Interview: Photographer John Smits (Netherlands)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m John Smits 53 years old and living in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands, nearby The Hague. I have my own company in technics and photography. Married with my love who is a make-up artist, so we are a perfect couple in respect of portrait photography as we are both very creative. We are currently assembling our own studio/workshop which will be ready this summer.

How and when did you get into photography?

As a little child I was interested in photography but it took a while before I got my first SLR camera six years ago, in 2014. When I started and presented my pictures to the public, I got a lot of positive feedback. So this passion accelerated and shortly after my first publication, I bought a professional camera-set. In 2017, I formally started studying photography for three years and graduated in the spring of 2019.

What does photography mean to you?

It means a lot to me, it is a way to relax and explore the boundaries of my creativity. I like to work with people and enjoy the contact. The collaboration with a team of people allows magic to be created and great pictures to arise.

Please briefly describe your photography style to our readers.

I think my style is artistic, fine art. I try to catch the viewer’s attention by stimulating their senses with my photography. Just like reading a book: creating your own world and triggering the theatre of the mind.

Where do you get inspiration from?

In my main profession as a technician I discover a lot inspiration for my photography. This clarifies my enjoyment of working with all kinds of materials in my pictures such as metals, glass and plastics. Whether it is the street or a second hand market, everywhere lies potential for a new creation.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

I always start off with a plan which, most off the time, needs some room to grow. Whenever we shoot, the creativity doesn’t stop, this is where new ideas arise. I’m always searching for a higher level and new boundaries.

Studio, on location or both?

I like both, In the studio you can create your own magic. I like the possibilities and experiment with flashlight. On location, I like working in different conditions and responding to the location and circumstances.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I consider myself as a paid professional but I’m still learning every day and am always searching to improve my skills. I like both of my professions, as a technician and photographer: for me, it’s a good combination. Whenever my studio is ready, photography will turn into my main profession.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

It’s a difficult world, with a lot of competition. So try to find your own style, remain true to yourself. Maintain your standards and try finding customers or a market that suits you. Make a business plan in order to have a clear vision of what you want for your company.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

The most memorable session was the “Trapped in your mind”-shoot as published with this interview, but I am certain that many more memorable sessions can be expected.

Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?

I always had a preference for Canon, just a gut feeling. Currently, I work with de 6D with my favourite lens: the 85mm/1.4

What do you think of our new magazine?

I absolutely adore the magazine, the interviews and the exposure of different styles of photography. Thanks for this publication, I hope many readers will enjoy my pictures.

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Windows 2019

Model: Luna Smits

Make-up artist: Daysee Poppy