I've been living in Belgium for over six years. I'll be honest; it wasn't love at first sight. The country doesn't have the dramatic mountain vistas, raging waterfalls, or sweeping white sand beaches that make it easy for a travel photographer to get out of bed in the morning. I found it difficult to find inspiration at first, but over time, Belgium began to reveal herself to me; and I liked what I saw.

Belgium pictures: Chateau de Crupet Castle in Wallonia

In fact, six years on, I get pretty defensive about my adopted country. I feel slighted when Belgium is left off of 'Top Ten' lists of places to visit in Europe or is skipped over on the Grand Tour of Europe itineraries. These days, my mission is to show people how beautiful and unique this little country is.

I've been writing about Belgium and sharing my photographs on-line since I first moved here. Recently I decided it was time to take that one step further and create a book of my favourite scenes,  both natural and man-made, and share it with the public. The book is called Beautiful Belgium and is a collection of both photographs and digital art pieces, called Forgotten Postcards,  I've created over the past six years.

The Forgotten Postcards were inspired by the timeless architecture in Belgium. Many of the buildings here are much as they were over a hundred years ago. I wanted to show that conflict of old and new in my work. I begin by photographing a modern day landmark which I then 'age' by adding many layers of texture and collage items like old handwriting and postage, using computer software. The end result is something that resembles an old postcard that has been rediscovered after many years.

Belgium pictures: The Castle of Arenberg in Leuven

I've contrasted these 'old' digital art pieces with my modern photography, which is often very vibrant and colourful.

I hope the images in Beautiful Belgium will show people this is a country not to be skipped over. It may take a bit of work to uncover the hidden gems in Belgium, but it is definitely worth the effort.

Belgium pictures: Atomium, Brussels, Belgium | Forgotten Postcard

To see a full preview of Beautiful Belgium and for ordering information, visit ACM Photography

Alison Cornford-Matheson is a Canadian writer and photographer, and our Expat Living Editor. She is the founder of http://CheeseWeb.eu - a travel resource for expats in Belgium and abroad. She's spent the past 6 years uncovering Belgium's hidden travel gems.

All photos courtesy and copyright Alison Cornford-Matheson