Great wizards have been known to block passage to mysterious, fabled lands, often demanding answers to fiendishly difficult riddles of the hapless travelers who encounter them. Most of us are cautious to not approach these situations, as we can never be sure what exactly might befall us, if we fail to answer with aplomb and conviction. As a result, we don’t get to see much of these lands, of which we hear only in the tales told by intrepid travelers.
For that reason, I was pleasantly surprised when I found this image in my camera…
Fabled Lands through the Lens of Time
I remember this landscape from one of my most vivid dreams only, and am certain that I have never been there in person. This far away desert stretches across the miles, challenging any traveler, who might think of crossing it. It is rumored that ancient riches are in a city deep within this arid land, but none have ever made it to more hospitable lands, as passage to the city is protected by several grand wizards, who do not suffer fools…
To this day, it is still a mystery how this image appeared on my camera; maybe it will inspire me to find this land.
Inspired by the WordPress Daily Post theme of None.
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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Thank you most kindly! A number of my recent dreams have been most vivid, filled with details that are close to my real life; they are very interesting!
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Fascinating.
Thank you!
You’re welcome.
I usually try to remember my dreams. Those people and scenes are so clearly present yet nowhere to be found. I like your post- it’s very interesting.
Thank you most kindly! A number of my recent dreams have been most vivid, filled with details that are close to my real life; they are very interesting!
Carrying your camera into your dreams is a very clever idea. I think I’ll try that.
It always gets the exposure just right 🙂