Walking through a tranquil forest brings clarity to the mind, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.
I thoroughly enjoy walking through a quiet forest, as it truly helps still my mind. Of course, the forest is not entirely silent, as the wind plays through the trees, birds share their songs, etc. This mixture of sounds provides a soothing symphony to the sometime cacophony that might play in my head.
Today, let’s take a walk through a forest…
Forest Path
I captured this moment in Baxter State Park, which is a fair way up in the great state of Maine. During a photography, trip I had the pleasure of sauntering a distance from the rest of the group and found this lovely path. It just pulled my imagination in, as I could only wonder what might lie at its end…
Also, the mosses on either side of the path were extremely inviting. I tested their softness, as I listened to the silence around me.
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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