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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I visited Inverness two years back and drove from Inverness to Edinburgh and onwards to Glassgow. Scenery looks familiar.
You’re in the right area….
Glad to hear that.
Not in the US for sure. Caused by a tornado that got lost and took a turn towards Scotland? I love the photo, the stone work, the majestic size of the church, and all the tombstones surrounding the ruins.
Great shot. The remains of the church and monastery (I assume) after the dissolution of the monasteries in the mid to late 1530’s. Oops. I see above it was in Scotland, so after the 1560s. If you enjoy mysteries set in the 16th century that take place during the dissolution period in England, check out the Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom. Not only are they enjoyable reads, they are also full of history and the controversies of the period. I highly recommend.
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Wow! Amazing Photo, Frank!
Thank you, Penny!
I can not find anything suitable, at least I have discovered that there is a village called RUINEN in the Netherlands. Not of help, I know.
I’ve heard of the village 🙂
Hmmmm … absolutely no idea, but it’s a great capture!
Thank you!
Fail! I have no idea where this is. 😔
I’m certain someone will get us closer 🙂
Somewhere in north east Scotland I suppose.
Beautiful photo.
Thank you! You’re getting warm with your guess!
I visited Inverness two years back and drove from Inverness to Edinburgh and onwards to Glassgow. Scenery looks familiar.
You’re in the right area….
Glad to hear that.
Not in the US for sure. Caused by a tornado that got lost and took a turn towards Scotland? I love the photo, the stone work, the majestic size of the church, and all the tombstones surrounding the ruins.
You’re correct about Scotland. Nobody has gotten the town yet…
Now I have found the place in Scotland, it is ELGIN CATHEDRAL left in the 16th century after reformation.
Ding, ding! We have a winner! You are correct! Well done.
I’d recognise that terrifying, but pretty view a mile away. I love the carved stones there. 😍🏴
The tower, from where I photographed this, is rather tall 🙂
Great shot. The remains of the church and monastery (I assume) after the dissolution of the monasteries in the mid to late 1530’s. Oops. I see above it was in Scotland, so after the 1560s. If you enjoy mysteries set in the 16th century that take place during the dissolution period in England, check out the Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom. Not only are they enjoyable reads, they are also full of history and the controversies of the period. I highly recommend.
I’ve got to check that series out. The Reformation was a strange period in history!
Best to read books in order because of developing characters and time period. 😀