One of the interesting side effects of doing the Tuesday Photo Challenges, is that I also will keep the theme floating around in the recesses of my mind. What this causes is that, from time to time, I’ll catch something that I might not have noticed otherwise.
Such was the case on Wednesday, as I went to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for my guitar lesson at the Passim School of Music (great place!); as I was early, I stopped at the Starbucks across the street from the school and sat down with my Venti Triple Non-fat Latte (aka pretentious drink 🙂 ).
And voila…
Reflecting the city
I caught the interplay between reflections and transparency, so I moved my iPhone around until I got the view that I wanted; then, as I noticed the oncoming car, waited to get the car in the frame as well. I figured that the motion of the car would add another little bit of interest.
Shadowy figures move down the street and are waiting at the crosswalk, while the Border Cafe (good and reasonably priced Mexican food) stands out sharp among fuzzy reflections (double-pane glass).
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! 
Ghosts in a lens.
It’s a strange apparition 🙂
Multi-dimensional and multi-themed. Lots to find in one picture 🙂
Keen observation! That was what really caught my eye looking through the window at Starbucks.
The beauty of photography. Most people would miss all that while face-booking on their phones instead !!!! 🙂
Great point. Awareness of our surroundings has many rewards!
A great image Frank, almost like a double-exposure with so much going on :o)
Thank you, Xenia. It’s definitely a fun one 🙂
It seems we were both working subconsciously. Great image!
Thank you! Yes, great minds think alike 🙂