About

Biography

Hello and welcome to my photography website! I am Karl Suykerbuyk, a natural-born photographer with a lifelong passion for capturing the world through my lens. My journey in photography began in childhood, inspired by my father, who was a part-time (photo) journalist (second occupation). From a young age, I was fascinated by cameras and quickly found myself yearning for more than just the basics. An automatic camera wasn’t enough for me—I had to shoot with a reflex camera to truly express my creativity.

I started my formal training with the Kalmthoutse Fotokring, gaining a solid foundation in photography. From there, I continued to develop my skills as a self-taught photographer. Since 2011, I have been actively taking pictures, continually evolving and refining my craft.

My specialties lie in sports and wildlife photography. Over the years, my equipment has also seen significant upgrades. I began with a Canon 7D paired with lenses like the CANON EF 70-200MM F/2.8L USM, CANON EF-S 17-55MM F/2.8 IS USM, and CANON EF 50MM F/2.5 COMPACT MACRO. As my needs grew, so did my gear. I added the Canon 7D Mark II, CANON EF 70-200MM F/2.8L IS II USM, and CANON EF 100MM F/2.8L MACRO IS USM to my kit.

To further enhance my capabilities, I invested in the Canon 1DX Mark III, known for its speed and dynamic range, and the CANON EF 300MM F/2.8L IS II USM. I also utilize the Canon Extender 2X III and the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT. As I upgrade my equipment, I also sell my older gear—currently, my Canon 7D Mark II is for sale on 2ehands.be as I plan to acquire the Canon EOS R1.

As I mentioned I specialize in Wildlife and Sports. I also prefer action in Wildlife photography. Probably a natural need for speed. Patience isn’t normally in my vocabulary, but in nature, for some reason, I don’t have any problem waiting for the perfect (action?) shot. I normally shoot at high shutter speeds to capture the action. I’m also a bokeh-fan, so the higher the aperture, the more I like it. The control freak in me makes me take my pictures in manual mode with auto ISO. I try to let go the manual mode and changes sometime to shutter speed priority mode. Is this to get the control freak under control or just because it’s more practically?

I started, just as anyone, shooting full automatic. But after a couple of days (or was it hours?), I quickly changed into taking my pictures in semi-auto modes like shutter speed priority and aperture priority. I learned the basic aspects of using a digital camera in the formal/basic photography course of the Kalmthoutse Fotokring. The more technical aspects I learned, the more I realized that taking pictures in semi-auto mode was, for me, the best way to develop further. The idea was first to learn to “see” the pictures and learned more how to frame (and what I liked), and to develop the more technical skill during this evolution. After several years, the control freak inside me emerged and I started to taking pictures in manual mode. I did keep the auto ISO, for practical reasons. This was also with a sort of dogma in mind: a picture needs to be sharp on the right spot and action should be frozen. So, long live fast shutter speeds and high aperture. In time I learned different but the preference remains (old habits you know). The practice and real-life situations also taught me that semi-automatic modes were sometimes more convenient than full manual mode. Especially when speed is crucial to capture the image.

I also take my photos in RAW. This is purely because I want to see the original image and circumstances preserved. I don’t want the camera’s software to immediately analyze my images and automatically convert them to JPG. This always comes with a loss of quality, as it is a technical interpretation of the photo. Moreover, a lot of information about the photo is lost. I prefer to convert my photos myself and keep the originals. This way, I can also learn from my mistakes. My hobby is photography, not photo editing. I don’t use Photoshop and/or Lightroom (this way, Adobe can’t spy on me, at least by this way). However, I do use DXO. This is a photo editing program based on AI. I mainly use it to sharpen and slightly boost the colors. Sometimes to fix some technical errors or to highlight the subjects a bit. But I don’t do heavy photo editing. I’ve never learned how to do it either. Maybe I should learn it someday; I know that a specialist in photo editing can probably enhance my photos, but as I said before: I prefer taking photos over editing them. Moreover, I still find “real life” more my thing. Hopefully, my portfolio will convince you of my principle.
When I go on a photo trip, I don’t take a computer with me. I only view a few photos on the camera screen and/or on my phone. I consciously choose to focus on the trip (and enjoy it). Moreover, I can relive the trip when I’m back home and go through the photos. The only downside: I need a lot of memory cards, especially because I take many action photos, which are always serious series. So, a lot of photos. I also prepare very well when I go on a trip. I try to learn as much as possible about the location, the nature, the animals, and also the light. Regarding the animals I can/want to encounter, I try to find as much information as possible. It’s a matter of knowing what to expect. I also try to include some practical training. If certain animals can be seen in a nearby zoo, I visit that zoo to see/learn more about how they move and behave. As extra training, I try to capture these animals as naturally as possible so that you (almost) can’t see that the photos were taken in a zoo. I find it not only more beautiful but also a good safari practice. You can’t control nature, so framing is not always possible, but taking photos in a zoo and framing them so that they look like they were taken in the wild is a good exercise (in my humble opinion).
This is a (not so short) summary of my photography settings. Here’s a little bit (just as short) about myself. I was born in Kapellen (Belgium) on August 1, 1978. My horoscope is Leo, but I’m not sure if it has had any impact on my photos. Who knows. I grew up as an only child in Wildert, a district of Essen (Belgium). I have always had an interest in sports and photography. My favorite sport is still soccer. But I have an interest in most sports. I used to be very active in sports, especially soccer. Now, not so much (not at all). Interestingly, my active photography has increased as my active sports decreased. Well, there are only 24 hours in a day. I am a supporter of Royal Antwerp Football Club. This is more a way of life than just being a fan. If you’re not an Antwerp supporter, you wouldn’t understand what it means. I consider “The Bosuil” more of a second home than just a football stadium. I am a member of ASC De Grens. Currently, I live in Kalmthout (Belgium) and work for a bank in the wealth management department. “Playing the stock market” is also a hobby (or is it an addiction?), but fortunately for me, this hobby/addiction brings in some money. Enough to support photography as a hobby.
According to ChatGPT, the following are the character traits of a Leo (and I have added my humble opinion for each):
1. **Confident and Charismatic**: Leos often have a natural confidence and charisma that puts them in the spotlight. They radiate a certain regal presence and enjoy being in the limelight. (Absolutely true, I think.)
2. **Leadership and Authority**: Leos are born leaders. They like to take charge and feel comfortable in positions of authority. They have a strong sense of direction and the determination to achieve their goals. (Absolutely true, I think.)
3. **Loyal and Reliable**: One of the strongest traits of a Leo is their loyalty. They are devoted to their friends and family and can always be counted on for support. (Absolutely true.)
4. **Creative and Expressive**: Leos often have a creative side and enjoy self-expression, whether in art, music, theater, or other forms of creativity. They have a vivid imagination and love sharing their ideas and feelings. (Partly true.)
5. **Generous and Warm-hearted**: Leos are known for their generosity and magnanimity. They are often warm and welcoming, and they enjoy helping others and giving gifts. (True under the right circumstances.)
6. **Ambitious and Determined**: Leos are very ambitious and strive to be the best at what they do. They are determined and do not give up easily, even when faced with setbacks. (Absolutely true, I think.)
7. **Independent and Self-sufficient**: Although Leos enjoy the support and admiration of others, they are also very independent. They have a strong sense of self-worth and trust in their own abilities. (Absolutely true, I think.)
8. **Dramatic and Theatrical**: Leos can sometimes be dramatic and theatrical in their behavior and expression. They love a good show and can sometimes view life as a stage where they play the leading role. (Bwoah…)
9. **Optimistic and Enthusiastic**: Leos have an optimistic outlook on life and an infectious enthusiasm. They are often full of energy and see the bright side of situations. (Always look on the bright side of life.)
10. **Egotistical and Dominant**: A potential downside of the Leo can be that they sometimes come across as egotistical or dominant. Their strong will and desire to lead can sometimes be perceived as arrogant or bossy. (Bwoah…)
Despite these top character traits, I am single. So, I assume that my in-laws couldn’t have children. Being single also has its advantages: you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Although it’s sometimes a bit more expensive. However, in Belgium, there’s a major disadvantage: the highest taxes in the world.

And as a “control freak,” I already know what my last words will be: “Morituri te salutant is for pussies. I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m Antwerp till I die!

I have “hidden” the explanation of the website’s name in my personal information. I think it’s easy to find.

Oh yes, in case you haven’t noticed yet, I also have a good, but unique, sense of humor.

Thank you for visiting my site. Please feel free to explore my portfolio. If you like my work, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Contact information

karl@antwerplion.com