Portrait photography has always been my true passion, but I only took the leap after I got a second chance in life to make it my profession. By taking someone’s portrait, I tend to write their story purely with light, without the use of words. I strive to translate one’s soul by merely feeling who they are. It’s all about intuition. You have to hear their inner voices speak.
For me, a good portrait speaks louder than words.

Carlito — the first man I portrayed for the series at Link Gallery — gave me the most beautiful compliment I could wish for: ‘You use your soul to see.’ Afterwards he sent me the following words, which I’ll never forget:

“It’s not what you look at that matters
It’s what you see…
Some people see with their mind
Few people see with their soul.”

rikavanhove@me.com
facebook.com/rikavanhove