Interview: Photographer Judith Kwasny (Netherlands)

Can you tell us a little about you?

Hi, I am Judith. I’m 32 years old and I live in the Netherlands with my newly-wed husband and our 2 daughters Lois & Jona. I was a teacher at a primary school for about 5 years, but 2 years ago I quit my job and decided to take my hobby to a new level. I then started my photography business.

Besides my work, fitness is my greatest passion! At the moment I am training for my first bikini competition. That's very exciting. It takes up a lot of time and preparation but I love it!

How and when did you get into photography?

All my life I have loved taking pictures! But 2 years ago, when the pandemic happened, I quit my

job to do what I love to do, which is photography. I bought a camera, did a lot of workshops and courses and I asked a lot of models to practice. I started in my attic and after that my husband helped me to set up a studio in our garage.

And now, 2 years later, I have my own studio in the south of the Netherlands!

What does photography mean to you?

Every lady who comes to my studio has insecurities. Almost always they are a little nervous. But almost every time when they leave the photoshoot they are happy, enthusiastic and they feel powerful. That is my mission. My mission is to give every woman the power of self love. That they are proud of who they are.

Photography means to me that you can show the world who you are. Through my photos I can show my emotions. It can give you the realization that you are more than enough just like the way you are and that you can be what- or whoever you want to be. If you work for it, your dreams can be realised.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

It is authentic, mesmerising and accessible to everyone. I work indoors, in a studio. I have goddess wings to make you feel like an angel, or I can take nude pictures to make you feel just as secure and powerful as you can be. I work with different lights, backgrounds, fabrics and colours. I try to capture you the way that it suits you best.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I follow a lot of various photographers on social media. For instance, Natasha Ince is a big role model for me. I really adore her style and her vibe. Every woman you see on her pictures is radiating like a queen with a good energy! I can only hope that people can see that too and feel something similar with my pictures.

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

Sometimes I do. Always beforehand I will ask the women if they have any preferences or if they have any examples or ideas of what they want. More often I go with the flow and see what happens.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Definitely a paid professional. It is the only thing I do that generates income. I am working my ass off, so it pays all my bills and that way I can do what I love to do.

For my that’s photography, it is my life.

Studio, on location or both?

For me, it’s either studio or location. Mostly I’ll work in my own studio. I have a bed and some other nice corners and flows set up. I also have a client's wardrobe there.

I too love to work on special locations, especially with boudoir shoots. My make-up artist and I book lovely locations like complete lofts or historic buildings every 3 to 4 months. Then we have shoots throughout the weekend with new models. It always ends up to be a real party-like weekend with all the girls. We play great music to make the models feel comfortable, we laugh and shoot the most beautiful shots. We make sure there’s some food and drinks so that everything is nice and comfortable.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

1 year ago I photographed a lady for her pregnancy. When the baby was born, I did the newbornshoot for her in their home. This was so lovely! Then, 6 months ago I got a massage with the question if I could do a Mommy&Me shoot, but for that day or the next. She told me she had been diagnosed with cancer. Her breasts would be amputated, and that's why she wanted a photoshoot with her daughter. Skin on skin.

Of course I immediately planned this photoshoot shoot and during the shoot we both cried. It was such an emotional experience. Also because they couldn’t really say what the expectations were going to be. The doctors couldn’t really tell if she would make it or not? Today she is still on her chemo treatments. Luckily she keeps me informed and I can empathize with her that way.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I have a Sony AIII, and my favorite lens is 55 mm.

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

their own business?

Go for it. Give it everything you got and all the hard work will pay off! Follow your dream. It is your life, your party. So live it and go for it!

What do you think of our new magazine?

I really love it. The photo’s and photographers in it are amazing and I love to read/watch and be inspired by it. I find it is very special that I was asked to do this. I am very grateful for that. Thank you.

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