About you
I was born in 1974 in a forest area in the middle of Holland. As a child I’ve been brought up with a healthy interest in nature. Fishing, hiking and exploring the forest on my own or with my dad. Now I’m trying to do the same with my 4 year old son. Teaching him the values of nature from insects to trees. Not only my father’s duty but also fun to do.
Tell us a little about your project:
The last 15 years I see the Godwit’s near my home are having a hard time. Everybody
has to make a living and that includes farmers as well. They are still mowing the grass meadows far too early because they have to work the field to make money. By showing my pictures to farmers and talking to them about the breeding waders on their land it can make a difference even if you think it’s very minor. I’m not going to change the world - that’s for sure but I’m definitely not going to stand by and do
nothing and sit behind my computer monitor all day. As a nature photographer I’m
absolutely certain I can do my bit as a conservation photographer.
What are your aims as a photographer?
European mammals are my main subjects. I always try to capture them in a different
way and with a story on it’s own. Not the most easy way to work but very challenging. It takes a lot of planning and preparation but it’s a great way of learning about my subject.So learning and photographing plants and animals are my aims as a photographer.
What aspects of what you do are most important to you?
As mentioned above – learning about my subject is very important. It makes my work a
bit easier. The animals are easier to find when you know where to look and to know
what they eat or what’s their favorite habitat. Working like this gives less disturbing to the animals. I’m able to let the animals come to me and capture them while they are relaxed and doing what they normally do.
What is your greatest photographic achievement?
That’s a tough one. I think my greatest achievement is getting the shot after days and days of waiting and getting cold and wet. Not giving up because you know it will happen. A good example are my autumn squirrel shots. It took me weeks to get the ‘perfect’ one but it was all worth it.
Where or what do you most enjoy photographing?
I think it’s the European mammals like red deer and wild boar. They are so very
secretive and skittish over here and a there for a big challenge. I love sitting in my self -build hides and hearing the animals breath and eat. I enjoy every minute with them. It’s a great feeling to be very near these animals without them knowing you are there.
What does ‘Conservation Photography’ mean to you?
For me it’s very important. We can teach our youngest generation to respect and love
nature. Not just to show them our pictures but to bring them closer to nature. Let them
feel, smell and see what we are doing. I want to show these youngsters that there is
more than animals in the zoo and that milk is not made in factory’s. Children are our
future and by teaching them about nature and respect for all that lives I think it’s my way of conservation photography.
How can nature photographers make a difference?
By not only photographing animals or plants but by actually knowing what you shoot.
Know your subject, read about it, search the internet for other images and learn. By
learning as much as possible about your subject you can make a difference by teaching
others. Being a good example to others you can inspire and be honest…who does not
want to be inspiring?
What advice would you give to aspiring conservation photographers?
Go outside – not only to look but to see. Try to photograph your subject in it’s natural habitat and include that habitat in your images. It can be difficult because we often want to get the animal or plant as big as possible in the frame. Post your shots on forums and talk about the story behind the image.
