Interview: Photographer Dirk Christiaens (Belgium)
Can you tell us a little about you?
Sure, I am Dirk, living close to Brussels and Antwerp. I like wine, music, good food and beautiful photos…
How and when did you get into photography?
As a kid at the age of 12, I was already taking photos with my dad’s film camera, an old Canon with a 40mm lens. In 1988, I bought my first Nikon film camera F-601and I still have it J My collection of cameras and lenses grew quickly over the last 35 years, but recently I sold almost everything and went completely mirrorless. We should evolve and embrace technology changes, right?
What does photography mean to you?
People can have or change to different hobbies over time, but photography is something I get never bored of. Always trying to improve myself and learning new techniques.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
Boudoir and art nude photography. A question I always receive is why not landscape, new-borns, architecture, or interior photography? The answer is simple because I don’t feel any connection to these subjects. Working with human beings and creating something together is far more interesting and a better learning experience.
Where do you get inspiration from?
There are many excellent photographers these days, and when I see a photo which inspires me, I make a mood board for myself. The next time I work with a model, I try to create the same mood as in some of these photos which inspired me.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
No, but as mentioned, I sometimes try to re-create some poses or mood from my mood boards. Of course, a lot depends on the model capabilities, the light, the interior and so on…
Studio, on location or both?
On location. I don’t have a studio (yet) and working on location with always changing interior and light conditions, is far more challenging then working in a controlled and same studio setup. Although I always bring my studio strobes and light modifiers to a shoot, so I can continue to shoot when natural light is not available or not good enough. So, I can continue to shoot, even at night…
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Paid professional, but if the model is an asset to my portfolio, TFP or paid model work is also an option. I mostly shoot professional models for my own portfolio, but anyone can book a shoot via my website. I offer different photoshoot packages.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I can still remember each shoot as it was yesterday… all of them had something special. Often very good, some others… well a bit less.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon Z9. Current favourite lens Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S and Nikon 50mm f/1.2. The 135mm f/1.8 Plena is on my wish list…
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Do your own thing, whatever feels right for you. Don’t be afraid to change direction, experiment with light, learn a good workflow for faster editing and be proud of your result. And print your photos on paper, it is still a much nicer feeling then a file on your computer.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I discovered it recently, thank you Peter ;-) It looks like a lot of work, but it is thanks to these kind of magazines and initiatives that photography will never die. So keep up the good work Peter.
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