Tell us how you got started in photography.
I needed something to focus on. Never did I think photography, and the art it has allowed me to create, would take me to where I am now. It has been exhilarating, and even more exhilarating that my journey continues.
Why do you take photographs?
Because it soothes my soul.
Do you consider yourself an artist?
Yes. Photography is my medium.
What do you do to keep yourself inspired?
Take photos; go for walks; listen to music; go to the beach - I love the beach. Other artists' work, both current and past, is also a source of inspiration. Going to museums and galleries I am particularly fond of the Old Masters and Impressionists, perhaps because I'm part Dutch / part Belgian (Walloon). "Textured Hawke's Bay" and "If I Lived By The Sea" series.
What equipment do you use?
A Canon 500D, and a variety of lenses, and my laptop.
Tell us about your process. What are your methods for working?
I take lots of photos using different techniques and exposures to see what best works with the image and my mood, and then in the evening I settle down on the couch, go through my images, and select one or two to play with.
What type of post processing do you do?
Once I have an image I start with a little editing in Lightroom. If it needs a texture I'll take it into Photoshop, together with some of my own textures, and set about playing with blending modes. Sometimes I have an idea of where I want it to go, but even then I can hit a certain blend mode and it takes me to some other wonderful place. It's magic. My heart does a little skip and I'm in a happy place. When I've blended and brushed and have what I want, I'll take it back into Lightroom for the final touches.
Do you ever find yourself stuck in a creative block?
Yes. I find it very frustrating. Happily they never last too long.
Criticism - do you listen to it, or ignore it?
Yes and no to both. My work is a part of me so I can be a little sensitive to criticism.
When do you get your best ideas?
Often when I'm in the middle of photographing or editing.
Is there a specific artist you admire, and why?
There are many artists that I admire and that inspire me with their work. But the artist that influenced me the most, is you, Eva. At the start of my creative journey, a friend introduced me to your work. It made a big impact on my enthusiasm, not only for impressionist work, but for photography as an art form.
For more information please visit http://www.cfeinphotography.com/
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