Hi, I am Mik.
Photographer, adventurer & story-seeker.
Belgian photographer, traveler, and visual storyteller — based between Belgium and Japan, available worldwide.
Curious to see what lay beyond the next bend.
Before turning photography into my full-time career, I followed the conventional path for years. A steady job, a predictable life—everything made sense on paper. Yet, it never felt like my true destination.
Traveling started as an escape from routine, gradually evolving into a way of life. Eventually, I traded security for a camera, a backpack, and the unknown.
Since then, I’ve lived and worked in different parts of the world, from Australia to Japan, spending extended periods on the road. Those years shaped me not only as a photographer, but as a person. I realized I am happiest when there is room for adventure, nature, genuine connections, and unscripted moments.
"Eventually, I traded security for a camera, a backpack, and the unknown."
— Mik SimonsBetween familiar grounds & new cultures
Over time, Japan became far more than just another destination. It became a second home—a shift largely inspired by Nao, my Japanese partner.
Together, we split our time naturally between Belgium and Japan, living between familiar roots and vastly different cultures. It’s a dynamic that aligns perfectly with how I live and create.
It also transformed how I travel. I no longer just look for places to visit, but for places to truly understand, return to, and experience on a deeper level.
Belgium & Europe
Familiar roots, historic cities, the Belgian Ardennes, and Europe's rugged coastlines.
Japan
Serene landscapes in the Japanese Alps, a rich culture, and refined aesthetics inspiring my work.
Full-time Travel Photographer & Blogger
Collaborated with global travel and hospitality brands while building an award-winning travel platform.
Award-winning
Multiple international wedding & travel accolades
Worldwide
Available for elopements & destination weddings
From wild landscapes to personal stories.
My journey as a photographer didn't actually start with weddings, but somewhere out on the road. For years, I captured landscapes, vibrant cities, cultures, and remote corners across the globe.
Those years deeply shaped my eye for detail. I learned that photography goes far beyond striking locations. It's about atmosphere, light, timing, and those subtle nuances that make a story truly resonate.
Transitioning into weddings, elopements, and couple photography felt like a natural next step. Because ultimately, photography is always about the same thing: a place, a moment, and people experiencing something extraordinary together.
No endless posing or forced interactions.
Just genuine reactions, movement, and authentic adventure.
My style blends documentary-style storytelling with creative compositions and a strong focus on landscape and environment. I don't just focus on you as a couple, but on everything surrounding you: the light, weather, scenery, and overall atmosphere that make your story unique.
"And if you choose to exchange vows on a mountain peak, along a rugged coastline, in a historic city center, or somewhere off the beaten path? That's where I feel right at home."
Two worlds merging effortlessly together.
My love for traveling didn't stop when weddings became a larger part of my focus. Quite the opposite. I continue to explore new destinations, document unique places, and share the locations that inspire me along the way.
On this website, you'll find travel stories, road trips, destination guides, hidden gems, and personal experiences from Belgium, Japan, and everywhere in between.
Shall we write a new story together?
Planning a wedding, elopement, or photo session in Belgium, Japan, or anywhere else around the world? I’d love to hear all about your plans.