In photography, magic is the quotidian expression of our view of the world around us. After all, what do we do in photography, but freeze a time slice of that world, in which we find ourselves, with the purpose of showing its magical aspects to our family, friends, and even complete strangers.
Such is the commonplace of photographic expression. There is, however, a more subtle exploration that one might undertake; one that is aimed at showing the visions that play before our mind’s eye. This metaphysical world is one that exists between dreams and fancies, ever just outside the reach of fingers’ touch, tantalizing…
Resisting Escape
Resisting Escape is one such exploration to express a vision that unfolded itself in the combined dreamscape of the physical and metaphysical world. Inspired by this interesting old bathroom, my mind embroidered upon reality in visualizing an escape from the everyday, being pulled upward by an irresistible force…
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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Dutch goes the Photo! 
What an intriguing image!
Thank you! It was a lot of fun to plan and shoot this.
WOW! Amazing!
Thank you! These are a lot of fun to plan and execute.
I imagine!! 🙂