HOW I GOT THE SHOT

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN FAINGNAERT REVEALS HOW HE DISTILLED THE HISTORICAL CHARM OF GHENT FOR OUR APRIL ISSUE

Tell us about this image.

Looking to capture Ghent’s beauty in a single shot, I found a view looking out over Graslei quay towards three of the city’s most iconic towers: St Nicholas Church, the Belfry of Ghent and St Bavo’s Cathedral. On the right, people cross St Michael’s Bridge and flow towards the Old Centre. In Ghent, history unfolds with every step. Wandering around the city, you encounter ancient cobblestone streets, elegant canals and magnificent architecture at every turn.

How did you get the shot?

This was taken on a mirrorless Canon R5 with a 28-70mm f.2 lens, which is outstanding for both portraits and landscapes and therefore my go-to lens for travel jobs. I arrived with the intention of highlighting the city’s historical charm — Ghent is renowned for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, and I knew this view showed both at their very best. To make the scene even more magical, I decided to shoot in the morning, when the towers were backlit and the sun was just starting to hit the cobblestones and ornate facades, further heightening the city’s timeless allure.

What were the challenges at play?

There are already thousands of photos of the three towers, most of them taken by people on St Michael’s Bridge. I wanted to show something similar, but from a fresh perspective. While scouting the location, I found a hotel near the bridge and asked the receptionist if I could take a picture from a room with a riverside view. After I told her I live in Ghent, she was kind enough to show me a room overlooking the canal and let me shoot from the window.

What’s the secret to the perfect skyline shot? Shots like this require a combination of careful planning and artistic vision. Scout for vantage points on Google Maps before heading out. You’re looking for locations that offer a unique perspective of the skyline, such as high-rise buildings, hills or waterfront areas. Pay close attention to lighting, too, as light quality can make or break a skyline shot. Golden hour often provides a soft light that will add a magical glow to images. And don’t forget to pay attention to composition principles such as the rule of thirds, positioning key elements of the skyline along the lines of an imaginary grid to create a balanced composition. Including interesting foreground elements can also add depth and context.