The WordPress Daily Prompt provides the theme of Droll. As a Dutch-born punster, this is just too much to resist!
There are a number of words in the English language that make Dutch boys guffaw with suppressed delight, as their homonyms in Dutch have a meaning that is not part of polite dinner conversation. It’s the perfect excuse to use a dirty word, as it’s a foreign language!
So when I saw the word Droll, the opportunity presented itself to post about its Dutch homonym, Drol; it’s certainly not among the worst words in the language, but nonetheless capable of evoking a snicker, as it means turd.
And, would you believe that exactly 4 years ago, I photographed this masterpiece?
Paardendrollen
This came about on a trip to Chincoteague, where we photographed the horses and much more!
On a historic note, horse manure did present some serious problems in terms of pollution, about which you can read up in The Great Horse Manure Crisis of 1894.
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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Love this! I’ve some experience with the issues of language mismatch … For example, I will not mention the name of the school I went to, which cannot be said out in polite English-speaking company … (and nope, I’m not gonna clarify …) 😉
Haha – nice photo! 😁
I always thought it was rather crappy 🙂
😁
😂 lol
Isn’t it quite wonderful that some weird photo taken can come to life when a situation arises. 🙂
Lol. It does 🙂
Love this! I’ve some experience with the issues of language mismatch … For example, I will not mention the name of the school I went to, which cannot be said out in polite English-speaking company … (and nope, I’m not gonna clarify …) 😉
LMAO! I can definitely relate!
Ha! All it needs is a good frame! Too funny
🙂
there’s almost nothing funnier in my parents’ house than a poop story … or a poop photo! Except for a fart story. THOSE are classic!
Bathroom humor! It just doesn’t get old 🙂
never!!