In ancient times, Trees were often referred to as ‘Standing People’, as the majestic ones stand in the forests across many lifetimes; they hold the connection between Mother Earth and the stars in the firmament above.
Even more than that, the Trees observe quietly without flitting about, like the humans that scurry through their forests, always absorbing knowledge and storing it for the ages. One fine day, we will learn to tap into the Wisdom of the Trees…
Wisdom of the Trees
Here we see the Trees, radiating with knowledge acquired across time; stand still and listen intently to hear their stories…
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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Capturing trees is a great exercise in perspective; how you use it determines the look of the tree in your image more than just about anything. The yoga tree series is an example of that, as she would change drastically from different angles.
Just be playful and experiment to find what you really like.
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Very creative and beautiful.
Thank you most kindly!
Gorgeous photo. I love trees, but find them so hard to capture. Very wise beings as you say.
Capturing trees is a great exercise in perspective; how you use it determines the look of the tree in your image more than just about anything. The yoga tree series is an example of that, as she would change drastically from different angles.
Just be playful and experiment to find what you really like.
That is very interesting to me because I have a great love for anything that is a part of nature
Thank you! Great to hear that you enjoyed it. Nature is very special to me, as it is a wonderfully complex system that has incredible balance.