Johan Cré

About Johan Cré

Born in Brecht, Belgium, Johan Cré is a photographer and freelance HVAC engineer who combines technical consultancy and training with his work independent photography work. He began photographing as a hobby in 2005 and soon enrolled in the photography program at IKO Hoogstraten, where analogue photography immediately appealed to him. Further studies at KISP Ghent and workshops with inspiring photographers helped him refine his style.

Over the years, his work has been selected multiple times for the Lens op de Mens photo festival (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025). In 2024 he won silver in the Documentary category at the Belgian Photo Awards, placed seventh in Urban Jungle, and was selected for the Belgian team at the World Photographic Cup. His subjects range from music, travel and documentary photography, where he aims to capture “le moment décisif” (the deciding moment), to architectural photography, landscapes, and corporate assignments. In every genre, Johan works intuitively on location, seeking to convey atmosphere, rhythm and emotion.

The image that has now won the EISA Maestro Public’s Choice Award was taken during a trip to Plovdiv, Bulgaria. While walking through the city, he noticed a boy sitting beneath a graffiti mural, perfectly positioned so that the illustrated chopsticks seemed to reach for him. Recognizing the moment instantly, he captured the scene with his Sony Alpha 7II and 20-70mm f4 G lens. The result was a decisive and humorous image that reflected his instinctive approach to photography. Johan draws inspiration from photographers such as Martin Parr, Mark Power, Carl De Keyzer, Jimmy Kets, Ansel Adams and Frederik Buyckx. His main goal is to create images that resonate emotionally, leaving space for observation and unexpected stories.