✨ CONNECT – Grow as a photographer, month after month
THE MEMBERSHIP FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO TAKE THEIR WORK SERIOUSLY
* Every month an exclusive masterclass from a top photographer + a community that helps you grow, with professional support.
This month in CONNECT: Ebrahim Alipoor
On August 27, De Donkere Kamer welcomes top photographer Ebrahim Alipoor for an exclusive
online masterclass.
Masterclass Ebrahim Alipoor: Working without access, budgets, or institutions: building stories that matter
From local reality to international recognition – the documentary process of Ebrahim Alipoor
How do you create impactful work when everything seems to hold you back?
Ebrahim Alipoor developed his photography in Iran under censorship, limited resources, and real personal risk. Despite these barriers, his stories found their way to the world stage, earning international recognition including World Press Photo Story of the Year in 2025.
In this masterclass..
Telling powerful stories starting from the world right in front of you
Turning restrictions into creative opportunity
Navigating political and social pressure while staying true to your message
Bringing local narratives to global audiences
This masterclass is for photographers who know their stories deserve to be seen, no matter the circumstances. Learn how to keep making, keep connecting, and keep pushing your work forward.
📅 Live online masterclass: August 27, 4 PM CEST (+ replay available)
Join now and get 50% off your first quarter!
Ebrahim Alipoor is a photographer from Kurdistan, Iran.
Alipoor’s work focuses on storytelling through photography, exploring social and political issues under challenging circumstances. He views photography as a powerful medium to engage audiences, particularly in regions like Iran, where governmental restrictions and censorship pose significant challenges. Despite these limitations, he seeks to connect with people and inspire change through his work. He won a World Press Photo Story of the year award in 2025.
Who is Ebrahim Alipoor
Deep insights into the creative processes of top photographers:
Discover how they work and think — and learn how to apply that to your own photography.
Techniques and practical tips you can implement right away,
helping you stand out in a crowded market.How to build a successful photography career:
from finding your own voice to understanding the business side of the industry — plus honest conversations about struggles and failures along the way.
What will you learn in these masterclasses?
What is CONNECT — and why should you be part of it?
WHAT IF YOU COULD LEARN FROM A TOP PHOTOGRAPHER EVERY MONTH?
.This is your chance to improve your photography, get advice, and grow your network.
Photography can sometimes be a lonely journey.
You have a passion for your craft, but it’s tough to find the right guidance, make your work stand out, and truly break through in a crowded market. Perhaps you struggle with finding the right mentorship or feel isolated, without anyone to brainstorm with about the challenges you face. Or maybe you simply want to learn from the best and expand your network with like-minded professionals.
What if you had access to a community that could help you with this?
At CONNECT, we bring passionate photographers like you together with top photographers and experts who are eager to share their knowledge and experience. A place where you not only learn new techniques and insights but also have a community that understands you, inspires you, and helps you grow. This is exactly why we created CONNECT: to build an environment where photographers can learn, grow, and support each other.
Your portfolio isn’t getting the attention it deserves.
You’re missing those crucial connections to break through.
You’re struggling with how to present your vision and work to clients.
You have stunning images, but you don’t know how to pitch yourself.
—> You don’t have to do this alone anymore.
Many photographers work hard, but don’t see the results they deserve. Do you recognize this?
Join now and get 50% off your first quarter!
Our community of experienced photographers and experts ensures you have access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the (international) photography industry.
What do you get as a member of CONNECT?
MASTERCLASSES WITH TOP PHOTOGRAPHERS
Every month, you can join live for an online masterclass with a top photographer from the industry. These photographers share not only their technical skills but also their creative processes and insights into how they built their careers. This is your chance to learn directly from the best. Can't attend live? No problem – you'll receive the replay and gain access to the masterclass library.REVIEW SESSIONS WITH KAAT CELIS & GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS
Each month, you can watch live as Kaat reviews the work of a guest photographer or provides insights into the challenges photographers are facing. This will help you learn to critically assess your own work and presentation – both visually and content-wise. We discuss not only technique, but also storytelling, concept, and positioning: how to stand out and sell your work in a crowded market. These sessions are a goldmine of insights that will help you think more strategically and creatively.ACCESS TO A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY OF PHOTOGRAPHERS
A major strength of CONNECT is the access to an online community. Here, you'll connect with other photographers who, like you, are eager to grow. The best part is that it’s not just about technical questions – you can ask about business strategies, creative processes, and mindset challenges. You’ll learn from others' experiences, form collaborations, and motivate each other.EXCLUSIVE PODCAST: TAILORED TO YOUR QUESTIONS
Every month, members get access to a private podcast where Kaat dives into your challenges – from creative blocks to finding clients or refining your style. You choose the topics, and Kaat provides targeted insights. Personal, honest, and exactly what you need to move forward.MONTHLY MASTERMIND SESSION
Collaborate with other photographers in small, guided groups. You’ll present your biggest challenge and receive focused feedback, new insights, and fresh perspectives to help you grow – both creatively and professionally.
Join now and get 50% off your first quarter!
"The vision and approach Kaat has towards photography and the business side of the profession really resonated with me."
- Pascal Hermans
This is the membership for you.
Your work is good, but it’s not getting the attention it deserves.
You know there’s more potential, but you're missing the connections, guidance, and knowledge to break through. That’s where CONNECT makes the difference. Here, you no longer have to search for answers on your own because you’ll be part of a community that helps you move forward. Photography is an art form, but also a business — and to be successful, you need more than just talent.
This membership is specifically designed for photographers who:
Want to improve their photography and learn from top photographers.
Are ready to expand their network with like-minded photographers.
Take their photography seriously and want to grow.
Are tired of fumbling in the margins and are ready for the real work.
Are committed to learning from others and not looking for a quick fix!
Whether you're an advanced photographer or just starting out, De Donkere Kamer Membership provides you with the tools, knowledge, and connections to improve your photography and make your work visible.
"Kaat gave us new insights and energy. She is professional and well-prepared!"
-Verne
Why join CONNECT?
It's time to take the next step in your photography career.
Don’t let uncertainty or lack of guidance hold you back any longer. At CONNECT, you’ll get everything you need to succeed — a network, knowledge, and the right tools.
Invest in your future: For just €135 per quarter or €450 per year, you gain access to this exclusive community and all the valuable content that you can immediately apply to elevate your photography and career.
"I wanted a fresh/new perspective on my business... and this proved to be enlightening. The review session helped me see new possibilities for my business, as well as confirm things that had been lingering in the back of my mind. The session was very interesting; it provided an open and honest view of my business with suggestions for a better future. Be open to a fresh perspective on your business, especially when you might not have the distance to see it yourself. Keep being you, Kaat, you're doing great!"
- Leen Wouters
Investment
The investment in CONNECT is now temporarily €67.50 instead of €135 for your first quarter — after that, it’s cancellable monthly
"Kaat Celis brought calm and provided direction in my search for the answer to the question of why a particular image is worth capturing. How a photo can be more than just a descriptive situation, and how it can emotionally stir something in a viewer you don’t even know."
- Ludo Luykx
About Kaat Celis
After completing her photography education, she worked as a photo editor at Het Laatste Nieuws and Goedele Magazine, and as Head of Photography at De Morgen.
After her career in media, she brought Belgian photography to the (inter)national stage as the founder and figurehead of De Donkere Kamer.
The AntwerpPhoto Festival, live shows on major Flemish stages, online masterclasses, her own webshop, and podcast make De Donkere Kamer the ultimate platform for Belgian photography. Recently, a true academy has been added to the mix!
She knows the dynamics of the industry from the inside out and is also active as:
Curator for photo exhibitions both nationally and internationally.
Jury member at various (inter)national photography competitions and fairs.
Organizer of the Winner’s Program for the laureates of the World Press Photo Awards in Amsterdam.
Creative & business mentor for professional photographers.
You deserve to be successful as a photographer.
We know how challenging it can be to navigate the chaos of the creative industry. But you have a choice. You can continue to struggle, or you can take action now and become part of a community that helps you grow and succeed.
De Donkere Kamer is more than just a platform — it's an opportunity to take your career to the next level and finally get the recognition and assignments you've been dreaming of and truly deserve.
Become a fan of CONNECT and earn back your investment!
Do you want to share your love for photography, inspire others, and earn a nice commission at the same time?
Join our affiliate program and earn money by promoting CONNECT!
With this arrangement, you can not only help others improve their photography skills, but also reward yourself for your efforts. It’s all about creating a win-win situation for you and the community.
💰 Earn 25% commission on every quarterly or annual subscription as long as your referred member stays active.
🎟️ Give away a free live show ticket for every successful sign-up (for a show in Amsterdam, Ghent, or Genk).
How does it work?
Sign up as an affiliate via our Plug & Pay page.
Get your unique affiliate link to share.
Promote CONNECT through social media, email, LinkedIn, or word of mouth.
Earn 25% for every member as long as they stay subscribed!
🚀 Start today, share in the profits, and help others grow!
Don’t let money be an obstacle!
Are you in?
Are you going to keep struggling with the same problems, or will you choose to grow, learn, and truly make your photography business thrive?
This is your chance. Join CONNECT and take the step from struggling to success.
FAQs
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CONNECT is a monthly subscription, but for your first payment, you commit to a three-month period. After this initial period, your membership continues month-to-month and can be canceled anytime.
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Every month, you’ll get access to a new masterclass and a live review session.
In the agenda on Huddle, you’ll always see which events are scheduled and when you can join. -
No problem! All sessions are recorded and you can watch them at your convenience. They will be available for 1 month in the online platform, and after that, a new session will be uploaded.
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The investment for CONNECT is normally €135 per quarter or €450 per year. But now temporarily €67.50 instead of €135 for your first quarter — after that, it’s cancellable monthly. This gives you access to all the masterclasses, review sessions, Q&A sessions, and the supportive community.
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You can manage your subscription at any time via https://portal.plugandpay.nl/login/donkerekamer-13464 or by emailing info@donkerekamer.com.
If you cancel too late, we make no exceptions, so you are responsible for unsubscribing in advance.
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No, when canceling, all videos and bonuses included in the membership will be revoked.
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Yes, absolutely! Within The Donkere Kamer Membership, there are several ways you can ask your questions:
Via Huddle: Ask your question to the community of photographers or to the DDK team. Here you can share experiences and get feedback from like-minded individuals.
Monthly live Q&A sessions: As a member of CONNCET, you get exclusive access to our monthly live Q&A sessions via Zoom. Every month, you can ask your questions live, allowing you to get immediate answers, ask follow-up questions, and learn from each other.
Whether you have questions about technical skills, business strategies, or creative processes, these interactive sessions are designed to support and inspire you. This is the chance to gain valuable insights and grow together with other photographers. 🚀
Masterclass: During the monthly masterclass with an international photographer, you'll have the chance to ask your questions directly.
Exclusive podcast: Do you have a specific topic you’d like to discuss? Submit your theme, and I’ll cover it as a topic in an exclusive members-only podcast.
So, there are plenty of opportunities to ask your questions and get direct valuable feedback!
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Monthly Masterclasses with Top Photographers
Every month, you can join a live online masterclass with a top photographer from the industry. These photographers not only share their technical skills but also their creative processes and insights into how they built their careers. This is your chance to learn directly from the best. Can't attend live? No problem! You’ll receive the replay by email and have access to watch it at your own pace for a month. These masterclasses provide not only inspiration but also practical tools that you can immediately apply to your own work.Live Review Sessions with Kaat Celis and Guest Photographers
In these sessions, you'll listen as Kaat, together with a guest photographer, reviews and provides feedback on work. This is an incredibly valuable moment where you’ll learn how to look critically at your own work and make improvements that help you grow. It’s also your chance to ask questions and receive personalized feedback. These sessions go beyond just technical tips; we dive deeper into creative concepts, storytelling, and the business side of photography. For example, how can you present your work in a way that stands out to clients? How do you ensure your images stand out in a crowded market? These sessions are a goldmine of insights to help you think more strategically and creatively.Access to an Active, Supportive Community of Photographers
One of the greatest strengths of CONNECT is access to an exclusive online community. Here, you’ll connect with other photographers who, like you, have the ambition to grow and take their work to the next level. The beauty of this community is that it’s not just about technical questions. You can also ask about business strategies, creative processes, and even struggles you’re facing in your career. Photographers are often solo artists, but here you no longer have to struggle alone. Instead, you can learn from the experiences of others, collaborate, and motivate each other to grow.Exclusive Podcast: A Deep-Dive Episode Every Month, Just for You
As a CONNECT member, you get exclusive access to a members-only podcast that Kaat records specifically for you. The best part? You get to choose the topics! You’ll share the challenges you’re facing—whether creative or business-related—and Kaat will dive deep into them. Whether it’s tips for finding new clients, developing your own style, or breaking through creative blocks, this podcast is here to answer your specific questions. It’s like having a personal conversation with Kaat each month, where she helps you move forward with your photography and career.Monthly Mastermind Sessions
Every month, we host a mastermind session where you can brainstorm with other photographers and share insights. In small groups of up to four participants, you’ll have the chance to bring forward your most pressing question or challenge. During the session, you’ll receive valuable feedback and advice from your peers, and discover new perspectives that will help you grow in your photography and career. The sessions are efficiently facilitated to ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak, maximizing the value of the time spent. -
How much you get out of it depends on your effort. The membership is designed to continuously improve your knowledge and skills, but it also requires action on your part. By participating in the masterclasses, asking questions during the review sessions, and actively contributing to the community, you can get a lot of value from your membership. Members who participate actively often see great progress in their work and network
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We understand that everyone has a busy life. That’s why the masterclasses and review sessions are designed so that you can follow them at your own pace. The live sessions are recorded, so you can watch them whenever it suits you. This means you don’t always have to be present live to benefit from the content.
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This membership is ideal for photographers who take their work seriously and are willing to invest in their growth. Whether you're an advanced photographer or just starting your career, as long as you're eager to learn, grow, and expand your network, this membership is for you. However, if you're looking for a 'quick fix' or aren't interested in collaboration and feedback, then this membership may not be the right choice for you.
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CONNECT is a monthly subscription, but for your first payment, you commit to a three-month period.
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The language of communication within Connect is English because photography doesn’t stop at a language or country border, and because I also want to bring input, inspiration, and expertise from outside Belgium into Connect, which isn’t possible if we continue doing this in Dutch. This is an additional reason why Connect is valuable: we aim high and we aim international. This will serve you as well, even if you’re feeling some resistance to this language thing right now. Photography is a universal language. Everyone understands your photos outside of Belgium.
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Join our affiliate program and earn money by promoting CONNECT!
With this arrangement, you can not only help others improve their photography skills, but also reward yourself for your efforts. It’s all about creating a win-win situation for you and the community.
💰 Earn 25% commission on every quarterly or annual subscription as long as your referred member stays active.
🎟️ Give away a free live show ticket for every successful sign-up (for a show in Amsterdam, Ghent, or Genk).How does it work?
Sign up as an affiliate via our Plug & Pay page.
Get your unique affiliate link to share.
Promote CONNECT through social media, email, LinkedIn, or word of mouth.
Earn 25% for every member as long as they stay subscribed!
🚀 Start today, share in the profits, and help others grow!
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The doors of CONNECT are now temporarily open!
Join CONNECT now via this link:
https://donkerekamer.plugandpay.nl/checkout/de-donkere-kamer-membership