The trend of capturing pictures of human irises and framing them as art has surged in popularity, sparking a wave of dedicated shops across the globe.
Belgium has followed suit with studios in Brussels, Antwerp and Knokke. While the concept is not entirely novel – artist-photographer Francis Giacobetti captured celebrity eyes in the 1980s – today, it is the public's turn to have their irises turned into stunning portraits.
A lucrative business
The surge of interest has translated into a lucrative business. Services can range from €49 to a staggering €4,000 per print. Shops and labs offering iris photography services have sprouted across major cities worldwide, catering to both locals and tourists. Studios like Iris Galerie near the Grand-Place in Brussels and Iris Photo in Knokke are drawing attention with their alluring displays of vibrant, artistic iris enlargements.
The process of capturing these unique portraits resembles an eye exam. After a simple session with a camera, the resulting image undergoes digital enhancement, removing reflections and refining the iris's shape. The image can be collected within 20 minutes, while more elaborate compositions take longer and are often delivered.
Options include traditional paper prints, as well as more modern aluminium or acrylic surfaces. Popular choices are duo formats, typically 40 cm by 40 cm, costing between €200 and €300.
Preserving authenticity
While Iris Galerie boasts numerous global branches, Iris Photo maintains a more modest network. Ivan Verzar, the representative in Belgium, runs two studios. Emphasising quality over quantity, Verzar's prices start at €95 for a 10 cm by 10 cm glass print, increasing to €2000 for other formats. His dedication to preserving the natural colours and authenticity of the iris has garnered applause even from ophthalmologists.
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Once an enigmatic symbol, the iris has transcended its historical significance to become an artistic trend and commercial endeavour. With photographers dedicated to quality and preserving the unique charm of each iris, this artistic practice continues to capture the public's imagination while honouring the symbolic connection between the eyes and the soul.
