Three questions with Leo Schindzielorz
All about his passion for photography
Sandra van Kampen's unique perspective
Today we're chatting with visual artist Sandra van Kampen. Since 2012, she's been a photography enthusiast and she loves experimenting with it. Today, Sandra is going to tell us more about her experiences with photography.
Her own view and vision
"I mainly photograph things I stumble across and this means that I don't follow other photographers and styles," explains Sandra. This means she really follows her own view and vision. She pursues photography as a hobby alongside other work. In her daily life, Sandra is a full-time advisor at a consultancy firm in the agricultural sector. She's also been riding horses since she was a child. "This means you'll find me at the stables all the time."
Learning by doing
Sandra's real photography adventure started in 2012 when she bought herself a good camera. "I'd tried photography in the past, but without the technical knowledge and a group of people to go on trips with, the camera soon disappeared into a cupboard." But at the end of 2012, Sandra decided to sign up for a photography course to get the hang of the basic skills. "I really enjoyed it and I also did a selection of workshops. I photographed everything: animals, movements of light, nature and my own cats. And also, particularly on holiday, things I'd stumble across," says Sandra. "I think that's the advantage of digital photography, it doesn't matter how often things don't work out. That means you can really let loose and experiment." In 2015, a photography club was set up in Sandra's neighbourhood. "I was a member of that for a few years. We went on trips together, got homework assignments and enjoyed lots of fun and good company."
A unique perspective
"I'm always hearing from other people that I have a unique perspective. I see things that other people don't see, meaning I often photograph details. Apparently from a distinctive angle, or cropped in a different way. When I'm out with other people, I always do something different from everybody else. I'm nice and stubborn like that," says Sandra. She's not easily satisfied. Sandra says: "I test it by seeing if I think it's beautiful and sharp enough to blow up and hang above my sofa. If any little things aren't right, then I won't post the photo. I'm satisfied when I myself am really happy and enthusiastic about it."
A beautiful reminder
Sandra's favourite piece is the "Portrait Scottish Highlander black and white". "Obviously it plays a role that this photo is my bestseller. It's amazing to see how many countries, living rooms, kitchens and offices this photo is already hanging in. I often hear from friends saying they think they've seen it somewhere. My favourite thing is getting an email saying that this picture has been sold. It brings me back to the day I took the photo," says Sandra. She was out with her photography club taking autumn photos on a beautiful, sunny day. "Other members of the group had seen this herd of cows. I love cows and I'm not afraid of them. I was brave enough to get close. And they were curious about me too. That meant I was able to take this photo from a low vantage point, from below. I consciously chose to crop it and not have the whole head in the picture, it’s more interesting. It was a fantastic afternoon with great people, beautiful weather and getting to do my hobby. And then I got to go home with this picture."
Looking forward to see more by Sandra van Kampen? Click here to go to the shop.
