When daffodils begin to peer,
With heigh! the doxy over the dale,
Why, then comes in the sweet o’ the year;
For the red blood reigns in the winter’s pale.
— The Winter’s Tale (4.3.1-4) William Shakespeare
***
This lovely tulip may not be the flower of choice for Shakespeare, but I look forward to her return, as the lovely season of Spring gets ever closer!
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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11 thoughts on “Thoughts of Spring”
The new beginnings, hope you check out my blog for another spring poem =)
Thank you so much! Yes, I love winter, as it produces interesting photography, but I’m always ready for that burst of colors that is Spring! Enjoy your tulips!!
The new beginnings, hope you check out my blog for another spring poem =)
Excellent Spring poem!! You’ve got a new follower 🙂
a thousand thank yous =)
Beautiful choice!
Thank you bunches!
Sunlight and colors. Your photo is so pretty, I think I might get some tulips today.
Thank you so much! Yes, I love winter, as it produces interesting photography, but I’m always ready for that burst of colors that is Spring! Enjoy your tulips!!
Tulips! One of my three most favourite flowers
Of course, that begs the question: which are the other two?
Roses and lilac, in no particular order 🙂
All good choices!