Iris Deklerck

You moved from Belgium to Sweden and rediscovered photography there. How did this change of place influence the way you look at the world through the camera?

Moving to another country comes with many challenges. Just because you move to a beautiful place does not mean everything is perfect. Finding a stable job has been difficult, administrative processes took months, I missed my family and friends, and adapting to a new culture was more challenging than I expected. Sweden is very different from Belgium in ways I had not anticipated.
Although photography has been part of my life since childhood, moving to Scandinavia encouraged me to pick up my camera more often again and reconnect with my passion for photography. It became a way for me to gain some control and perspective during a period of major change. By documenting my surroundings, I learned to truly look at Sweden and appreciate its beauty.
In the beginning, I photographed mainly for myself. It was a way to remind myself of the beauty around me and to connect with my new environment, rather than something I intended to share with others.
As I gradually started to find my place here, I felt a desire to share that experience through my lens. What began as a personal way of understanding and embracing my new life in Scandinavia has evolved into a way of showing others how I see and experience this new chapter of my life.

Iris Deklerck | Wouter | 2026

Your photographs often feel quiet and contemplative. Do you see photography as a way of slowing down and paying attention to small moments?

I think it is actually the other way around. Moving to Sweden has encouraged me to slow down. The Swedish lifestyle places a much stronger emphasis on balance, nature, and taking time to appreciate everyday life than I was used to in Belgium.
Because of that, my passion for photography has had the space to grow and develop. I spend more time outdoors, walking, hiking, fishing, and simply observing my surroundings. Photography allows me to capture those moments, but the sense of calm in my images comes primarily from how I feel here.
In many ways, my photographs reflect my experience of life in Scandinavia. The quiet and contemplative atmosphere people see in my work is a reflection of the peace, presence, and connection to nature that I have found since moving here.

Iris Deklerck | Counting Cows | 2026

Many of your images were taken while hiking or fishing. How important is it for you that photography is connected to everyday experiences rather than planned photo sessions?

It is very important to me. My photography is mainly about capturing how I experience and see certain moments in my life. Because of that, planned photo sessions often feel unnatural to me. From a young age, I realised that photography, for me, is more about documenting than creating. I am drawn to real moments as they unfold rather than carefully constructing a scene. When I am hiking, fishing, travelling, or simply spending time outdoors, I naturally reach for my camera when something catches my attention.
I am interested in preserving a feeling, a memory, or a particular way of seeing the world in that moment. The photographs become a reflection of my experiences rather than the result of a planned concept. That is why most of my work grows out of everyday life. I want my images to feel honest and connected to the moments that inspired them.

Iris Deklerck | Norway, Where Water Paints The Landscape | 2026

What was the first thing about Scandinavian nature that truly surprised or moved you?

The first thing that truly surprised me was the scale and vastness of the landscape. Coming from Flanders, in the northern part of Belgium, where almost everything is built up and closely connected, it felt like stepping into a completely different world.
I am still amazed by how endless nature feels in Scandinavia. There are places where you can drive for hours and be surrounded by forests, lakes, and open landscapes. Sometimes my partner and I simply get in the car and drive without a specific destination, just to enjoy the scenery, the silence, and the feeling of space.
Growing up in cities, I always thought I was a city person. Moving to Scandinavia made me realise the opposite. Discovering this landscape has changed the way I spend my free time and the way I see the world. These days, I would much rather spend an entire day hiking through a forest than walking through a city. The connection I feel with nature here has become an important part of both my life and my photography.

Iris Deklerck | ÖResund | 2026

In your work, water, snow, forests, and open spaces appear as central elements. What do these landscapes represent for you emotionally?

Water, snow, forests, and open spaces represent a sense of peace and freedom to me. Before moving to Sweden, I lived a much busier life in Belgium. I worked full-time, spent a lot of time commuting in traffic, and was constantly balancing work and social commitments. At certain points, that lifestyle brought a considerable amount of stress.
Since moving to Sweden, I have become more aware of a different way of living. People seem to be more present in the moment and more intentional about making time for themselves, nature, and their well-being. That perspective has influenced the way I see the world and, as a result, the way I photograph it.

How do you approach color and black-and-white photography differently? What makes you choose one over the other?

I use black and white only when it adds something meaningful to the image. If color is not essential to the story, mood, or impact of the photograph, removing it can sometimes make the image stronger. Black and white allows me to focus more on contrast, light, texture, and emotion.
For me, it is never about creating a black-and-white photograph for the sake of it. Rather, it is about recognizing when the absence of color enhances the image. Sometimes I can already sense while taking the photograph that the contrasts and tones will work better in black and white. In those moments, the image feels more powerful without the distraction of color.

Iris Deklerck | Trout | 2026

Through your lens, you say you are slowly falling in love with Scandinavia. What do you hope viewers will feel when they look at these photographs?

I hope viewers can experience some of the peace and happiness I felt in those moments and, for a brief moment, forget about the pressures of everyday life.