Date of birth:  27^th of December and of course I’m only 25 as you can see no wrinkles on my portrait …

How did you become passionate about nature photography?

I’ve always been passionate about nature and photography as far as I can remember. When I was little I was allowed to use my parents camera during my holidays at my grandparents. It was a sort of a little treasure I only possessed in those very special moments …  I also lived in the countryside and well, I guess that when you grow up in such a place, you’re fated to love nature, aren’t you? One day, while I was playing with my brother, a baby robin landed on my hat and stayed there a few seconds (that’s a true story). When you’ve got a bird flying above the head, I guess it blows your mind forever.

What do you take with you on a photo shoot?

Not much really… My bag together with my Nikon D810 or my old D90 and my beloved Tamron lenses: the SP 90mm and the SP 150-600mm. I simply couldn’t live without these two lenses because they correspond to what I like and need the most in Photography. What’s more, they really are excellent lenses and not only because I’m a Tamron ambassador ;).  The SP 150-600mm is perfect for me and I guess this particular telephoto lens is widely appreciated among female nature photographers: it’s great and not too heavy so long walks are much easier! As far as the 90mm is concerned, I very recently got the new version and it seems even better than the previous one, which I didn’t even think possible.

Then of course, there is a lot of mess in my bag, the most important piece of mess being a little notebook where I write important things while out on a photoshoot: things I see and want to remember or poems coming to my mind unexpectedly and words are not well behaved you know, they always show up when you do not expect them to (they’re even so wicked they often wake me up at night!)

What subject do you prefer to photograph and why?

I do have favourite subjects such as deer or owls I’m just totally fond of but photography has always been a magnifying glass for me and has enabled me to discover and study many other species such as the amazing springtails. It is stimulating and important for me to go on learning day after day and to focus on different species or issues. It is ever so interesting and rewarding! Even the simplest things such as tiny insects or mushrooms take you to an overwhelming journey when you let them lead the way…

What is your favorite nature preserve?

Well, I actually have no real nature preserve at hand. The closest thing to a nature preserve is the huge national forest of Orléans next to where I live and where I very often wander in. Unfortunately, my region is a well-known hunting area and even the national forest is a hunting ground. Therefore wildlife is rather difficult to track. Men is definitely associated with danger and I always make sure it remains so knowing how dangerous it would be for an animal to get used to my presence. I’d so love one day to be able to observe animals who wouldn’t associate men with aggressiveness or threat. The feelings you must experience then are probably second to none!

What is your favorite shooting position?

Ha ha, this question sounds naughty 🙂

Now, now, let’s be serious …  I’m always lying on the ground …  I hardly ever use a tripod, I don’t like it: I do not feel free, invisible and fast enough when I have one. What’s more, I like to see things from what I take photos of points of views. This is the reason why you’ll find me on the ground most of the time.

Which nature photographer do you admire?

I love many of them but when I really got into nature photography for good I must admit I had no real photographic knowledge and I still have a very bad one (I really have to work on that!). I’m definitely more knowledgeable of other artistic medias, such as painting and drawing that I used to practice and study too. But then it probably was a great chance to know so little because you then listen to yourself instead of being inspired too much. I probably am now though, you inevitably are when you like someone else’s work even if it’s unconscious. And from time to time, I discover a new photographer with a similar approach to mine, similar tastes and it’s always a surprise, a great pleasure and of course, it’s reassuring too: I’m not the only mad nature photographer in the world, tee hee! (my twin Olaf will agree!)

What quality must a nature photographer absolutely have?

Patience and respect…

Which light situation do you prefer?

Nothing surprising for a photographer: my favourite moments are linked to the sunset or sunrise, the light at those two particular moments is just magic, so just before or just after. I love the night too and my favorite light is the one you get in the autumn. This is also why it’s my favorite season.

Which setting do you prefer: Manual-Aperture Priority-Shutter Priority?

I’m always on full manual mode (I never use other modes), even for focus, I hardly ever use the autofocus thing. This is probably my old fashioned self surfacing but I feel I’m more efficient and even faster in manual focus. What’s more manual setting enables me to choose exactly what I want. I really don’t mind about histograms or such things. What guides my photography is what I want to see on the paper in the end, not if it’s right or wrong.

In percentage terms how much time do you take to create an image and to process the image?

You mean how many hours out in the nature compared to hours in front of my computer? Well, many many hours out for sure. Processing is quite simple as far as I’m concerned, I do love this part of the process though but it’s not too long. I spend more time fighting with my old computer or procrastinating on Facebook … Yes, I’m baaaaaaaad 🙂

Which processing program do you use?

I use Lightroom and I like it a lot although I’m sure I don’t use all of it yet. I keep discovering new things …

Do you have any advice for future nature photographers?

Well, I think we must try and go on learning for ever: if we know something well, then it’s easier to show it well because we’ve come to love it too. This is what I like the most about photography. I’m not a biologist and I lack knowledge about many things but photography enables me to discover things, learn about them and become fond of them.

To beginners, maybe I’d tell to stay true to themselves while practicing a lot to develop their photography. But really, everybody has different expectations and one has to respect that. As far as art is concerned, it’s always difficult to give an advice. As a teacher (a former teacher actually although I now propose workshops and masterclasses in photography), I can explain many things, technically speaking, and be generous and happy to provide people with hints and tips but the most important thing in art has nothing to do with technique and once one masters what he can,  then forget about, one has to find the key, with help/guidance or not, deep in oneself. Oooh, that was a difficult question actually and a terrible answer I’m afraid… Such a pity when I’ve always been taught at school that conclusions were crucial!

You can find out more about Myriam Dupouy on her website: http://www.myriamdupouy.com

Date of birth: 28^th of September 1963

How did you become passionate about nature photography?

I was fortunate to travel a lot in my life. Every time I’ve traveled, I was amazed by the beauty of our planet. What was always appealing to me and for what I’m still grateful to this day is that you can get very close to wild animals as a small human being. Capturing all this beauty that I saw on camera has exceedingly developed my passion.

What do you take with you on a photo shoot?

That depends on the area where I’m going and what I will be shooting. It can be a macro lens with a reflection screen, or, and this is usually the case, I work with 2 DSLR cameras. One with a 500mm lens and the other with a 100-400mm zoom lens. Additionally, there is always a standard lens and a wide angle lens in my backpack as well as sufficient memory cards. I mostly use the 500mm lens though. Obviously I use a steady tripod, bean bag or a car window mounting device. Sometimes I use a 1.4 converter on my tele lens. The subject might be so nearby that a zoom lens provides more possibilities. I use grey ND filters or polarizing filters as well, depending on the subject I’m photographing.

What subject do you prefer to photograph and why?

I prefer to photograph all kinds of animals. I always photograph them in the wild, if not, I will mention it. Because I’m a member of BVNF, I must abide to the established code of conduct. In other words, I can not put anything in scene or manipulate pictures. Nest photography is not allowed. All of this happens with the goal of disturbing nature as little as possible. Keeping this in mind makes for a new challenge every time I take pictures. Unlike other branches of photography where you have multiple chances or you can adjust lightning in a studio, in nature you often have only one chance to take your shot. For me, the challenge is very important, every time again, it is what makes it fascinating. Sometimes I’m asked if shooting in the same countries over and over again doesn’t make it monotonous, but that is never the case because you can always photograph different subjects and the conditions are never the same.

What is your favorite nature preserve?

I have to admit that I rarely take pictures in Belgium. But one of my favorite areas is the Zwin.  It’s just a pity that the opening hours are not favorable for photographing when the light is at its best.  In winter it happens that I’m taking pictures in the Uitkerkse polder.  My favorite areas can be found anywhere in the world where I’m able to photograph subjects in wild nature. I do have one exception and that is Africa, which is a continent with so much wealth when it comes to wild nature. One place is not the other and some areas provide more options.  Often nature in our country must give in for concrete and that is not a good development for our natural environment.

What is your favorite shooting position?

That depends on the subject but a low angle often offers more original images.

Which nature photographer do you admire?

I have a lot of respect for Danny Green, he’s a nature photographer pur sang. Another fantastic photographer I look up to is Paul Nicklen. Even then, I can name more nature photographers whom I admire, every nature photographer has his own style and his own preferred areas and subjects.

What quality must a nature photographer absolutely have?

As a nature photographer you need lots of patience as well as passion. Without passion you can not muster the patience. It is also important to know your subject, it gives you a head start when photographing. Sometimes you can take the picture in one second and on other days you will be waiting for several hours before you can take the shot you have in mind.

Which light situation do you prefer?

The best light is at sunrise and sunset, that is called the golden hour. I also like to photograph lightning, that is a challenge that I enjoy.

Which setting do you prefer: Manual-Aperture Priority-Shutter Priority?

Depending on the circumstances and the subject. Usually I use aperture priority or the manual settings. When I am photographing lightning, I use shutter priority.

In percentage terms how much time do you take to create an image and to process the image?

That is a difficult question, what I always strive for is that the pictures that I take in the field are as perfect as possible. I process pictures as little as possible but I always shoot in RAW so I have to develop them. I do remove any dust spots and if needed I crop the image. Recently I published a book together with two other photographers and it took a lot of time to select all images and to choose the right format and color profile needed for the printing of the book.

Which processing program do you use?

Photoshop and Lightroom. I use Lightroom for cataloging images and some adjustments but I like to work with Photoshop as well. Depending on what needs to be done, one is better than the other.

Do you have any advice for future nature photographers?

Think very carefully where your passion lies and then choose the material you wish to purchase. A good lens is essential but so is a good camera. Immerse yourself in your subject, that way you will get more opportunities. Never give up and always try to see taking better pictures as a new challenge, regardless of the circumstances. You can only grow if you always raise the bar. And as for nature photography: “Always be prepared”.

You can find out more about Pia Dierickx on her website: http://www.nature-photography.be/

Date of birth: 4^th of March 1977

How did you become passionate about nature photography?

For me nature photography and biology have always joined hands. When I became interested in nature, I wanted to capture it with my camera. And what I caught with my camera I wanted to study. Later, when I started studying biology my photography also got more serious. As of 2007 I’m combining two jobs as an ecologist and a nature photographer. And still, there is a lot of overlap between the subjects covered by both.

What do you take with you on a photo shoot?

That would depend a lot of the subject I’m after. But in general I like to be flexible and be able to shoot multiple subjects. So I usually carry multiple lenses (one or 2 macros and a wide angle and/or tele), a full-frame body and sometimes a crop-body as well, always a tripod and often I also carry portable field studio equipment to shoot subjects on a white background. This also includes 2 flash units.

What subject do you prefer to photograph and why?

I like many subjects! Although I can have great fun with flowers, I generally prefer animals like mammals, insects and amphibians. Just to make a choice here, I think my favourite are bats. Mostly because they are elusive, not much photographed and technically challenging.

What is your favorite nature preserve?

Again, I go where my subjects are, so I don’t really have one spot. But one of the areas I like to return to since childhood is the Maasduinen National park in the northern part of the province of Limburg. It’s a versatile area with forest, sand dunes and fens.

What is your favorite shooting position?

Low to the ground. I like to work with low points of view with blurry foregrounds. I hardly ever work without an angle viewfinder. Often I won’t even use a tripod, but put my camera directly on the ground.

Which nature photographer do you admire?

There are many. I couldn’t just name one. I get inspired by many different photographers and all for different reasons or subjects, both in past as present.

What quality must a nature photographer absolutely have?

Determination. Apart from some lucky shots good images don’t come easy. It takes time, vision, preparation and trial and error.

Which light situation do you prefer?

I work a lot with flash lights, so I often create my own light. But nothing can beat the first warm sun rays on a misty morning.

Which setting do you prefer: Manual-Aperture Priority-Shutter Priority?

In general I use aperture priority. Depth of field (aperture) is one of the most important tools in photography. I want to have control over that. To me shutter speed is less important. Having said that there are many occasions where I use manual control, especially at night, or when using flash lights.

In percentage terms how much time do you take to create an image and to process the image?

Taking an image is a process. Once in the field you work towards a certain goal. This can take hours in which I can take many images. Processing doesn’t take so much time (I don’t edit much), but selecting does. Moreover, this doesn’t cover the entire process. Preparation, travel, permissions, failed efforts,…  can take long periods of time, even years.

Which processing program do you use?

I use Lightroom for just about anything, archiving, keywording, selecting and editing. Only when I need extensive editing, like major cleaning or stacking, I switch to Photoshop. Also most of my field studio work is edited in Photoshop.

Do you have any advice for future nature photographers?

Although there is no problem to go on a hike and see what subject you bump into, it usually pays off to prepare. Think ahead what subject you want to photograph, in what setting. Learn about your subject, then you select your location.

You can find out more about Paul van Hoof on his website: http://www.paulvanhoof.nl/

Date of birth: 19th of November 1977

How did you become passionate about nature photography?

Like most photographers, I have had the urge to be outdoors from a younger age. I did try to capture nature with a camera (Canon AV-1) back then, but with the high cost of film, the lack of information (internet?) and no-one to ask questions, I quickly gave up. That is until I bought my first proper digital SLR in 2005. From that moment on, I enjoyed ascending the steep learning curve, a hobby turned into a time-consuming lifestyle and passion and I have never looked back.

What do you take with you on a photo shoot?

That depends on the subject I am after. I hardly ever bring everything I own, I just don’t enjoy lugging around all the weight. Usually I have an idea what I am going to photograph and I’ll bring whatever I need to do the job. But I do slip in one or two other lenses, just in case I come across something special along the way. Also, I find bringing every lens I own makes me restless, I tend to have difficulties to focus long enough on a subject with all the possibilities in my backpack. So I guess for me, less is more.

What subject do you prefer to photograph and why?

I consider myself an allround nature photographer and like landscapes, abstracts, macro, birds and mammals. Possibilities of the season and moment dictate my subject, but also so does my mind. Abstract photography and intimate landscapes are only possible when my mind is clear and calm enough to be open to that kind of subject. Sometimes that just does not work and then I resort to more obvious subjects like landscapes and animals.

What is your favorite nature preserve?

The ones closest to home. Not only am I very bad at getting up early (thus I try to limit my travel time), working close to home really makes you get to know and understand the options and possibilities and enables you to go back more often, no matter how short your window of time is. That said, I have developed a second love for the African continent. Being with all these enigmatic large animals, having the African dust on your feet, watching the stars at night while listening to a mixed choir of animal sounds is just something that makes me feel alive more than anything else.

What is your favorite shooting position?

Eye-level for animals and about my eye-height for landscapes. Because my local area is flat as a pancake, it helps to shoot from a higher position and use lines and shapes in the foreground vegetation as leading lines for creating depth. Shooting landscapes from a low position further compresses an already flat landscape. Sometimes it pays to try something else and shoot animals from below or above. But you’ll need a very cooperative subject to pull that off.

Which nature photographer do you admire?

I try to not blindly follow other photographers and just like everything they create. I like photographs, not photographers. That said, there are some photographers that just keep producing topnotch work. For pure aesthetics, Vincent Munier, Bence Mate  and Greg du Toit come to mind, for a more documentary style I admire the work of Bruno d’ Amicis and Brent Stirton. And I really enjoy the intimate landscapes of Hans Strand, Guy Tal and Zsolt Kiss.

What quality must a nature photographer absolutely have?

An open mind and patience. The open mind is needed to approach a subject without a preconceived idea, and also to embrace limitations instead of fighting them. From that, usually comes creativity. Patience, because we either wait for the good light or our subjects to appear. Also, it is needed in order to strive for the best photograph possible of a certain subject. All too often we are satisfied to quickly with the first proper result. Evaluate, go back, improve. Rewind, repeat.

Which light situation do you prefer?

For my landscapes, I enjoy misty mornings with puffy pink clouds like everyone else. For animals, the first and last sunlight of the day. Backlight or sidelight if possible. For macro and abstracts, any weather will do. But: working with what you have will eventually result in photographs that stand out from the rest. My best and most awarded photographs were taken in what seemed less than ideal weather circumstances and of subjects that I wasn’t even looking for.

Which setting do you prefer: Manual-Aperture Priority-Shutter Priority?

I shoot about 90% of the time in Manual mode. Only in mixed light conditions such as a partly cloudy day will I use aperture priority.

In percentage terms how much time do you take to create an image and to process the image?

1-99, rounded upwards. Because my shutterspeed is a fraction of a second and the processing takes a few minutes 😉

Ok, try again. It must be about 90-10. It can take many hours, days or weeks to get the image I am after. I hardly ever spend more than 10 minutes on processing for a single image. If I need more, the photograph probably wasn’t that good to begin with. But I really enjoy my post processing, trying to turn a good photograph into a great endresult. Also, post processing is another part of the process that enables you to put your own creativity and vision into a photograph. I think many photographers underestimate this and just put every photo through some sort of a standard workflow. There is so much to be won by applying some basic principles for guiding the viewers eye and emotion. It’s 2016 and processing has become an integral and important part of our workflow. Deal with it.

Which processing program do you use?

Adobe Lightroom for basic adjustments and Photoshop CC for local finetuning. I know Lightroom can do more and more with every update, but I am used to doing certain things in Photoshop. Old dog…

Do you have any advice for future nature photographers?

Stay true to yourself. It is all too easy to be taken away by the heat of the moment, the work of others on Facebook and the next hot subject. Go out when you want to, stay home when you just don’t feel like photographing. Go after the subjects you like, enjoy discovering a new area and be open to the opportunities it has to offer. Enjoy adverse weather, try new things, dismiss preconceived ideas and find beauty in nondescript, small things in nature. Don’t be driven by the ever worsening rush for likes and approval by others. After all, it’s a hobby, isn’t it? Before being marked a mister-know-it-all, I should mention the above mainly comes from experience! Been there, done that.

You can find out more about Marijn Heuts on his website: http://www.destinationanywhere.nl/

Photographer: José Gieskes

Date of birth: 3th of September 1963

How did you become passionate about nature photography?

I’ve always loved to be surrounded by nature. From adulthood on I started traveling a lot, from traveling arose the desire to make better photographs. Ultimately this passion has grown and now I’m able to do this as a full time professional. Shooting has for me everything to do with “sharing”, it’s very nice to share this passion via articles, my website, social media, workshops, photo tours, …

What do you take with you on a photoshoot?

That depends on the shoot, usually 1 or 2 lenses. When travelling I take everything with me in a backpack.

What subject do you prefer to photograph and why?

I don’t have a specific preference. I really enjoy photographing macro, coastal landscapes and wildlife as long as it’s nature photography. I love to be creative and not recording.

What is your favorite nature preserve?

Living in the Veluwe I can find in my immediate surroundings beautiful woods where I quite often spend some time. In terms of wildlife photography I prefer to go to places where the wild animals are not very shy and used to human presence, obviously approaching the wildlife at a save distance. Some countries and places where I’ve been and want to go back because they are so special: Iceland, Namibia, Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, Yellowstone, …

What is your favorite shooting position?

It depends on the subject and situation. I have a strong preference to try many angles to choose which is the best. The result of that exercise is my favorite position.

Which nature photographer do you admire?

There are many and not always nature photographers. To name one nature photographer: Vincent Munier. But do not miss the traveling exhibition of Jimmy Nelson or penetrating work of Carla Kogelman.

What quality must a nature photographer absolutely have?

Try to know your subject. If you don’t want to use the obvious angles, return on different occasions. That way you are going to see more than what is striking at first sight. With animals it is an advantage if you know the behavior and thus can anticipate what is to come.

Which light situation do you prefer?

I prefer the fresh morning light. But accelerating fog with a diffuse sun tops everything. But even during stormy days or snowstorms you can find a lot of drama.

Which setting do you prefer: Manual-Aperture Priority-Shutter Priority?

Manual

In percentage terms how much time do you take to create an image and to process the image?

That varies greatly and depends on the subject, the accessibility and often the weather conditions. It may be that I’m walking in the garden photographing a frozen leaf in the pont and so ready in seconds. It may be that first I have to collect a lot of information before proceeding with a focused travel plan, that can take years. Developing and selecting photos is something that never actually finishes.

Which processing program do you use?

Nikon View NX for selecting the photos, Nikon NX2 for developing the RAW images and Photoshop for the final acts.

Do you have any advice for future nature photographers?

Cherish your passion, enjoy and be creative.

You can find out more about Loulou Beavers on her website: http://www.photo-moments.nl/

Photographer: Eric Bonckaert

Date of birth: 26th of July 1969

How did you become passionate about nature photography?

I’ve always been a nature lover. As a child, I spent my spare time in the woods and fields surrounding our house. It’s where I felt most at ease and where I always found things to do and observe. Nature never failed to intrigue me and I wanted to know more and more about it. I read about it, looked up extra things after my biology classes, to my mother’s delight brought home different types of snails from my explorations in the field etc. Photography came into my life when my grandmother gave me and my sister an old box camera. I think I was 8 at the time. Since then I’ve always been taking pictures. When I bought my first digital camera, I really became engrossed and addicted.

What do you take with you on a photoshoot?

That all depends on the subjects and the location. In general, you could say, a big backpack filled with everything that can contribute to what I want to do on that particular day. That can be one or two cameras, a few lenses, teleconverters, a beanbag, a tripod, a few plastic sheets to lie on or place my bag on, and for macro photography some trinkets like a flash, a torch, a reflection screen, some sticks and straps etc.

What subject do you prefer to photograph and why?

More and more my photography narrowed down from general nature photography to wildlife, macro and woods photography. It is difficult for me to say which I like best. Since I have a true passion for Africa and its wildlife, I would have to say that African wildlife is my favourite subject. I just love to watch and register animal behaviour and there is no place in the world where you see more (or a bigger variety of) wildlife in one day than in (most) African nature reserves. I find the interaction between the different species absolutely fascinating and love to be eye to eye with a subject.

What is your favorite nature preserve?

Again, this is very difficult, as there are so many beautiful reserves in Africa, and they all differ in terms of scenery, photo opportunities and animal population. My gut feeling would say Tsavo, though. It has got a sublime variety and quantity of animals… and I love the bush and the scenery there, and the red earth… but that’s all very personal.

What is your favorite shooting position?

Shooting from a low angle – both in wildlife and in macro photography, this offers the nicest results, as far as perspective and often depth-of-field are concerned.

Which nature photographer do you admire?

I don’t have to think long and hard on this question. It’s Frans Lanting. Long before I started my professional career in photography, I bought all his books. The fact that he also did a lot of African wildlife photography, of course adds an extra connection. In present days there are lots of nature photographers that inspire me, but the first one that made me wish I could do what he does…will always be Frans Lanting.

What quality must a nature photographer absolutely have?

You have to absolutely love nature. If you want to be a good nature photographer, you will have to spend a lot of time in nature (exploring, preparing and photographing) and not always at the easiest or most sociable of times. If your love for nature doesn’t make up for that, you’ll soon give it up. And for wildlife photography in particular, you need a lot of patience. You have to be prepared to enjoy the experience even if no good photo opportunity comes along and when you’re with an animal, you need patience to get the most out of the situation….And respect for your subject – that often pays off into even better photo opportunities.

Which light situation do you prefer?

Golden early morning light or sunset light – most nature photographers will say this and that’s for a reason…it just adds so much to an already interesting photo if you’ve also got beautiful colors and lighting to go with it…

Which setting do you prefer: Manual-Aperture Priority-Shutter Priority?

That depends on the subject. In wildlife photography, where you have to think and act quickly, aperture priority is the main program that I use. It just helps you to work a little bit faster. When I can take my time to take a photograph, I usually use the manual program, e.g. when I want to work with long exposures and motion effects. But also here, it’s not necessary to work on manual. You can easily have the same results when working with aperture or shutter priority, provided you understand well how to influence the camera into doing what you want it to do.

In percentage terms how much time do you take to create an image and to process the image?

This is a difficult question to answer. Does the time spent also include the time it takes to transfer photos, go through them, and select? I find it hard to stick percentages on this. All I can say is that I like natural photos and I dislike post-processing 🙂 – so I spend as little time on post processing as possible. For me, the fun and satisfaction is in planning and taking the picture at the time, not in what I make of the picture afterwards.

Which processing program do you use?

Lightroom. To me the easiest and most customer friendly post-processing program. Some things Photoshop does better than Lightroom, so occasionally I use Photoshop too.

Do you have any advice for future nature /wildlife photographers?

The main thing is that you enjoy nature and enjoy photographing it. If you want more than just to enjoy what you’re doing – if you want to distinguish yourself – you have to invest a lot of time in looking at photos, to see what’s been done and think of how you can do it differently. So you need time and creativity. Have the courage to do your own thing and to experiment. Sometimes it will work, sometimes not, but playing it safe will not make you excel. And finally…love…respect…and be patient 🙂

You can find out more about Ingrid Vekemans on her website: http://www.ingridvekemans.com/ 

Date of birth: 30th of November 1966

How did you become passionate about nature photography?

Nature has always had an enormous attraction to me. As a child I liked to stroll through nature. My dad gave me his old analog SLR camera and it was love at first sight. My passion for macro photography started years later in our garden and after experimenting for a short time, I left the garden and went into nature again to discover more. It makes me very happy and it gives me inner peace, but also a lot of energy.

What do you take with you on a photoshoot?

Besides my Nikon D700, Macrolens 105mm and Lensbaby I always take my umbrella with me to keep my subjects in the shade. I also bring along a ‘bankstick’, which makes it possible to lift the umbrella so I can use it for higher subjects.

What subject do you prefer to photograph and why?

I love everything in nature and I like to create my own perspective on subjects. So there is not a specific subject I prefer. I like weed as much as I like flowers. And fallen leaves or broken ferns as much as I like toadstools. I just go into the field with an open mind and let nature surprise me. That’s what makes me happy and makes my creativity flow.

What is your favorite nature preserve?

There are several areas in Holland where I like to go to. In springtime I love to go to the small Amelisweerd forest. During autumn I prefer the beautiful colors in the Amerongse Bos and Speulderbos. The Leersumse Veld is always a beautiful place to visit with great variety of nature. During spring I also like to visit Hallerbos in Belgium.

What is your favorite shooting position?

It really doesn’t matter as long as it gives me a nice background and light conditions. Sometimes I have to move my body in an impossible twist to get this.

Which nature photographer do you admire?

There are so many inspiring photographers in the Netherlands and abroad. I love photographers who are passionate and creative in their work and pushing boundaries. It’s important that a picture touches me regardless who took the picture.

What quality must a nature photographer absolutely have?

Passion and patience, these two qualities are in my opinion fundamental for being creative.

Which light situation do you prefer?

I like to work with different light situations. That means that I use the beautiful morning glories or sunsets but also the light in the middle of the day. During sunny hours you can get warm and intense colors by putting the subject in the shade and playing with the light in the background.

Which setting do you prefer: Manual-Aperture Priority-Shutter Priority?

For macro photography I always use aperture priority mode because I like to be in charge of my depth of field. Besides this I work with under- and over exposure.

In percentage terms how much time do you take to create an image and to process the image?

I always try to make the image ready to print into the field. That can be in a few seconds but also an hour or more. So 95 % is creating and the rest is post processing.

Which processing program do you use?

I use Nikon Transfer for transferring the pictures. After transferring I use Adobe Lightroom for post processing.

Do you have any advice for future nature photographers?

Enter nature open minded and be surprised. Shoot not only with your head but also with your heart. Dare to try and dare to be different. Go ‘out of your box’ every now and then.

You can find out more about Andrea Gulickx on her website: http://www.andreagulickx-photography.nl/

Date of birth: 14th of June 1979

How did you become passionate about nature photography?

My parents initiated my affection towards the natural world. But although my father took lots of photographs during my youth, it wasn’t until I finished a laboratory study that I bought my first SLR-camera. I remember buying this camera from my first paycheck, not knowing anything about photography… all I knew was that I loved taking pictures… I was hooked.

To acquire more knowledge about the natural world I decided to start a biology study at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. After reaching an ecology degree, one of my photographs (taken during a MSc trainee period on Svalbard) was announced to be the winner of the Grasduinen nature photography contest. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in photography.

What do you take with you on a photoshoot?

I use Canon DSLR equipment and while I mainly tend to use my trustworthy Canon EOS1DX, on which I can fully rely under the roughest conditions, the equipment I use varies from one photoshoot to another. I generally use focal lenghts ranging from 14mm up to 800mm, depending on the job. You wouldn’t see me working without my LowePro Street & Field system, a fantastic pair of Leica binoculars and (when using long lenses or long exposures) one of my Gitzo tripods. Recently I’ve added the ProFoto B1 500 AIR TTL flash system to my toolbox, which allows me to really work with artificial light in the field. I’m very thankful for the support so many camera manufactures are offering in order to let me do my job. However, one should never forget that equipment only becomes essential in the translative process of ones vision. Without a vision, all this equipment could easily be blocking your creative path.

What subject do you prefer to photograph and why?

The subject isn’t really important. I believe that as long as you spend enough time with your subject, you’ll eventually get to know it at the level that you’ll be able to show it’s true character. That’s when it becomes interesting.

What is your favorite nature preserve?

I have none really. But I prefer working in remote area’s where I can see the horizon, or to work within our densely populated human society.

What is your favorite shooting position?

For me there isn’t such thing. It really depends on the situation. Photography is a reflection of life itself and you should take it as it comes and try to work with its qualities and limitations at the same time. Every time you need to ask yourself what would be the best approach to bring a subject to life and do the situation justice.

Which nature photographer do you admire?

I admire those whose images touch your soul as their works speak from the heart.

What quality must a nature photographer absolutely have?

You need to be able to think beyond the registration and to be able to communicate… and to do that you need to be open to your personal emotions like with all art forms.

Which light situation do you prefer?

Overcast or warm indirect sunlight

Which setting do you prefer: Manual-Aperture Priority-Shutter Priority?

I usually work in full manual, but depending on the situation I sometimes switch to aperture or shutter priority.

In percentage terms how much time do you take to create an image and to process the image?

Pressing the shutter takes a fraction of a second, processing is a matter of minutes, but getting to take a photograph can take days, weeks or even months. So if you want me to talk percentages…processing would be less than 1%. You create a photograph in the field, and that process doesn’t work without proper preparation.

Which processing program do you use?

For making quick edits and adding IPTC data I rely on Photo Mechanic, for the actual RAW processing and image processing I use Adobe Photoshop CC and for archiving purposes I use Adobe Lightroom.

Do you have any advice for future nature/wildlife photographers?

As a photographer you want to take your audience on a journey to the unknown, being the paths of your imagination. And the only way to make people amaze people, is to be amazed yourself. Be open to new experiences and personal emotions, analyze them and try to find ways to translate these experiences and emotions to a two dimensional frame. Your technical abilities will help you throughout the translative process, but are not a prime concern. So forget about your camera for a while as it is not technical perfection that moves the heart.

You can find out more about Jasper Doest on his website: http://www.jasperdoest.com/

Interview-Themanieuws