WIM VAN CAPPELLEN

Photography has always been my passion, sparked by my grandfather, who gave me his cherished Nikon F and his blessing to explore the world. Despite his hopes for a diplomatic or engineering career after I got my Master Degree in International relations, the call to explore the world was too strong to ignore.

My journey began in the Philippines, where a six-month road trip from the northern highlands to the turbulent southern islands exposed me to failed coups, rebel movements, and life in Manila's slums. These stark realities made me feel terribly uncomfortable and out of place at first, but the joy of life and strong solidarity within the Pinoy community redefined my life.

In Manila, I met Mon, a renowned photographer who generously offered his studio and mentorship. "You shoot like a millionaire," he commented on my numerous attempts to get the perfect shot. His guidance sharpened my skills and inspired me to support other budding photographers.

Back in Europe, I connected with established photographers, offering to assist them in exchange for stories, trips and tricks. Their guidance was invaluable. I'm still grateful for all their advice, and promised myself I'd pay it forward.

My breakthrough came when a local magazine featured my Philippine adventures, which opened the door to an assignment covering a neofascist group—an opportunity that propelled my career with striking images that made the headlines.

Later, in Haiti, I confronted the stark realities of frontline reporting, mastering the art of capturing powerful images under extreme pressure. This experience earned me my first international publication.

As my network expanded, it was time to take the next step. I made an appointment with the legendary agency director Marcel Saba, who introduced me to his partner Michel Rudman at REA Agency in Paris, France. Michel became my mentor and friend, guiding me through pivotal career decisions.

With REA, I documented major global events, always ready to chase history with my camera. My work earned multiple awards, including the Fuji Award, and featured in prestigious exhibitions.

In the early 2000s, I joined the management team at Reporters, Belgium's leading photo agency. We pioneered the transition to digital photography and later expanded into video.

The pandemic prompted me to rethink my path. With new gear and a renewed passion, I jumped back into the field, focusing on portraits, local projects, and reportage.

In 2021, I ventured into the NFT space, quickly recognizing its potential for creators. I co-founded Obscura.io, an NFT photography platform, with Alejandro Cartagena, Cooper Ray, and Tony Herrera. We built a vibrant community of artists, sharing insights and building relationships with collectors worldwide.

Today, I continue my journey with renewed optimism, dedicated to supporting emerging photographers and keeping the creative spark alive.