How Does this Photographer Know When an Image is Finished?
For the Women in Arts Network website, we spoke with Wendy Leyten, a Belgian photographer whose work navigates a delicate balance between quiet observation, natural symbolism, and a hint of mysticism. In our conversation, she walks us through how photography became her way of understanding the world, why she rejects digital manipulation, and how a training in Reiki shapes her sense of whether an image is finished.
Wendy shares how the practice began in childhood, developed through formal study, and grew into exhibitions at home and abroad. She describes a creative method that’s slow and sensory — entering a state of inner silence, waiting for one small detail to appear, and trusting the bodily signal that tells her the picture is right: a wave of goosebumps, a clear sense of alignment. Practically, that means paying careful attention to light, texture, and timing, and insisting on capturing a moment as it happens.
We also discuss balance: how she weaves photography into everyday life without a strict separation, how time outdoors helps her recharge, and how stepping back when necessary keeps her work honest and sustainable. Looking ahead, Wendy wants her images to travel beyond Belgium — not simply to be seen, but to invite viewers to slow down, feel, and sometimes find comfort or a new perspective.
Read on for the full interview to hear how Wendy translates feeling into images, the rituals that shape her process, and the specific lessons she offers other makers who want to work from intuition and attention.
Since my youth, photography has played a significant role in my life. What began as a creative outlet and a way to process emotions has grown into my life’s work. Over the years, I have developed my own visual language in which nature, symbolism, and mysticism come together. For me, photography is much more than capturing an image; it is my way of understanding, feeling, and sharing the world. When I photograph, I enter a state of inner silence. I observe, slow down, and search for that one detail that often remains unseen, yet carries a more profound truth.
My creative process is intuitive and pure. I work without digital manipulation, because I believe that true magic arises in the moment itself — in the play of light, shadow, and the energy that is present. Every image is an encounter, a dialogue between my inner experience and the outer world. With my photographs, I want to do more than show beauty. I want to evoke emotions, to invite people to turn inward, to rediscover themselves in the reflection of a flower, a shadow, or a glimpse of the mystical. Photography is my lifebreath, a form of healing, and a language that speaks directly to the soul.
1. How did you get started in your art career?
As I mentioned, photography became an essential part of my life at a very young age. It started as a way to express myself and process my emotions, but it quickly grew into a passion that felt essential to who I am. I decided to study photography to deepen my knowledge and refine my skills, and that experience allowed me to explore different techniques and discover my own artistic voice. Over the years, I realised that my work was not just about creating beautiful images, but about telling stories, capturing emotions, and revealing the unseen layers of life. Step by step, I began sharing my work publicly — first in small exhibitions and later on international stages. Every step felt like both a challenge and an invitation to grow, shaping the path that ultimately led me to where I am today as an artist.
I know something is working the moment the energy feels right. It’s like an inner click, a spark of joy or quiet bliss that tells me: yes, this is it.
Wendy Leyten
2. When you’re creating something new, what makes you pause and say, This is working?
For me, it always comes down to energy and feeling. As a Reiki Master, I have learned to be highly sensitive to the flow of energy — both within myself and around me. Reiki is a Japanese practice that focuses on balance, healing, and the natural life force that moves through all living things. It may sound abstract, but in truth, it is very tangible: it’s about resonance, alignment, and harmony. When I am creating, I know something is working the moment the energy feels right. It’s like an inner click, a wave of goosebumps, a spark of joy or quiet bliss that tells me: “yes, this is it.” It’s not something I can rationalise, but rather something I experience intensely in my body and soul. That instant of alignment — when the emotion, the subject, and the image all breathe the same frequency — is when I know a piece is complete and accurate.
3. How do you balance your personal life with your art career?
For me, there isn’t always a strict separation between my personal life and my art. Photography is so deeply connected to who I am that it naturally flows into my everyday life. At the same time, I’ve learned how important it is to create moments of rest and grounding, so that I don’t lose myself in the constant motion of projects and exhibitions. Nature plays a significant role in helping us find that balance. Spending time outside, walking, or simply observing the small details of life helps me recharge and return to my creative process with clarity and energy. I also allow myself to step back when needed — to slow down, to breathe, to be present with loved ones. Ultimately, I view my art and personal life as two sides of the same coin. They nourish each other, and when I take care of myself, my work grows stronger and more authentic.
4. How do you envision the future of your art and its impact on the world?
In Belgium, I have already witnessed how my photography can resonate with people on a deeply personal level. Some have told me that a single image gave them a new perspective, an inner shift, or even a sense of comfort. Those moments mean everything to me, because my art is not only about beauty — it is about sharing insights, emotions, and messages that speak to the heart. Looking to the future, I hope to amplify this impact and reach more people worldwide. My vision is to create work that continues to inspire reflection and connection — images that invite viewers to slow down, to feel, and perhaps to rediscover something within themselves. If my photography can open even a small doorway to awareness, healing, or joy, then I think I have fulfilled my purpose with my art.
When I photograph, I enter an inner silence. I observe, slow down, and search for that one detail that often remains unseen.
Wendy Leyten
5. What mediums and techniques do you primarily work with?
I’m a photographer. My approach is very intentional and rooted in observation, intuition, and energy. I do not manipulate my images digitally; everything you see in my work is captured in the moment — the natural light, textures, and energy that surround the subject. I focus on creating a visual language that combines nature, symbolism, and subtle emotional cues. My process is often quiet and meditative: I observe, wait, and respond to the energy I feel in the scene. Every photograph is an encounter, a dialogue between what I see, what I think, and what I hope to share with the viewer.
6. Do you have any parting words of wisdom for our readers or aspiring artists?
My advice would be: feel it. Go to your own feeling, your own inner truth. Every person carries experiences, pain, or even trauma — and these can become powerful sources of inspiration if you allow them to. Art is feeling. Let your emotions guide your creativity, and don’t be afraid to explore the depths of your own heart. When you connect with your truth, your art will resonate with others in ways words cannot.
Wendy Leyten’s photography is about slowing down, noticing the details that often go unseen, and trusting the quiet dialogue between the inner and outer world. Through her journey, we learn that her work is not about technical manipulation but about presence, energy, and timing. Her story reminds us how art can evolve from a childhood passion into a way of life, how healing practices can inform creativity, and how paying attention to the most minor shifts in light or texture can open up new ways of seeing.
To learn more about Wendy, visit the links below.
