Usually crowded places are empty for us this time.

As a woman photographer, I recently had the opportunity to conduct a photoworkshop in NDSM, Amsterdam. The workshop focused on teaching participants about composition, light, and lenses, and how to apply these concepts to their photography. Despite the fact that NDSM is normally a crowded place, we were lucky to have almost no people around on this sunny but cold day in the Netherlands.

It was a unique opportunity for photographers to explore and capture the beauty of NDSM without any distractions. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience of photographing in NSDN and provide tips and tricks for those who want to capture the beauty of this place through their lenses.

NDSM is an old industrial estate that has been transformed into a creative hub. The place is characterized by its unique, eclectic, and industrial style, which can be a challenge to photograph. The location is usually bustling with people, artists, and visitors, which makes it a great place to practice street photography.

When you arrive at NDSM take a few minutes to explore the area and understand the light and shadows. This will help you to plan your shots and the settings on your camera.

It is also important to respect the privacy of the artists and not to disturb their work while photographing. Always ask for permission before taking any photos of their work or space.

Composition is a crucial element in photography, and it can make or break a photograph. In NSDN, you can find many unique and interesting compositions, thanks to the various textures, shapes, and colors of the surroundings. It is important to keep an eye out for these elements and use them to your advantage.

When composing your shot, consider the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry. Try to create a balanced composition that draws the viewer’s attention to the subject.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives to create a more dynamic composition.

Light is one of the most important elements in photography, and it can make a huge difference in the final result. In NDSM you can find many different types of light, from natural light to artificial light. It is important to understand how to use them to your advantage. When shooting light, pay attention to the color temperature and try to adjust your white balance accordingly. You can also use different light sources to create interesting effects, such as neon lights or street lamps.

The lens you use can also make a big difference in your final result. In NDSM, you can find many different subjects that require different types of lenses. For example, if you want to capture a wide-angle view of the location, you can use a wide-angle lens. Alternatively, if you want to capture the details of the artwork, you can use a macro lens.

It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each lens and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lenses and focal lengths to create different perspectives and moods.

NDSM is a bustling location, full of people, artists, and visitors. Capturing the people in the surroundings can add a sense of life and movement to your photographs.

When photographing people, it is important to respect their privacy and ask for their permission before taking their photo. You can also try to capture candid moments that showcase the emotions and personalities of the people in the surroundings.

Don’t be afraid to interact with the people and ask them about their work or their experience in NSDN. This can help you to create a more meaningful photograph.

Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your photography experience in NDSM:

Respect the privacy of the artists and ask for permission before taking any photos of their work or space.
Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create a unique composition.
Try to capture the life and movement of the surroundings by including people in your photos.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lenses and editing styles.

As a woman photographer, I believe that photography is not just about capturing the beauty of the surroundings, but also about telling a story and capturing emotions. NDSM offers a unique and eclectic backdrop that can help you to create meaningful and impactful photos. I hope that my tips and advice will help you to make the most of your photography experience at NDSM and inspire you to continue exploring and experimenting with your photography skills.

The smell of the rain

The smell of the rain.

The smell of the forest is one of the best parts of the experience, even if you live in the country when it rains most of the year. The scent of pine and moss and the sound of birdsong fill the air, creating a genuinely calming atmosphere. The smell of the forest is powerful after a rain, with the earthy scent of wet soil and the freshness of the rain-soaked leaves.

This weekend away I went with my friend and old neighbor to her holiday home (vakantie housje) which I located right in the middle of the Netherlands.

This place is popular for photographers and nature lovers, but also for downhill rides and other activities. You can stay active all the time or simply enjoy nature. The freshness and peacefulness of the forest make it the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The vertical reality, Uncategorized

The vertical reality on candid camera.

There is no such thing as ugliness for a photographer. As pathetic as this might sound.

I love small towns, touched by time, and slowly dying. I look into backyards and sneak into various nooks and crannies. Not only that, but I love the beauty of passing the time.

The streets of Rotterdam

The streets of Rotterdam – from Roffa with love.

The streets of Rotterdam offer a rich and diverse range of subjects for photography. From its modern architecture to its bustling street life. Whether you’re a street photographer, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking to capture the energy of this incredible city, Rotterdam is a must-visit destination for photographers. And my favorite city in the Netherlands.

Last Saturday, on a gloomy and rainy day, after the visit to the Kunsthal went for a Photowalk with my student. The main goal was the introduction to street photography, which is a challenging and rewarding genre that requires both technical skills and creativity. It’s an opportunity to observe and document the world around us, and to tell stories through images. Street photography often involves capturing spontaneous moments, so it’s essential to be quick and discreet in order to capture the right moment. The key to successful street photography is to be aware of your surroundings, anticipate interesting moments, and have a good eye for composition. It’s also important to have a good understanding of exposure and the use of light, and post-processing techniques to enhance your images.

Back to the past 2015/2016

I’m recently working with[in] my photography archive. Trying to organize projects which never were published. What a surprise I had when I found these pictures. I was photographing the artworks hanging in strange and hidden places in the city of The Hague. When I discovered the first one, finding more was much easier. Hopefully, I’m going to find the name of this project as well. It is somewhere deep 😉

The Hague 2015/2016

Double vision

D o u b l e vision

Back to the past 2021

First time I stole “my” model.

FAKE me hard

FAKE me h a r d

Disturbing

Mind Blowing

Inspiring

“Do algorithms decide which (dis)information we get to see? How can we reinvent our imperfect, messy narratives? “

“FAKE ME HARD is your guide to the post-truth society. A spectacular hands-on exhibition with installations by over 40 artists exploring the complex reality of the 21st century.

In the year 2021, we can no longer afford to feign that technology is neutral. In these times of deepfake videos and populism, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between ‘real’ and ‘not real’. Algorithms facilitate a web of lies, with direct consequences for society and democracy. Just think of the recent storming of the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters, partly attributed to the large scale dissemination of QAnon theories by algorithms. Driving those algorithms is the shadowy business model of a handful of all-powerful big tech companies. Platforms such as Facebook and Google use our data to personalize our experience – and to influence us. With our clicking behavior we build our own mirror-palace, a hyper-personalized parallel universe. To speak in Matrix-terms: we can no longer choose between the red and the blue pill, between the truth and blissful ignorance. It seems that only the blue pill is available. But it is not too late. We don’t have to stand by and watch a new feudal era unfold. We can arm ourselves by becoming ‘robot-proof’ and by making algorithms ‘human aware’. By talking back to AI, we can teach it a language in which there is space for human significance and interpretation. Team Human can reimagine the mirror palace as an ecosystem of freedom and possibilities.” https://fakemehard.nl/

If u feel like, listen to this album https://open.spotify.com/album/0UcHfoo7KMso767JwePBMh?si=CbyhQv58Tb-8iBupGB2XDA of FSOL from 1994 i had in my head while exploring this disturbing, mind blowing and inspiring exhibition few days ago in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. My past meets the future in present day.

“Reality is approximately as dependable as a politician’s promise… the result is the same: Reality, of the capital “R” variety, has become as relative a thing as the dryness of our respective Martinis. Yet the struggle goes on, the fight continues. Against what? Ultimately, Powers, Principalities, Thrones, and Dominations, often contained in hosts who are themselves victims, prisoners, manipulated men and women.”
― “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”

C e n t r a l park

C e n t r a l Park

[almost]

Morning walk in Zuiderpark which i s rarely on my way way. U can feel and smell spring in the air. And the sun. oh!

what we do in s h a d o w s

Spring this year arrives later than last years. Maybe after a year when people had to slow down, mother nature is taking a long breath. Maybe. Two weeks ago i had a long walk in one of the magical parks in the city. They called it forrest. I was hunting fresh herbs but not succeeded. Instead of lots of forms, shapes catches my eyes. Surreal forms in the shadows.