As we await the Zombie Apocalypse, which appears to be the next logical event to take place this year, now that the Chicago Cubs have won the World Series of baseball and Voldemort has won the U.S. presidential election, I figured it would be a good time to have a tranquil moment.
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!
View all posts by jansenphoto
In India,overnight, all 500 and 1000 rupee notes were banned, ATMs and Banks were closed for two days and all notes have to be exchanged to be valid.
Anything is possible right now!
Yeah, it’s for a good cause though, but it was a bit sudden!
Beautiful photo and your comment about nature is so true. Voldemort, funny but not at all. An article about our prime minister congratulating Voldemort ended with “in other news, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration website crashes due to high volumes…”
Haha, Zombie Apocalypse! 😉 Love the photo.
My FB post this morning was:
In other news: Skynet, a technology startup traded briskly on its first day of issue.
In India,overnight, all 500 and 1000 rupee notes were banned, ATMs and Banks were closed for two days and all notes have to be exchanged to be valid.
Anything is possible right now!
WOW…I know that stock market futures have dropped significantly as well.
Yeah, it’s for a good cause though, but it was a bit sudden!
Beautiful photo and your comment about nature is so true. Voldemort, funny but not at all. An article about our prime minister congratulating Voldemort ended with “in other news, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration website crashes due to high volumes…”
Thank you! Yes, Nova Scotia looks rather lovely to my wife and I 🙂
Sad about the results..God bless America and three thumbs up for this photo!
Thank you! There’s always Canada 🙂
Oh thank you, Frank I needed a smile and a presence of beauty. Much loving