Participation in Who we are
An exploration of authenticity, connection, and the unique individuality of every person.
2026-2027
Who We Are is a personal photography project by Johan Cusseneers.
Throughout the project, I will meet and photograph around 100 people. Together, these portraits will form a larger story about who we are, how we see ourselves, how others see us, and what a portrait can reveal about us.
The participants are not simply the subjects of the portraits. Their conversations, the way they respond to their own images, my perspective as a photographer, and the reactions of those who see the portraits all become part of the project.
Participation in Who We Are is voluntary and free of charge.
What happens to the photographs?
During our time together, I will create a series of portraits. As the photographer, I make the final selection and determine how the images are edited and finished.
A selection of the images may be used within the context of Who We Are:
on my website and social media;
in my photography portfolio;
in communications, press coverage and publications about the project;
in a photo book or other publication about Who We Are;
at the exhibition and in other presentations of the project;
in communications about the exhibition and the project by partners involved in Who We Are.
If I would like to create an individual publication or post in which you and your personal story are the main focus, I will contact you beforehand.
The use of your portrait in advertising or commercial campaigns by third parties is not covered by this agreement. Separate permission will be requested for any such use.
What will you receive?
After the photo session, you will receive a selection of images chosen and edited by me. The number of images may vary depending on the photo session.
You may freely use the images you receive for personal, non-commercial purposes, for example on social media, on your personal website, as a profile picture, or to make your own prints.
The photographs may not be sold or used commercially without my permission. Copyright in the photographs remains with me as the photographer.
After the photo session, I will also ask you which image you feel best reflects who you are — or which portrait feels most authentic to you. This does not necessarily have to be the photograph you find the most beautiful. Your response becomes part of the story of Who We Are.
You will, of course, also be invited to the opening of the exhibition in 2027.
Exhibition, photo book and publications
In the autumn of 2027, I intend to bring the portraits together in an exhibition. As the photographer and curator of the project, I will make the final selection of the image or images of each participant to be included in the exhibition.
Images from Who We Are may also be included in a photo book, publication or other presentation of the project.
Any proceeds from an exhibition, photo book, prints or other project-related publications or editions may be used to help fund the creation, presentation and further development of Who We Are.
Respect and trust
Who We Are is, for me, about meeting people, connection, authenticity and respect.
I will therefore never use the photographs in a misleading, offensive or harmful context.
If you have any questions or concerns afterwards about the use of a particular image, please contact me. We will discuss it together and look for an appropriate solution, taking into account any images that may already have been published, printed or exhibited.
Your agreement
Before the photo session, you will receive a link to these participation guidelines by email.
By replying to that email with “I agree”, you confirm that you have read and accepted these terms.
If you have any questions beforehand or would like to discuss anything, please feel free to contact me.
Johan Cusseneers
Who We Are
Version: 30 September 2026