De Donkere Kamer: a platform for photography
Gives photographic talent a live & online stage
Imagine a world without photography: no captured memories, no visual inspiration, no visible history. We would be missing so much… As a visual medium, photography plays an incredibly important and defining role in our lives.
Photography inspires, amazes, and connects.
In a darkroom, moments become more. The images give you a enriching perspective, both inward and outward. That’s what makes photography so versatile; it’s art, history, and culture.
It offers inspiration, wonder, and connection. Sometimes photography is confronting, but always with a message that moves you.
Photography is the mirror of the world.
“It shows both small and big stories, from near and far. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, photos allow you to truly understand each other—simply by looking. Visual language is universal, expressive, and connecting, especially in these polarizing times. Photography is the language of the future.”
— Kaat Celis
Connection through visual storytelling
As a universal art form, photography is more popular worldwide than ever. Kaat Celis, founder and face of De Donkere Kamer, says: “As a platform, we aim to give talent a stage that resonates both at home and abroad. In doing so, we inspire countless photography enthusiasts and support the creators. In a world driven by AI, it’s more important than ever to foster connection through visual storytelling and provide creators with the right tools and best practices. That’s the core of our mission.”
De Donkere Kamer offers:
📸 Live shows with renowned speakers on the biggest Flemish stages
📸 Online masterclasses by well-known (inter)national experts and photographers
📸 Exhibitions on classic and surprising themes, featuring both established and emerging talent
📸 Our own academy, offering exclusive review sessions and memberships
📸 Inspiring and personalized 1:1 mentoring
📸 Engaging podcasts with fascinating conversations about photography
📸 A unique webshop with international photography, from prints to books
The team of De Donkere Kamer
Kaat Celis
I’m Kaat, a photographer at heart, equally passionate about entrepreneurship and helping people grow. With De Donkere Kamer, I’m building something I longed for years ago: a place where photographers not only learn to create better images but, more importantly, learn how to turn their talent into a sustainable and profitable business.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been photographing for years, I see you. With a sharp eye and a warm approach, I help you move past doubts, chaos, and undercharging. Through 1-on-1 programs, masterclasses, reviews, podcasts, and a vibrant community, I provide not just tools, but courage and direction.
De Donkere Kamer is more than a platform, it’s a movement of photographers who take their craft seriously, dare to claim their value, and lift each other up. Together, we make photography visible, valuable, and sustainable again.
After studying photography, I spent over ten years in the media, including roles as photo editor at Het Laatste Nieuws and Goedele Magazine, and as head of photography at De Morgen. I’m also the founder of the AntwerpPhoto Festival.
In addition, I actively curate various photography exhibitions at home and abroad and serve as a sought-after juror for numerous (inter)national competitions and fairs. Through my expertise and experience in photography, I’ve built a versatile network, which I’m excited to share with you through De Donkere Kamer..
“Photography shows the world, bringing nuance and beauty.
I want to make the world a little bit brighter by highlighting both the small and the grand visual stories.”
Dimitri Heirbaut
Dimitri is an advisor at De Donkere Kamer, responsible for financial and business management.
“Every photographer sees the world through their own lens. This gives viewers a different perspective on the world. It makes us emotionally richer.”
Get to know Kaat Celis from De Donkere Kamer better:
Wherever she travels, her analog Mamiya camera always comes along in Kaat’s suitcase
Trees are her favorite subject to photograph
Even in audio, Kaat loves talking about photography: listen to the podcast
In her free time, she often speeds through the countryside on her racing bike
Kaat splits her time between living near Leuven and her home in France
Her bookshelf holds over 200 photography books—and it grows every week :-)
Welcome to De Donkere Kamer
The place where images come to life. Lights off, sound on: host Kaat Celis takes you on a journey of discovery in the exclusive podcast. Are you joining?
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