I am Emilie Bonjé, a photographer based in Ghent with a deep sensitivity for texture, light, and the beauty that hides in plain sight.
My work lives at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle, and art. Whether shooting for a brand or working on an autonomous project, my approach is always the same: I go closer than expected, stay longer than comfortable, and look until something reveals itself.
Natural light is my most trusted collaborator. I use it to evoke depth, atmosphere, and tactility, the kind of images you can almost feel. In studio, I bring the same precision and attention to detail, translating a brand's vision into something that resonates beyond the visual.
I thrive in creative collaboration, working alongside stylists, art directors, and brands to build campaigns that feel both considered and alive. For smaller or emerging brands, I take on full production, from concept to final image.
Beyond commercial work, I develop long-term autonomous projects that explore the human body, identity, and the world we inhabit. This artistic practice is not separate from my photography. It is the foundation of it.
I am based in Ghent and available for projects across Belgium and internationally.
If you are looking for a photographer who brings both craft and vision to your brand, I would love to connect.
Work
Independent photographer since 2015
Publications
A.o. The Guardian, L’Oeil de la Photographie, Life Framer, De Morgen, Xeno Magazine, Knack Weekend, View Magazine, Breedbeeld, Psychologie Magazine, Bloovi Magazine, Charlie Magazine, Steps Magazine, De Gentenaar, Mooi Magazine, Hooligans Magazine
(publications of commissioned works and personal projects)
Education
2007-2008 Master in Visual Arts, Experimental School, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
2004-2007 Bachelor’s in Visual Arts, Experimental School, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
2003-2004 Visual Arts, Painting, LUCA School of Arts - Ghent, Belgium
Thesis: “Physical and Mental Aspects of Depth Perception in Art”
Mentorship
2019-2020 MENTORMENTOR, an intensive group program for selected photographers who are working autonomously on an oeuvre.
2018: MENTORMENTOR, an individual program.
Book
‘Emile, the beauty of imperfection’, hard cover, 144 pages, ISBN 9789082504705
Awards
Black and White, Life Framer, honorable mention, 2022
Unknown Masterpieces, Photofestival Knokke-Heist, 2021
Outside, Bosland, 2020
Fotonale Bruges, 2016
Twens | Unexposed Leuven, 2014
32nd International Photo Festival Knokke-Heist, 2010
Preselection of the Canvas Collection Ghent, 2010
Emerging Talents from Belgian Schools of Photography Brussel, 2008
Preselection of the Canvas Collection Ghent, 2008
All True Artists Antwerp, 2007
Exhibitions
’Crust’ at Fik, Ghent, 2023.
‘Crust’ at Atelier Jules August, Ghent, 2021.
Unknown Masterpieces, Photo Knokke-Heist, 2021
Group exhibition MENTORMENTOR, Blanco Ghent, 2021
Group exhibition with Sylvie De Meerleer, Biekorf Bruges, 2021
Buy Local, Kunsthal Ghent, 2020
Solo exhibition, Library Lebbeke, 2018
Solo exhibition, CC De Factorij Zaventem, 2018
Solo exhibition, CC De Velinx Tongeren, 2017
Solo exhibition, De Ververij Ronse, 2017
Group exhibition, Fotonale Bruges, 2016
Group exhibition, Het Objectief Ghent, 2016
Solo exhibition ‘Emile, the beauty of imperfection’, St Nicholas’ Church Ghent, 2016
Photo circuit Unexposed, Twens Leuven, 2014
Beeldruim Exposeert, Huset Ghent, 2012
Beeldruim Exposeert, Meerseniersstraat Ghent, 2012
Solo exhibition, AZ Sint-Lucas Ghent, 2012
Group exhibition, Surface by Re-Found, Van Crombrugge’s Genootschap Ghent, 2012
Shop Window Art Exhibition, Meerseniersstraat Ghent, 2011
Pop-up art sale by AmuseeVous, Gandavus Portus Art Boat Ghent, 2011
’32ste International photofestival Knokke-Heist, 2010
Opa’s First B-day Mechelen, 2010
Group exhibition, View Magazine, Le Botanique Brussels, 2009
Group exhibition, Caleidoscoop Drongen, 2009
Out of Control, VUB Galerie Y’ Brussels, 2008
3 in 1, Nuit Blanche 2008, Botanique Brussels, 2008
Emerging Talents from Belgian Schools of Photography, La Cambre Brussels, 2008
Alles Kan Festival, Genste Feesten, 2008
Mastermarathon, Sint-Lucas Ghent, 2008
Extra Etage, Extra City Antwerp, 2008
All True Artists bij Lucy, Antwerp, 2007
Bevangen, Vismijn Nieuwpoort, 2007
Project Slachthuisstraat Ghent, 2007
