Interview: Photographer Tamar Aerts (Belgium)

Modellenland
11 mei
3 minuten om te lezen

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am Tamar Aerts, a Belgian photographer with a passion for portrait photography. I play with light and atmosphere to create unique images, where tactility and experience play an important role. My work is a search for emotions, textures, and the connection between people and their surroundings.

How and when did you get into photography?

I discovered photography in my teenage years, but it wasn’t until later in life that I really immersed myself in photography and started taking classes at an academy to deepen my knowledge.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is much more than capturing an image for me. It’s a way to tell stories, capture emotions, and create a certain atmosphere. I work both digitally and analog, as both techniques offer me something unique. Analog photography forces me to work more slowly and thoughtfully, while digital photography gives me more experimental freedom.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

My style is a mix of fine art and portrait photography. I play with light, shadow, and composition to create images that feel both dreamy and powerful. I work both digitally and analogue, using 35mm film and 4x5 inch large format. Working with film forces me to slow down and focus more. In a digital age, this slowing down teaches me a lot. I also strive to bring a tactile quality into my images.

Where do you get inspiration from?

A walk through the street can inspire me. I can become fascinated by the poses in fashion photography, but at other times, I want to avoid posed images altogether. I then seek out the calm and stillness of the moment. Art, films, and music also fuel my creativity.

Studio, on location, or both?

Both have their charm, but I really feel like a studio photographer. The way you can imitate the sun using flashlights and different light modifiers fascinates me. In a country like Belgium, this is especially useful as you don’t have to rely on the weather.

I recently also opened my own studio in Brasschaat. https://www.atelier373.com/

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

I enjoy experimenting, though I often have a small guiding thread before I begin a new project. But the beauty of experimenting and failing gives so much room for growth. Often, it’s the accidental images, the failed developments with negatives, that lead to the most interesting results.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am a paid freelance photographer.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Every session brings something unique, but the most memorable are those where a real connection is made between myself and the model. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments, the spontaneous laugh, or a deep look that make a photo extra special.

Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?

I work with Fujifilm. My favourite lens depends on the project, but I love primes for their sharpness and light sensitivity.

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

It’s not always easy to find clients as a photographer; your online presence, networking, etc., are very important. Building your business can take time, but I believe that when you put a lot of effort into your work, you’ll get there.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It’s great to have a platform that brings together photographers, models, and other creatives, also because it’s a free magazine, making it accessible to everyone, and the ideal place to find inspiration. The diversity of styles and visions makes it an inspiring magazine to read.

https://www.instagram.com/tamar_aerts_photography/

https://www.tamar-aerts-photography.com/

https://www.atelier373.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tamar.aerts