Hi there! I'm Nielo Schrurs (they/them), born in 1994. I live in Antwerp and work in Breda as a photographer at Stadsarchief & Archeologie Breda. There, I capture the city of Breda for the archives, working on photography projects that document its changing landscapes and everyday life, while also helping to digitize the archives.

One of my favorite things to do is take slow walks around the city. I often find little surprises on these walks – small moments that catch my eye. Capturing these moments feels like holding onto something that could easily be missed. It's important to me that these moments are as 'real' as possible, untouched and true to how they happen. I like to think of myself as a bit of a detective, always searching for unique scenes.

I grew up in a small village where everyone knew each other, but now I live in a bigger city (Antwerp), where people live close together and their lives are connected. Themes like privacy, loneliness, and city life are important to me, and they often appear in my photos. I'm inspired by what's happening around me – everyday things like a playful dog peeking through a balcony or a neighbor trimming a hedge. Even the smallest moments can hold beauty and surprise.

Along with capturing these moments, I'm passionate about issues like LGBTQ+ rights, which are close to my heart. Through my photography, I want to highlight these important topics and show the beauty in them. Life is full of extraordinary moments, even in the most ordinary places like our own neighborhoods. We just need to take the time to notice and appreciate them.