Lieke Dirkx
Photographer, theatre director/teacher and creative creature
Available in Ireland and the Netherlands
Behind the Lens
Hi there! My name is Lieke (Lee-Kuh). I’m a Dutch photographer currently living in Cork, Ireland.
I’ve always wanted to do things differently. From the age of two, I refused to wear the clothes my mother picked out for me. I then went to school in the wildest colour combinations. Self-expression quickly became my language and soon I developed a passion for theatre.
It al brought me to theatre school, where I bought my first camera. Photographing my classmates and their performances is how I started.
Although the signs were always there for the bold work I create now, I started out with safe portraits. Until I finally stopped holding myself back and embraced my love for colour, fashion, theatricality and concept-driven imagery. That’s exactly what I want for you: to finally let that next-level version of yourself step forward.
With my background in performing arts, I see a photo shoot as a mini theatre workshop: we warm up together, find the right rhythm and create scenes that speak. I’m your hype girl and I’ll give you a huge confidence boost. I make sure that you not only look great in the photos, but truly feel it too.
I can’t wait to take your picture if…
you’re ready to do whatever YOU feel like doing
you want to break away from beauty standards
you finally want to step into your spotlight
you’re open to experiment and play after we prepare an epic concept
The Art of Playfulness
I believe one of the most important aspects of art is rediscovering a childlike spontaneity while creating. This is not about being childish; it’s about embracing the uninhibited state of mind that children have. It’s the impulsivity and freedom they naturally embody before expectations and shame set in.
During our shoot, I want to reconnect with that enthusiasm your 6-year-old self had. When we have the courage to play and experiment, the most amazing images will emerge. Having fun throughout the process will undoubtedly reflect in the final results.
That summer after I finished theatre school, I set myself a challenge: to take a self-portrait every day for 30 days. It taught me so much about my creativity. I still love making self-portraits; like this one, taken in the Swiss forest.