I was visiting the City in November and had plenty of time to photograph. Every time, this place gives me such energy I can only describe in my photographs.
So, grab your coffee, tea (or whatever you are drinking now) and enjoy the walk.
Visited Fotomuseum and Kunsthall in Rotterdam a few weeks ago. Great exhibitions, lots of thinking, and visually adoring projects. If u have time, go and visit Kunsthall – I totally recommend especially one exhibition about Dutch Colonialism – viewed in Kunsthall until September 3rd. (link below)
Fotomuseum Rotterdam
Hans-Rucker-Co “Mind Expanders” in Kunsthall Rotterdam
Christina de Middle & Lorenzo Meloni “The Kabuler” in Kunsthall Rotterdam
Felipe Pantone ” Prospertive” in Kunsthall Rotterdam
I have been photographing for over 25 years now. It all started with film cameras, and I still remember the excitement of developing my own film and prints in the bathroom, I didn’t have a darkroom at the time, and like everyone, I improvised.
Last year, I decided to treat myself to a birthday gift – the same medium format camera I used back in 1998. It was like going back in time. One thing that I have learned over the years is that experimenting with different techniques and materials can lead to some incredible results. In this blog post, I want to share my experience of working with expired film for over 20 years, and how it has helped me to learn from my own mistakes.
When working with expired light-sensitive materials, there is always a risk of ruining the film or paper. It can be daunting to invest time, effort, and resources into a project, only to end up with disappointing results. However, I have learned that the fear of destroying something should not hold me back from experimenting and trying new things. One of the advantages of analog photography is that it allows for a hands-on approach. Unlike digital photography, where everything is processed automatically, working with film and paper requires a more manual process. This means that there is room for experimentation, and even if things do not turn out as expected, there is still something to learn from the experience. Nowadays, with digital cameras and automated processing, it can be easy to forget the intricacies of the craft.
Moreover, working with analog materials has given me a new appreciation for the artistry of photography. The imperfections and textures that emerge from expired film or paper can create a unique and evocative aesthetic that is hard to replicate with digital tools. It is a reminder that sometimes, the beauty of a photograph lies not in its technical perfection, but in its dynamic impact.
As a photographer, I have always been fascinated by the power of photographs to capture moments and emotions. For me, photography is not just about taking pictures, but about telling stories and immortalizing memories. I love analog photography, especially photographing people. The faded images may not be sharp or vibrant, but they have a unique charm and a timeless quality that evokes strong emotions and memories.
Let me take you on a journey of my love for analog photography and photographing people, and show you how these two passions intersect and inspire me.
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.
“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/
“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?”
