X100V "My Milestone" - Bert Stephani
Bert Stephani
Bert Stephani is a commercial and editorial photographer from Belgium who specializes in creative portraits and lifestyle photography.
Bert aims to capture what makes someone unique in every portrait. In his lifestyle pictures, it’s all about authentic experiences rather than the fake glamour that is often associated with the genre. Although technical mastery is high on Bert’s priority list, his style is often a bit rough around the edges, just like life itself.
Bert is also passionate about sharing information and knowledge with others. Workshops, lectures and speaking engagements have taken him all over the world to meet inspiring fellow creatives.
For the “My Milestone” project, Bert decided to focus on everyday life and the role of photography in it. Here’s how he describes his project:
The X100 series has always had a special place in my photography. To me, an X100 doesn’t belong in a camera bag or in a gear cabinet, it belongs in my jacket pocket, on the kitchen counter, on the coffee table, around my neck or even better … in my hands. I do use it for assignments but more often it’s my tool of choice to document life, to explore and to create. With the X100V that tool has become even better.
Each day is filled with countless moments. Most of those are instantly forgotten but a few will be remembered forever. You just don’t know which moments will turn out to be milestones over time. That’s the main reason why I have a camera with me pretty much all the time.
But I don’t want to live my life through the lens. I want to document life while living it, … fully. Therefore I need a camera that doesn’t get in the way. And that’s where the X100V really shines
Another reason why I always have a camera with me is that it is a passport into other worlds, a way to meet new people and create connections. The camera is not just a way to document life, it’s also a device that can enrich it.
I enjoy bringing a client’s brief to life but nothing beats the freedom of creating for yourself. With a compact but powerful camera, you can create anytime, anywhere.
I have sometimes struggled to find my direction in photography but this project has given me a new appreciation for simple, authentic photography. In that sense trying to photograph milestones, created a milestone for myself and my work.
Life may not always be Instagram worthy, but it’s always worth documenting. You don’t need to travel to the other side of the world to explore. And you don’t need elaborate concepts and gear to create.
All you need is a camera and the belief that there’s a good picture to be made right here and right now.