I am living in Hellevoetsluis with my wife and children. After graduating as a chemical engineer from the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences in 2004, I've been working in the chemical industry. In my spare time, I've been enthusiastically pursuing photography for years.
Being outdoors and in nature is something I really enjoy. Ever since I was a child, I've felt a strong connection to the natural world. From a young age, I developed a keen interest in science (chemistry, geology, biology, physics, astronomy, etc.), which ultimately led me to choose chemistry as my field of study. This interest has stayed with me throughout my life. To this day, I enjoy exploring how the world around me works, simply because I'm curious. And then there's photography. I love it for its own sake, but also as a way to express my fascination with the world. It's a wonderful creative outlet that complements my work in chemistry, where creativity is driven by rational processes and technology. Photography, on the other hand, is an intuitive and subjective process based on feeling and emotion.
As a person, I'm sociable and present. I enjoy good conversations, laughter, people, and simply enjoying life. Sometimes I can be a bit impulsive, I love surprises and challenges, and I have a hard time sitting still – mentally and physically. On the other hand, I know what I want and what I find beautiful, and I naturally strive to create the best and most beautiful things I can. My feelings guide me as I observe and analyze everything around me. I literally think in pictures. My mind is constantly in motion, and I believe this is a significant source of my creativity. Photography has become an important outlet for my mind to wander and release its energy. Ultimately, it keeps me grounded and calm.
Landscapes and details, from abstract and minimalist to atmospheric impressions, the world outside is amazing. However, I believe it's important to appreciate it in an honest and responsible way. Beaches, dunes, and forests, but also the countryside and heathlands, far from human influence. Even so, a city can still be a fun trip, as architecture and urban landscapes also attract me. I prefer peace and nature, so you'll mostly find me on or around the islands of South Holland and Zeeland. Nature is also an important part of where I find peace. Not only the peace in nature itself, but especially because I can completely immerse myself in my surroundings. And that tranquility is a recurring theme in my photos.
It's not just landscapes and nature that captivate me. People also hold my interest. It's incredibly rewarding to capture someone's vulnerability in a photo, and it's amazing to be able to successfully "capture" a personality in an image. I occasionally do portraits, but I've also had the privilege of photographing weddings. Despite the hectic nature of such a day, it's wonderful to experience such a significant event in two people's lives up close and to be able to deliver something they can cherish for years to come.
I don't like to limit myself and I'm open to new things and ideas. I enjoy trying new things, so I don't see myself strictly as a nature or landscape photographer, but more as an "all-rounder." As long as it feels right, that's really the guiding principle for me.
And I do all this without any formal photographic training. I once considered it briefly, but decided against it. For me, it's remained personal, without strong guiding influences that have shaped me. I've taught myself most of what I know, which is very easy to do nowadays thanks to the popularity of photography (and its digitalization). I also learned "digitally" and eventually switched to a hybrid way of working. I make the creative choices myself, so I have all the control and decide for myself what style and work suits me best. Perhaps that's why I have a different way of working, with a somewhat idiosyncratic style.
