By Yvette Depaepe
Published the 19th of April 2026

For Daniel Demunter photography isn't just what he does; it's how he sees, feels and moves through the world. Much like his passion for music once was, his photographic vision is rooted in emotional resonance. Light replaces sound, silence becomes rhythm, and each image carries its own quiet melody. While he used to shape emotion through phrasing, tempo and breath in music, he now sculpts it through shadow, gesture and atmosphere. His workflow is a dialogue between intuition, emotion and technique. He draws inspiration from the interplay of light and silence, the authenticity of his models, and the atmosphere of the places where he works.

Let's find out more about this talented artist and photographer by looking into the soul behind his outstanding work.

'A Doorway Full of Possibilities'

Dear Daniel, first, I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire. To begin with, could you please introduce yourself briefly and tell us more about yourself, your hobbies and any other projects you are involved in?
I was born in Brussels and now live in the peaceful countryside to the south of the city. After studying the humanities and music, I graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Ghent. I then spent over 30 years playing the clarinet and percussion instruments with the Royal Band of the Belgian Air Force. I also performed as a freelance musician with several orchestras alongside this, which broadened my artistic experience and deepened my understanding of collaboration. Since 1999, I have worked independently as a graphic designer for a blood transfusion centre. Over time, photography has gradually become my main artistic focus and now stands at the centre of my creative life.

‘Fuela Valentina’

How and when did you start your journey in photography?
Although I had been taking photographs for as long as I can remember, my photographic journey began around 2010. The intensity changed at that moment: photography shifted from being something instinctive and occasional to a deliberate, immersive artistic pursuit. I redirected my creative energy from music to photography, particularly artistic nudes, and I have always used natural light.

My first workshop was with the Belgian fine art photographer Pascal Baetens.
Later, I attended masterclasses in Rome with renowned photographers such as Simone Passeri (Rome, Italy), Neil Snape (Paris, France), Alfonso Vidal-Quadras (Barcelona, Spain), Luc Braquet (Paris, France), Lukáš Dvořák (Prague, Czech Republic), Fulvio Maiani (Italy), Demetrios Drystellas (Athens, Greece) and Francesco Vincenti (Milan, Italy) through Fashion Art Wise.
Rome has become a second artistic home to me. I have grown to love Italian elegance and haute couture, and have had the privilege of working with international models while scouting unique locations for editorial photo shoots.

‘Olga Shuldyk’

‘Olga Shuldyk’

For many of us, photography is either a hobby or a way of life. So, how would you describe your relationship with photography?
Photography is not just a passion; it is the rhythm of my day. I wake up thinking about light, mood and the stories waiting to be captured. Even when I’m not holding a camera, I’m composing shots in my mind.
By the time I go to bed, I’m already thinking about the next moment I want to capture. Photography isn't just what I do; it's how I see, feel and move through the world.

‘Tezz Tranova – IB – 1’

‘Tezz Tranova – IB – 1’

Which experience has had the greatest influence on your journey in photography so far?
The most important thing I learnt was that photography is a living, evolving process. Each workshop, collaboration and portrait has broadened my emotional and artistic vocabulary. This realisation changed everything: rather than seeking a final destination, I now embrace photography as a constant journey of discovery and growth.

‘Rose’

‘Carolina Levorin’

Much like my music once was, my photographic vision is rooted in emotional resonance. Light replaces sound, silence becomes rhythm, and each image carries its own quiet melody. While I used to shape emotion through phrasing, tempo, and breath in music, I now sculpt it through shadow, gesture, and atmosphere in photography. Both arts demand precision, yet both also thrive on intuition — the sense of when a note should linger, or when a glance should be captured. Although the dialogue is more intimate behind the lens, the essence remains the same: listening, guiding and interpreting the emotional truth of the moment.

‘Action & hapiness’

‘Peaceful’

The mood and emotional impact of your fine art portraits is outstanding! What is your secret, and what draws you to this type of photography?
I create fine art portraits that capture the subtle intensity of human emotion. My approach is highly collaborative, with each image emerging from a shared moment and mutual trust. Rather than simply capturing, I listen, guide and respond. I prefer to use natural light for its softness and honesty. I am drawn to vulnerability and the subtle expressions that reveal something true. It is essential to work with the right model — someone who is not only physically present, but also emotionally open. When someone dares to look with their soul, an image can transcend the visible and touch something universal.

‘Intimate’

‘Alessa Tatiana Fisher’

In your opinion, what are the main features of a successful portrait photographer?
To be a successful portrait photographer, you need to blend emotional empathy with mastery of light, artistic vision, technical precision, the ability to collaborate and direct, and a depth of storytelling. You also need to have a constant desire to grow.

‘Loving exchange’

‘Tezz Tranova’

Could you tell us more about your workflow, from initial idea to final product?
My workflow begins long before I pick up the camera. It often starts with a feeling, a fragment of light or a gesture that I want to explore. I then develop the concept with the model, discussing the desired mood, intention and emotional space. During the shoot, I work intuitively, responding to the model’s energy and the available natural light. I prefer to maintain a calm and collaborative atmosphere, allowing authentic moments to unfold naturally rather than forcing them.
During post-processing, I refine the image with subtle adjustments, enhancing the light, contrast and texture while preserving the honesty of the moment. The final photograph should feel effortless, even though the process behind it is meticulous. For me, the workflow is a dialogue between intuition, emotion, and craft.

‘Deep thought’

‘Tranquil mood’

Where do you find inspiration for the visual stories you want to tell? What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from human emotion, the interplay of light and silence, the authenticity of my models and the atmosphere of the places where I work. Music, literature and the work of master photographers all fuel my imagination. Inspiration often comes from small, quiet moments, such as gestures, glances, or the way natural light falls on a face.

‘On the table’

‘Riona & Gert’

Many people believe that gear is not very important if you are passionate about photography. However, could you please tell us what equipment you use?
Although passion is the driving force behind meaningful photography, I don't think that gear is the most important element. A strong image stems from emotion, light, connection and intention. While equipment is useful, it is never the heart of the photograph.
That said, I do enjoy working with tools that support my vision. For capturing spontaneous, intimate moments, I often use the RICOH GR IIIx, a camera that enables me to move around quietly and unobtrusively. For more demanding or controlled situations, I use my Nikon D850, Nikon Z5 or Nikon Z9 depending on the project.

My lens selection is broad, allowing me to adapt to different moods and environments:
NIKKOR Z 24–120mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 24–50mm f/4–6.3, AF‐S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED, 50mm f/1.4G, 85mm f/1.4G, 80–400mm f/4.5–5.6G ED VR, 14–24mm f/2.8G ED, 70–300mm f/4–5.6D, 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5G IF‐ED, 17–55mm f/2.8G IF‐ED, and 70–200mm f/2.8G VR.

Although I prefer natural light, I also use Nikon SB-series flashes, as well as the Elinchrom One and Two, when I need to control or shape the light creatively. These strobes produce beautiful, consistent results without overwhelming the natural atmosphere of a scene.
Ultimately, gear is secondary.
What truly matters is the connection with the subject, the quality of the light and the emotion unfolding in front of the lens.

Which photo is your favourite? Please tell us the story behind your choice.
I don’t have a favourite photograph; many of them have their own story. Some emerged from trust and silence, while others came about through sudden light or careful planning. Favourites change over time. What moves me today may not tomorrow. That is the beauty of photography: it evolves alongside you.

‘Look in my eyes !’

‘Mesmerize me !’

‘Couture Against the Wall’

Which photographers or mentors have influenced you and your photography, and who are your favourites?
I have a deep admiration for the work of Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Helmut Newton, Man Ray, Vivian Maier and Elliott Erwitt. I have also learned from the following photographers: Pascal Baetens, Simone Passeri, Neil Snape, Alfonso Vidal-Quadras, Luc Braquet, Lukas Dvořák, Fulvio Maiani, Demetrios Drystellas and Francesco Vincenti.

I am constantly discovering new artists who inspire me. The list of people who influence me is far too long to name — it grows with every encounter, every workshop and every image that moves me.

Viktoriia Yarova

Now that we're almost at the end of the interview, could you please tell us about any photographic projects you'd like to be involved in?
I plan to continue working with models, as this remains central to my artistic journey. At the same time, however, I am increasingly drawn to street photography and thematic projects exploring concepts such as bad weather, the Brabant draft horse and solitude in public spaces.

‘The fragile border between inner and outer.-leo_lablanche’

Is there anything else you would like to add, and what are your thoughts on using 1X as a base for your work?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity to share my work and artistic journey through this interview. Being part of 1X is truly inspiring. The platform brings together an exceptional community of photographers, each of whom contributes their own vision of excellence. It is a privilege to have my work presented alongside such remarkable artistry, and I am excited to discover more inspiring creators within this unique space.

Thanks a lot, dear Daniel. It was a pleasure to interview you.