Mayli Sterkendries

Photographer

“KEEP DOING WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD “

Hi, how are you?

Hellooo Helloooo! Getting better day by day! It’s been a tough year, but I’m wrapping it up with two months in India—I’m really looking forward to it!
Cooking classes, yoga, meditation, great food, and of course, photography! Anyway, thank you for having me!

You’re a photographer. How did you find your style, and how would you describe it?

That’s right! Hmm, my style is a reflection of my personality, so to speak. It’s everyday life with a little twist. 😉 I’m especially drawn to color, but I also deeply appreciate black-and-white photography.
I love it when viewers can create their own story after seeing some of my images.

Daylight seems to be a big part of your work. What do you enjoy most about working with natural light?

Yes! I’ve spent most of my time living in an apartment on the sixth floor in Ostend. The sun rose in the kitchen and set in the bedrooms and living room, basically all around. I loved the beautiful light that poured in, softened by curtains, or the hard shadows on the terrace under direct sunlight. I’ve always been inspired by how sunlight could transform the dynamics of a room. I also find it more enjoyable to work with what the day gives you, without having to lug around flashes or heavy lamps. My backpack is already heavy enough, haha.

Do you have any hobbies or routines that boost your creativity?

Maybe too many hobbies, I guess, but I especially love sports and walking or biking around. I can get super inspired just by walking along the pier or the beach and observing what’s around me.
Ostend has its share of characters wandering about, and I find that amazing. Apart from that, I think it’s important to surround yourself with wise people and plan enough downtime so you’re well-rested to think about future projects.

That’s good advice! What’s your favorite camera setup these days? Any favorite lenses or accessories?

No accessories at the moment! But lots and lots of analog cameras with different lenses. I love working with 35mm, but I’ve fallen back in love with 120mm film. These cameras make you work slower, think more, and see things differently. The whole process is such a thrill—from the initial idea or spontaneous shoot to developing, selecting, and editing. Love it!

Random question: pancakes or waffles? (We know it’s a tough choice!)

Phew, it really is, but I’ll go with pancakes—I feel more satisfied because they come in pairs!

Which three people in the photography world do you admire right now?

Mous Lamrabat—ever since I discovered him.
Vivian Maier—I just love her, may she rest in peace.
And Helmut Newton—currently and always.

As a photographer, do you prefer physical photo prints or digital?

Physical, for sure.

Is there a particular shoot or project that stands out to you as especially meaningful? What made it special?

Oh, tough question…I consider almost every shoot meaningful. The opportunity to be creative, discover new locations, meet people, and make them happy with my work—it’s all special.
That said, I can’t help but think of my father. He was truly my greatest muse. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to capture all those images of him.
I cherish those moments the most, even now.

What essentials do you always bring with you on a shoot day?

Food and drinks are essential, haha, for both me and the people involved. But it depends on the scale of the production.For bigger shoots, there’s usually catering provided, which is thoughtful and so necessary for long days of productivity! You can make me very happy with some food, haha.
For big productions or personal projects, I think it’s crucial that my model feels comfortable. This can start with a cozy chat over coffee and cookies, for example.
Apart from that, when I think of my photo bag, I think of analog film rolls, extra batteries, chargers, gaffer tape, lenses, various cameras, and props (depending on the mood board).
Basically, it comes down to one (or two) bags with a bit of everything—I’d rather bring too much than not enough!

Good to know! What advice would you give to beginner photographers who are still searching for their own style?

Keep shooting, make mistakes, and learn from them. Don’t compare yourself too much to others in the field. Do not copy, but draw inspiration from them for your own work.
Ultimately, it’s all about a combination of technique, personal preferences, and your unique view of the world.

Share something that inspires culture!

I think it’s important to stay true to yourself. The idea that life can be so fleeting reminds me to seize every day. Keep doing what makes you feel good. Tell your loved ones you love them often, and hug them tightly! Other than that—stay young at heart, eat healthily, exercise, and do whatever you want!