As this blog didn’t evolve much over the past couple of years, today was a perfect time for the second daily task in the Blogging 101 course from WordPress’ Blogging University: Take Control of Your Title and Tagline.
It was time to rid this blog of the old title of ‘jansenphoto’, as my name doesn’t truly reflect me. The new title ‘Dutch goes the Photo’ actually tells you something about me, my background and approach to photography.
Cryptomorphosis 1
The new tagline ‘Focus Hocus Pocus’ is a nod to one of my favorite Dutch bands, Focus and one of their great songs ‘Hocus Pocus’. Music like that never gets old, just like novel approaches to photography keep things fresh and exciting.
Another link back to the ‘Focus Hocus Pocus’ is on view in the image here, which I captured in the Netherlands about 5 years ago. All the magic in this image titled ‘Cryptomorphosis 1’ was done in-camera with only minor touch-ups in Photoshop…
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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19 thoughts on “Happy New Title and Tag You’re It!”
Nice new angle…, Frank!
And…., I can almost hear that song as I look at your image Cryptomorphosis 1!!
Thank you very much. Blogging101 is pushing me into much better directions with my posts; it’s a great course. Btw, love your crafting and look forward to seeing more! May you have a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
It would have been a good guess! The band Focus was stocked with classically trained musicians, such as Thijs van Leer and Jan Akkerman; their ability to bring classical music themes and motifs into modern rock has still not been equalled (just my opinion 🙂 ).
Like the name of your blog, it does suit you, you are good at taking photos, something I haven’t done much of needless to say I’m not very good. I use Pixabay photos mostly as you don’t have to give credit for them, which I haven’t mastered doing that crediting bit right yet. Hope we have a lesson on “Blogging 101”.
Thank you! The naming exercise worked out pretty well, as it is much more descriptive of the blog and me. Now, I have to work on this writing bit, which you do much better than I do! I may use your Haiku lesson to combine with a photo post. Photo credit is pretty straightforward, as you can include it in the caption. I’m curious to see what the final week will have for content, as well. We’ll see. Have fun!
Thanks, I saw that photo but I didn’t relise, you are all right, we all have had a busy three weeks especially the ones with a new site, meeting and getting to know so many bloggers and their faces, in time it will be so much easier, I had fifty followers in that short time of getting assignments etc done, so many emails to get through every day.Enjoyed it very much.
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Nice new angle…, Frank!
And…., I can almost hear that song as I look at your image Cryptomorphosis 1!!
Thank you, George! Yes, it is beginning to click in my mind and step by step, I will get the feel and form right!
What a clever post title! You take some stunning photos, I cannot wait to see more. Happy New Year and good luck with your blog!
Thank you very much. Blogging101 is pushing me into much better directions with my posts; it’s a great course. Btw, love your crafting and look forward to seeing more! May you have a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
I should have guessed that Focus was a Dutch band (like Golden Earring). The long version of Hocus Pocus is in my top 10 all time.
It would have been a good guess! The band Focus was stocked with classically trained musicians, such as Thijs van Leer and Jan Akkerman; their ability to bring classical music themes and motifs into modern rock has still not been equalled (just my opinion 🙂 ).
Catchy new name!
I like it!
The magic within your imagination
Very wonderful.
Thank you! Now, I hope the course makes us revisit blog layout, as I’m not sure where to go with that yet… Babysteps 🙂
Congrats on the new start! Good direction if you ask me!
L
Thank you! I’m sure there will be some detours, but I’m committed to getting this blog into a sustainable state.
Great new name…well done!!
Like the name of your blog, it does suit you, you are good at taking photos, something I haven’t done much of needless to say I’m not very good. I use Pixabay photos mostly as you don’t have to give credit for them, which I haven’t mastered doing that crediting bit right yet. Hope we have a lesson on “Blogging 101”.
Thank you! The naming exercise worked out pretty well, as it is much more descriptive of the blog and me. Now, I have to work on this writing bit, which you do much better than I do! I may use your Haiku lesson to combine with a photo post. Photo credit is pretty straightforward, as you can include it in the caption. I’m curious to see what the final week will have for content, as well. We’ll see. Have fun!
That’s all good with me, about the Haiku Poetry, looking forward to seeing it.
It was in this post: https://dutchgoesthephoto.net/2016/01/16/yoga-tree-a-haiku/
Clearly, I need practice, which will happen!
Thanks, I saw that photo but I didn’t relise, you are all right, we all have had a busy three weeks especially the ones with a new site, meeting and getting to know so many bloggers and their faces, in time it will be so much easier, I had fifty followers in that short time of getting assignments etc done, so many emails to get through every day.Enjoyed it very much.
It’s been crazy, but very productive. I’m actually putting together some drafts with lots of ideas 🙂
Nice title, apt for the site content 🙂
Thank you very much!!