As Winter works its way across the Northern Hemisphere, we are exposed to the (sometimes) frigid temperatures. As it is Inauguration Day in the United States, there is definitely a lot of media exposure (both good and bad 🙂 ). As a photographer, getting the exposure right is a key item.
So I give you 2 out of 3 (in my opinion)…
Winter Idyll
Here we see the beauty of Winter in its full glory! One of these days, I will take that branch in the top out of the image, as that is the one thing that bugs me about this image 🙂
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 the clarity of this photograph I can almost feel the thaw, through the brightness from the sky and the white of the snow, which seem to balance together, there is an indication of warmth. I have experienced similar warm clear days that later in the evening turn into night frosts with a star studded sky. Nice picture.
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Wow, very beautiful ☺
Thank you very much!
In the clarity of this photograph I can almost feel the thaw, through the brightness from the sky and the white of the snow, which seem to balance together, there is an indication of warmth. I have experienced similar warm clear days that later in the evening turn into night frosts with a star studded sky. Nice picture.
James, thank you very much! I love your description of what you can feel through this photo.
Your photo is crispy clear! Wow. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you very much, Miriam!
You’re welcome, Frank!