Photography trip to Belgium — every frame a gift

I came to Belgium specifically for photography and the country delivered material at every turn. Manneken Pis at dawn was everything I'd hoped. Bruges's streets at dusk are an endless source of light and texture. The people, once comfortable with a camera, are extraordinary subjects.

brilliant museums gave me some of my favourite images of the year. The only practical note: Bruges can feel like a theme park in peak season — plan around it. Otherwise this is a photographer's dream. I've rarely come home with so much usable material from a single trip.