|
|
|
|
by Editor Jane Lyons
Published the 24th of July 2026
It has been nearly 20 years since Ralf Stelander and Jacob Jovelou created 1x — a remarkable home for a thriving community of photographers. Their aesthetics, vision, technical expertise, and commitment to a uniquely curated fine art photography site provided the foundation for international photographers not only to create, but to grow and flourish.
When Yvette Depaepe joined 1x in 2013, the community already had a special spirit, Yvette gave it a soul.
Since then, her contribution has been immeasurable. Beyond being a gifted photographer in her own right, she has been a constant source of encouragement, kindness, and enthusiasm for both longtime members and newcomers alike.
Yvette's warmth and unwavering support helped transform 1x into more than a photography site—it became a true community: welcoming, supportive, and filled with opportunities for members to learn, grow, thrive and complain about the curation process.
As if that were not enough, Yvette launched 1x Magazine, which was recently recognized among the top three photography magazines/ blogs by Detailed. Under her leadership, the magazine has consistently produced creative, high-quality content that has earned the respect of editors and photographers far beyond the 1x community.
Yvette is a gift, and 1x is fortunate to have her.
“Once Upon a Time”
As we all know, art is subjective.
If ten people were asked to select their twenty favourite photographs from Yvette's extensive portfolio, the results would undoubtedly be very different. This edit is not meant to be definitive. It is simply a reading of Yvette's body of work through one set of eyes.
"My photography is purely emotional. I want to give my photos a soul. I want to capture the emotions I felt when I took the photo and show them in the processed image. Every photo is a reflection of my soul.” ~Yvette Depaepe~
A scroll through Yvette’s impressive portfolio might lead you to conclude that she has never witnessed a sunny day—not in her beloved Belgium, nor during her extensive travels abroad. Clouds in fifty shades of gray, lightning strikes, wind, rain, and turbulent skies are the elements she embraces to create landscapes of extraordinary power and emotion.
The irony is that Yvette herself radiates warmth and sunshine. Yet her photographic eye is irresistibly drawn to drama—to the vitality, mystery, and raw beauty that exist before and after a storm. She captures these fleeting moments with exquisite painterly sensitivity, transforming them into images that are both haunting and unforgettable. Her photographs linger in the mind long after they have been viewed.
The sea and beaches of the Belgian coast, where she was born, raised, and still lives today, are her greatest source of inspiration. This is not the beach of postcards and tourist brochures. There is no bright sunshine, no crowded boardwalks, no familiar seaside clichés. Yvette’s coast is wild, windswept, and solitary. It is a landscape defined by mood and atmosphere. The only suggestion of human presence comes from the iconic beach cabins that appear throughout her work, serving as cinematic punctuation marks that heighten the drama and narrative quality of her images.
As Yvette herself explains: "My photography is purely emotional. I want to give my photos a soul.
This statement provides the key to understanding her work. Her photographs are not simply records of place and weather; they are deeply personal expressions of feeling, memory, and imagination.
Equally important is another side of Yvette’s artistic world: the devoted mother and grandmother whose affection for children and animals is evident in both her life and her photographs. If her stormy landscapes reveal nature’s dramatic power, her images of children reveal tenderness, wonder, and joy. Often photographed by the sea, these dreamlike scenes possess great charm, elegance, and emotional resonance. Together, these two bodies of work—one tempestuous and atmospheric, the other gentle and lyrical—create a portrait of an artist whose vision is as profound as it is deeply human.
More about Yvette Depaepe in the 1x interview here.
THE EARTH
“Chaos in the Sky of Bruges
“Coffee blues, morning blues”
“Normandy in Black Tide”
“Dawn Rose from the Desert”
“Whispers of the Horizon”
“There Are Blessings in the Storm”
“The Sky’s Great Reach”
“The Art of Frozen Time”
“ The Eye of the Sky”
“The loneliness of dusk"
EARTH MOTHER
“Bursting With Youthful Energy”
“Siblings on the Road”
“I’m Just a Sad Little Girl in a Big World”
“The Rainbow of Childhood”
“Gazing to the Future”
"Soft is the heart of a child ..."
“Dance is the Language of the Soul”
THE SUN
"Celestial Melody to Earth"
 | Write |
 | Patrick Compagnucci PRO Yvette, you're the glue that holds this gang together. Many thanks for all your hard work and beautiful photography. warmest regards, Patrick |
 | yein PRO Your words deeply resonated with me, especially this passage:
"My photography is purely emotional. I want to give my photos a soul.
I want to capture the emotions I felt when I took the photo and show them in the processed image.
Every photo is a reflection of my soul.”
I was truly moved to learn that your passion for photography has grown into a commitment to giving back and serving others.
That is genuinely inspiring.
I sincerely wish you continued success and will always be cheering for both you and the future growth of 1x.
Congratulations once again, Yvette Depaepe, Head of the Editorial Team. |
 | Naoaki Miyamoto PRO Yvette, your commitment to building a community where mutual respect matters more than competition, and where artists support, encourage, and inspire one another, truly represents the heart and soul of 1x.
Thank you sincerely for everything you do. I learn something valuable from your contributions every day, and I am truly grateful to be part of such a wonderful community.
|
 | Ash Camas PRO Such a well deserved feature, Yvette. Your vision & photographic talent are exceptional, but it’s your genuine warmth and inclusive spirit that make the 1x community feel so welcoming. Thank you for leading with both artistic excellence and heart! |
 | Jeffrey C. Sink PRO Yvette has a unique style which is rare today as everyone tries to copy everyone else. It is refreshing to see a photographer go her own way and attain amazing and beautiful results. I am jealous.
|
 | Mei Xu PRO Wonderful article! I also impressed by those dramatic images and Yvette’s ability and personality. She is absolutely treasure of 1x. |
 | Wilma Wijers Smeets PRO Dear Yvette, congratulations on this wonderful interview. I read it with great pleasure and am impressed by your portfolio! Amazing. I am also very happy to read more about the people behind the scenes at 1x.com and wish you every success! |
 | Yinghui Dan PRO Congratulations to Dear Yvette, and thank you for your leadership! |
 | Francesco Martinelli PRO When someone's work truly speaks for itself, words almost become unnecessary. Your photographs are not simply beautiful—they capture an emotion and make it something others can feel as well. The same sensitivity shines through in your work as an editor. My sincere compliments. |
 | Larry Deng APA PRO Every photo is something special and impressive, showcasing Yvette’s big talent not only for composing dreamlike images but also for telling stories through her wonderful pictures! Congratulations, dear Yvette, and thank you so much for your fascinating magazines! |
 | David Manusevich PRO Exquisite and beautiful artwork |
 | Adolfo Urrutia PRO Beautiful recognition and wonderful selection of photos, Jane. It's often said that no one is indispensable, but I believe that for 1X, Yvette's work, sensitivity, talent, and dedication truly are. My sincerest admiration. |
 | Izabella Végh PRO Bellissime fotografie, raccontano una vita. Congratulazioni per l'articolo. |
 | Valentina DAmato PRO Dear Yvette, Huge congratulations on your achievements and valuable contributions to this amazing community of photographers. Your images are truly powerful and admirable. |
 | Olivier Schram PRO A great and more than deserved recognition for a great, sensitive and humble photographer! With my most sincere congratulations to you dear Yvette. |
 | Ugur Erkmen PRO Beautifully selected impressive images! Congratulations. |
 | Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks, dear Ugur ... |
 | Angelika Vogel PRO Every photo is something special and impressive, showcasing Yvette’s big talent not only for composing dreamlike images but also for telling stories through her wonderful pictures!
Congratulations, dear Yvette, and thank you so much for your fascinating magazines! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks a lot, dear Angelika ... And the 1x magazine, well without our team of editors, without our readers, without our members ... it would'nt be what it is. |
 | Peter Aczel PRO Yes, yes, the SOUL. In every pixel. Wonderful! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thank you, dear Peter ;-) |
 | konglingming PRO Dear Yvette Depape, under your leadership, 1X allows every photographer to feel the warmth of the community, especially your loving encouragement that has enabled many photographers to continuously improve. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thank you so much for your kind words, konglingming ;-) |
 | kevinduffus ❤❤❤❤❤ |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks for the five hearts, Kevin! |
 | Atul Saluja PRO Huge congratulations dear Yvette on this feature. Your images are simply breathtaking and a visual treat! Best wishes always my friend |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Many thanks, dear Atul ... |
 | Mikhail Potapov CREW I have known Yvette Depaepe for nearly ten years, and during that time I have come to admire not only her work as a photographer, but also her remarkable dedication, warmth, and leadership at 1x.com. She is one of those rare people who combines artistic sensitivity with genuine kindness and professionalism, and that combination is exactly what makes her so special.
As a photographer, Yvette has a truly distinctive voice. Her work is deeply emotional, atmospheric, and poetic. She has a rare ability to transform weather, sea, wind, and quiet coastal landscapes into images that feel alive with mood and meaning. Her photographs are not simply beautiful — they are expressive, personal, and full of soul. She sees beyond the surface and captures something timeless in every frame.
As Editor-in-Chief of 1x, Yvette has made an extraordinary contribution. She has helped shape the magazine into a respected and inspiring platform for photographers around the world. Her eye for quality, commitment to artistic excellence, and respect for both established and emerging talent have had a lasting impact on the 1x community. Just as importantly, she brings encouragement, patience, and humanity to everything she does.
Yvette is not only a gifted artist and editor, but also a person who truly cares about others and about the growth of the community she serves. 1x is stronger, warmer, and more inspiring because of her presence. She is a true asset to the world of photography.
|
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Dear MIkhail, you moved me to tears ... I am at loss for words and deeply touched. I truly hope a lot of people, members and friends agree with you, because that was my goal since the first day in our fine community and my early contribution to the 1x magazine and what it is today. ♥♥♥♥♥ |
 | Gila Koller PRO Congratulations dear Yvette on the wonderful article written about you in 1x.com fantastic magazine that you founded, accompanied by the amazing photos you've taken over the years. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW many thanks for your heartwarming words, Gila .. |
 | Fred Bisschop PRO Wonderful series of images Yvette |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW many thanks, Fred! |
 | Gustav Davidsson PRO Wonderful collection of your works, Yvette, full of emotion and mood :-) |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Many thanks, dear Gustav! |
 | Pier Luigi Calosso PRO Every photo is a distillation of emotions; the more you look at them, the more you’re drawn in and compelled to look at them again. It really doesn’t seem enough to say: ‘What a lovely piece of work, what splendid photos.’ But I can say: well done, Yvette – a beautiful piece of work that makes you dream. Thank you
|
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks for your fine words, Pier Luigi ;-) |
 | John Fan CREW Great collection of your works, Yvette! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks a lot, dear John ... |
 | Robin Wechsler PRO So very special. The focus, the photos, the spirit, the woman, all. So deserved! Congrats Yvette. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Oh thank you, dear Robin, my long time photo friend ;-) |
 | X-FlyingKN PRO Heartfelt congratulations, dear Yvette ❤️ on this well-deserved recognition! Your photographs are always beautifully crafted and full of emotion, your passion, kindness and dedication have made the 1X community a truly special place and inspired so many photographers along the way. I'm truly grateful and proud to be part of this wonderful community. 😊 Many thanks to Jane too ! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks for your fine words and lovely recognition, Ken ... This was Jane's idea ;-) |
 | Michel Groleau PRO
Well-deserved recognition for your dedication, your commitment, your generous contribution, and, of course, your truly inspiring and original images. Bravo, Yvette! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Merci infiniment, Michel ♥ |
 | Eiji Yamamoto PRO Dear Yvette, congratulations! And thank you so much for the wonderful article with great photos! It is truly impressive and inspiring. Dear Jane, thank you so much as always! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Many thanks, dear Eiji ;-) |
 | Ursina Berglinse PRO You know I’m a huge fan, dear Yvette, and I’m so happy about this wonderful tribute – it’s so well deserved! I’m looking forward to many more fascinating, dreamlike and soulful masterpieces! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thank you, dear Ursina ... Looking forward to your works too! |
 | Elizabeth Allen CREW Nobody deserves this recognition more than you, dear Yvette. It's wonderful for me to see more of your earlier work here alongside the photos I am familiar with. Thank you for your huge contributions to the site, and thanks also to Jane for this feature. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks, Elizabeth ... Of course, dear Jane's idea but I'm so pleased to see so many warm reactions. Yours too ... ♥ |
 | Jacob (Jian) Xu CREW Well-deserved recognition, dear Yvette! Your incredible work, dedication, and vision are truly inspiring. Thank you for always being so supportive and encouraging to everyone in the 1X community. Your kindness, generosity, and thoughtful leadership have made a real difference to so many of us.
We are incredibly fortunate to have you leading 1X Magazine and thank you for everything you do! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Many thanks for so many warm words and praise, Jian ... Glad to work with you, dear friend! |
 | Songlin Xu PRO Yvette's art work is very impressive. Her inspiration and encouragement to the photographers in 1x is so valuable! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thank you for your heartwarming words, Songlin ... ♥ |
 | Kieron Long PRO Congratulations on being featured, dear Yvette! Very insightful interview and what a great portfolio you have built up over the years! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Many thanks, my long time friend Kieron ... |
 | Svetlana Povarova Ree PRO Congratulations, Yvette! Your work draws so many compliments! I always find a special light, an intriguing atmosphere, and a great deal of emotion in your photographs. I wish you inspiration in your future work. Thank you very much for inspiration. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks Svetlana ... but so many friends/photographers on 1x are an inspiration to me (you too!!!!) We all need and support each other. |
 | Hans Repelnig PRO Yvettes name is irrevocably coupled with 1X. Photography with a distinctive style yet presenting versatile themes. Always a pleasure to view her work. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Many thanks for your kind and heartwarming words, Hans ... |
 | Ben.C.L PRO You and your works are really marvellous! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thank you Ben ...Blushing here, my friend! |
 | FranzStaab PRO A tribute that was long overdue. Keep it up, Yvette. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW I will, Franz ... Thanks for your faithful visits and long time friendship ;-) |
 | Mike He PRO Fabulous images with full mood and emotion. So glad to have you. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks MIke ... and believe me, I'm so glad with all of you ♥ |
 | Lindsay Thomson Marmen Congratulations Yvette! You have worked so hard and so long on
1x. You deserve this recognition and reward so much. We over here still have you in our hearts and think of you often. Im so glad you are doing well. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks for your heartwarming words, sis ... You (my Canadian family) are still all in my heart too in spite of the lack of communication. Love you Lindsay ♥♥♥ |
 | Giovanni Cavalli PRO Many compliments, dear Yvette. The atmosphere of your images, the black and white and the images of people's moments are outstanding! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thank you, dear Giovanni ;-) |
 | Roland Weber PRO Congratulations, Yvette. It is so good to know that you are around. And yes, your photos are outstanding as you are for the 1x community. |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thank you so much Roland ...Your words deeply touch me, my friend! |