeters en Hilde Braet, MAS, Antwerp
"The Name of the Woman", Multimedial exposition with the workw of 16 woman, Geuzenhuis, Ghent.
2010
"Artistic portrait...signed with Light", 40 portraits of Flemish professional photographers, DE VELINX, Tongeren
"Artistic portrait...signed with Light", 40 portraits of Flemish professional photographers, DE WERF, Aalst
"L' été des portraits", Bourbon-Lancy, FRANCE
"Erotic Fragments", LAKENMETERSHUIS (Willemsfonds), Gent
"Erotic Stories, LAKENMETERSHUIS (Willemsfonds), Gent
"Zelf(in)beeld", GEUZENHUIS (Vermeylenfonds), Gent
2009
"Brigadistas", Noche Cubana, De Centrale, Gent
"Real Shades", Multimedia Installation and Performance,witht: Nadine Van Lierde (painter), Hilde Braet (photographer), Philippe de Chavoy (composer), Karim Kalonji, Jürgen Van Nuffel and Mylène Popelier, Patricia Hebbelinck (dans and choreography), Theater Tinnen Pot, Gent
"Homage to Patrick De Spiegelaere", Goodart 2009, Drongengoed Ursel
"China in Anwerp...Flemish photographers give visions and impressions as visitors of this fascinating Country", EUROPALIA, Anwerp: Bibliotheek Permeke, SD Works, ATAB.
2008
"100 jaar Sint Pietersinstituut" photopanels Meersstraat (near St. Pietersstation) Gent.
"Kompanen van Boon", group exposition, Crypte Hof van Ryhove Gent.
HAM-triptiek collectief literair-beeldend kunstwerk, Gent.
"Buren van de Sint Baafsabdij" , Gentse fotografen werpen merkwaardig licht op de site.
Bourbon-Lancy, group exposition of Belgian Photographers
Laureate photo-competition Belgian Senate "60 years of Womens right to vote"
2007
"In Gent getogen", galerie-circuit, together with Stan Kenis, Gent
"Tyne Cot", The battle of Passendaele, group-exposition, Zonnebeke en Passendale
"A photo is not a snapshot", workshop, Ypres
2006
"Photoboudoir&Self-image", workshop and exposition, Municipality house and other locations in Zonnebeke
"Zelzarts", art exposition for 10 years Willemsfondsafdeling, Zelzate
"Women", Castle of Rumbeke, Nadine Van Lierde (paintings), Rik Vermeersch (drawings), Hilde Braet (portraits), Cyriel (poëtry)
"Impressions of China", Selection of photo's from Pingyao, Xi'an en Beijing taken at the occassion of their participation to the International Photofestival of Pingyao (september 2005), Patio of the Townhall of Bree and the baroc chapel ,Hilde Braet, Johan Brouwers, Fernande Kuypers, Jean Le Clerc, Mechtilde Sinnesael and Bruno Vetters
"20 years LES BALLETS C. de la B.", Kouter Ghent, photography Hilde Braet
"Interiority", group exposition, photography and poëtry, Hof van Ryhove, Ghent
"L'été des portraits", Bourbon-Lancy, FRANCE (mention spéciale recherche personelle)
"Grote Paul", Naarden, NEDERLAND
"Schoollive in space and time", KTA-Lindelei, Gent
"Selection Grote Paul", Galerie Moderne, Amsterdam, NEDERLAND
2005
"Brigadistas", solidarity with CUBA, Vredeshuis, Aalst
"Planet Gender", participant, Ghent
"WOMan(d)PICTURES", CC De Steiger, Menen, Lieve Blancquaert, Els Van De Veyver, Sabine Oosterlinck, Hilde Braet
"FOT'eau", fotoparcours along the water in the historical centre of Ghent, "Kids Pur Sang", in Gallery Jan Colle
SALVE MATER, "Red Series", Lovenjoel
PIP Pingyao International Photography Festival, September, group-exposition and presentation "Art-photography-Expression of emotions"
SMILE, Silken Berlaymont (former) Dorinth Hotel),
"In good and in bad days" acentury of Wedding photography PHOTOMUSEUM Antwerp
"De Lichte Kamer", book of Prof. Johan Swinnen with '80 photo's of 'full of character' Belgian photographers', together with an Exposition of the Photos
Gallery S & H De Buck, GHENT.
2004
Guestexposant, "Emancipation", Kunsthoeve, St. Martens Latem
"Emocion", Presentation on the Jornadas Internacionales de Fotografia, Cullera (Valencia)
"KIDS", Gelijkekansenhuis, Brussel
Presentation at Photokina Köln
VISA POUR L'IMAGE, Perpignan OFF, "Brigadistas", Perpignan
2003
Leo Baekeland photo exposition, Guest 'Women-photo boudoir II', St. Vincentiuskapel, Ghent
"Arte Cupido", Hondschoote-Beauvoorde
"Sisyphus", (social photography), Stadhuis Gent
"Kids Pur Sang", CC Mehmet Akif, Antwerp
"Emancipation", social photography about mental disabled people, W.I.V. St. Amandsberg
"Emotion", Presentation on the Convention Internazionale dei Fotografi Professionisti, Orvieto
2002
Group exposition “ Belgian Professional Photography”, Valence, Spain
‘A woman’s wing beat’, Bruges - Lissewege, gallery de ‘Valckenaere
‘Enchantment’, Ghent , Gravenkasteel
Nudes, Ghent, gallery Thierry Bonnaffé
INSIDE-OUTSIDE, Ghent, Caemerklooster
'Light, water, fire', Group-Exposition, Ronse, in gallery ‘Versier de mens’
2001
‘L’ instant décisif’, selection and exposition, Brussels, in ‘le Centre d’Art de Rouge
Cloitre
Exposition, Ghent, gallery ‘Etienne De Wulf’
Group exposition, ‘Kama Sutra’, , Oostende, Venetiaanse Gallerijen
Group exposition, ‘Pentagonium’, Ghent, ‘Het Geuzenhuis’
Lineart, Ghent, Flanders Expo
‘Human Rights?...Expressive!’, Ghent, Lakenhalle
2000
Group exposition Oostende, gallery ‘de Peperbusse’
Selected by the city of Ghent’s Cultural Council, exposition in Castle Borluut, Ghent
Group exposition ‘FOFETU’, Turnhout,
1999
‘Female Erotica?!’, Oostende, gallery ‘de Peperbusse’
‘Children in the underworld’, Ghent, school museum Michel Thierry
‘Fetish and sadomasochism’, Brussels, gallery Y
Group exposition ‘Derailed’ in commemoration of Louis Paul Boon’s death 20 years ago, Aalst
Exposition in Arles during ‘les Rencontres Internationales des Photographes’
1998
‘Emotions’, Verviers, gallery ‘Au fil d’ Ariana’
Group exposition, Ghent, gallery Waterfront
Photography circuit ‘Emotions’ in various cultural and meeting centers
1997
Women 4 x different’, group exposition, Ghent, gallery ASLK
Together with JeanMarie Bottequin, Assenede, gallery Pim De Rudder
Group exposition Oostende, gallery “de Peperbusse”
Group exposition, Ghent, Kunstsalon Gent StPietersabdij
1996
‘Introspection’, group exposition, Knokke, CC Scharpoord
Gynaika Kortrijk, Lokeren, Ghent ;
1995
'‘Reflecting Patershol’, Ghent , writing academy
Individual exposition, Temse, gallery 40
Group exposition, Laarne, gallery 50
Group exposition, Oostende, gallery“de Peperbusse”
1994
'Women photo boudoir’, travelling around exposition shown in all Flemish cultural centers
1993
“Nude on a sofa”, Ghent, gallery de Toverdoos
‘Women photo boudoir’, ‘t Elzenveld, Antwerp ’93 European cultural capital
Homage to Broodthaers, Assenede, gallery Pim De Rudder
‘Women photo boudoir’, Brussels, VUB University
‘Man and erotica’ group exposition, Ghent, gallery “Oudburg”
‘Flanders Erotica’ group exposition, Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent
‘Women photo boudoir’, Ghent, bar Hotsy Totsy
1992
‘Mugo’, St.Amandsberg, gallery KUON
Artistic photos, Gentbrugge, Cultural Council,
‘Venice Unknown’, Antwerp, Summer of Photography, gallery FNAC
‘Mugo in big’, Antwerp, gallery Zwarte Panter
‘ Bizarre Installation’, Assenede, Festival of Arts A(rt)ssenede
‘Tensions’ and ‘Venice Unlnown’, Ghent, VLC Kunst in het Geuzenhuis
1991
General exposition, Ghent, gallery ASLK
‘Impressions from India’, Ghent, Municipal Public Library
Group exposition ‘Shape and Imagination’, Brussels, VUB
Group exposition ‘Man and Labour’, Ghent, BBL
1990
‘Meetings in and around Moscow’ and ‘Passion: Still life's about leather, Brussels during
Universitech ‘90
‘Meeting on the VUB University’, Brussels, VUB
‘From Sikkim to Benares’, Brussels, Culture Club
1989
Group exposition, Brussels, gallery ASLK