Interview: Photographer Jack Friar (The Netherlands)
Can you tell us a little about you?
I'm a professional photographer living with my wife and two kids in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. My passion is photography. I have been working for over 15 years in the field of model photography and I love it! I love communicating with models. I encourage them to achieve maximum performance with maximum efficiency and getting the optimum results. But the fun atmosphere during the shoot is reflected in my pictures too..
My work has appeared in leading international magazines such as Playboy, FHM and Maxim.
How and when did you get into photography? A good friend of mine was a model and saw something in my creativity. So she invited me to join a photoshoot she did with a well known Dutch playboy-photographer. We were all amazed by the results that day and since then I’m hooked on making the most sincere, beautiful and amazing photos I can. What does photography mean to you?
It’s my way of expressing my creativity, but it’s also about making connections. I do not do my photography solo. I work together with the model to get the best result. That joint effort and the perfect final result makes it so addicting.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
Empowering, sensual, strong, teasing, creative and beautiful
Where do you get inspiration from?
Everywhere! It could be an outfit, a movie, an object, the way light shines or just someone’s character. When I’m in the zone my mind doesn’t stop with cool ideas.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
I mostly have a vague idea about the style or atmosphere. I brainstorm a bit with the model, but we never know the final result beforehand. That is, in my opinion, the cool thing about art.
Studio, on location or both?
Both! I love shooting in nature, in hotel rooms and in my own studio. Since March 2023 I have my own 150 square meter studio where I can make my own sets, and I love it as much as on location.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I think I am both. To be able to do this professionally is such an honour and a blessing, so I do it with all the love and care I have.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
That would be my first photoshoot in 2007. It was a nude-art photoshoot on the beach, with a good friend and a professional as mentor.
Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?
I personally use a Canon 6D M2 with a 24-70 USM L-lens. With photography I am not that much of a gearhead. These are just tools for me to get my idea’s realised.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Limit yourself to enforce your creativity. Ask models for tips and tricks, they will help you. Stay humble, never be satisfied, check out the workshops to get more experience.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I think it’s great to have a non profit magazine that focuses on our style.
