First camera for Christmas

A small gift, but with a big spark. That Christmas vacation laid the foundation for a lifelong passion.

Photos and videos of BMX'ers in the neighborhood

With my camera, I took snapshots of my friends on their BMXs in the neighborhood. The start of my first short video projects.

My first real camera

The GoPro Hero 3 was the first camera I bought myself. Then the experimentation could really begin. Angles, speed, perspective.

Establishment of MP Productions on Facebook

For the first time, I shared my work under my own name with the outside world.

Photography at local events

From youth parties to neighborhood festivals, every click became a learning experience. I gradually began to build a solid portfolio.

Starting my sole proprietorship

A big step: from hobby to self-employment. Official entrepreneur, with a backpack full of ambition.

First foreign project

My lens and I went abroad for the first time, toward the smell of mud and gasoline. There I captured the motocross in Valence. The adrenaline was palpable in every frame.

First video project: Nathan van Hooydonck

My first video documentary of my own revolved around Nathan Van Hooydonck. An intimate project about an emerging talent in cycling.

First time official photographer at a festival

Dance D-Vision in Zottegem is not only an explosive mix of house, urban, techno, hardstyle and pop. It is also the place where I got to call myself an official festival photographer for the first time.

Day in the wake of BMC Pro Racing Team, Mathieu van der Poel and Marten Van Riel

I got to run with elite athletes at the top level. Three top days, three unique stories melded into a mini-documentary.

First photo report in Het Nieuwsblad

From local shoots to the national press. My images of Jasper Stuyven showed off in Het Nieuwsblad.

Official photographer at Tomorrowland

A dream for every lens lover. In the middle of the magic of the biggest festival in the world, among lasers, confetti and tens of thousands of faces. My first (and definitely not last) Tomorrowland edition as an official photographer.

First cover photo in a magazine

My portrait of Dutch cyclist Bauke Mollema shines on the cover of sports magazine Wielerrevue.

Photo campaign for DAZN

Working in the iconic soccer setting of San Siro in Milan for a major international campaign. Here I could really prove that I am competing at the world level.

Winner People's Choice Award

The audience spoke, and my image won. A recognition that came straight from the hearts of my followers. What an honor.

My own photo book 'Rhino'

This 200-page cycling book brings the atmosphere of cyclocross to your own living room. Full of never-before-seen photos, taken in places you as a spectator should never go.

First publication in L'équipe

Mathieu van de Poel on the hunt for a third cyclocross world title.

On tour with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike in Saudi Arabia

Grand, loud and global: from behind the stage, Mats captured the atmosphere.

Photographer at major events such as Ten Miles and for Duvel

With my lens, I capture not only sports, but also brands that want to make an impact.

First time riding a bike during a bike race

During the Baloise Belgium Tour, I sat on a motorcycle with my camera for the first time. Ride, shoot, edit, repeat ... A new skillset and adrenaline boost all in one.

Regular collaboration with Mathieu van der Poel

One of the biggest names in cyclocross relies on my gaze and fast footage.

Video picked up by Eurosport

My montage was seen and shared on the channels of Eurosport. A moment of international visibility and especially of much pride.

Collaboration with Canyon Global

A top brand of bicycles has full confidence in you. The images go around the world.

First documentary for Classified

Unbound "The Long Dirt Road" became my stage. There I made an immersive documentary in the heart of the gravel world. Pure, dusty and full of character.

Mini documentary series for Ethias

During the Cyclocross World Cup, I brought cyclocross from behind the fences into the living room. Multiple episodes, multiple heroes who became the face of their sport.

Shoot Richard Mille

My work now also reaches the highest end in lifestyle and watch brands. What a great project.