Anniversary

Spunda residence. August, 2010.

I’m home for a month now.

New project?

Ever since I’m back in the Netherlands, I’m flirting with the idea to document the nation I call home. As small as it is, the Netherlands is an interesting country. It’s a place where many cultures meet, a place with a rich (art) history and a place that WAS praised for its total football skills.

I’m planning on using a 35mm. analogue camera, turning my head away from all the megapixels, red-eye reduction systems and everything else that makes you forget the true art that is photography. Other than my choice of equipment, I have no clue. What type of film? Black & White, or Colour? Where will I go? And most importantly, FUNDING???

Anyway.

The following frames are taken with a 35-year-old Fujica. The camera still belongs to my mother, as she was the one who paid 600 Guilders (240 Euro’s) for it when she was 16.

Outdoor market. Blerick, 2010.

Train station. Venlo, 2010.

Shopping street. Venlo, 2010.

Almere

Ever since I was a little boy, Almere has been a city that I’ve visited quite often. Years ago, my aunt and her children moved away from the South to settle in Almere, a young city in the middle of the country. Since I was extremely close to my cousins, we drove up every summer holiday to visit them.

A week after I arrived from Philadelphia, we went again.

Born in 1976, Almere is the youngest city in the Netherlands. Recent numbers also show that it’s the fastest growing municipality in our nation. However, there’s still a certain feeling of emptiness that defines the city. Not necessarily a negative feeling, but it’s a feeling impossible for such a young city to avoid.

Almere Haven. 2010.

Retro

Well, the following photograph is not quite retro yet, but (only) 2 years old. It was taken during my basic photography class in 2008 and with the help of a borrowed negative scanner, it can now be viewed digitally. Lovely, isn’t it?

Two years ago, my camera and I weren’t good friends at all. The very first roll I ever took turned out to be not properly loaded, leaving the negatives with sheer emptiness. A few months later I visited New York with my camera and a roll of film, this time properly loaded. However, during the developing process I mixed the order of chemicals up, with black negatives as a result. On top of that, I didn’t know my 35mm. had a light meter, so every photograph I took, I guessed what my exposure would be. Lastly, every frame with a shutter speed of 1/500 or faster, was only exposed for 1/3 of the frame. Until this very day, I still don’t know why.

Waterworks, Philadelphia. 2008.

Hiep Hiep Hoera!

Oma Zelia, vandaag 86 jaar oud geworden.

Home again

Interior of the Spunda house.

(Ooh, and FILM > digital).

Bible Way Baptist

In the heart of West Philadelphia, Bible Way Baptist serves as a second home for many Philadelphians. Over the years, the church has grown to at least a few hundred members and I had the privilege to photograph a service. I’ve added a few photographs that didn’t make the cut and were basically wasting away in some folder, within a folder, within a folder…

When I walked in, about 30 minutes before service, the church was already pretty crowded and I had yet to speak with Mr. Damone Jones (Senior Pastor), as I came unannounced. Fortunately, he gave me permission and told me to shadow the “house” photographer. Not a problem, as he quickly ran me through the things I was and wasn’t allowed to do. Everything seemed pretty clear to me and from the start I felt good. Compositions came easily and although the lighting wasn’t ideal, I dealt with it. About 20 minutes later, an older man tapped me on my shoulder and commented on my choice of clothing. Apparently I was a bit underdressed wearing a sweater, jeans and some dessert boots. He was dressed in a suit (just as the majority) and was clearly annoyed. If he had a say, he would’ve kicked me out. Now I understand that you have to blend in to some extent, but being judgemental is just as bad as wearing jeans during service, if not worse. Next time however, I’ll dress a bit nicer.

Senior Pastor Damone B. Jones Sr. after service.

Senior Pastor Damone B. Jones Sr. believes that it is his calling to bring the gospel of Christ not only within the four walls of Bible Way, but perhaps more importantly, to the people in the community.

Newly born receive a blessing and are introduced within the Bible Way community.

A variety of ages attend service (they look a bit annoyed/bored, however).

View of the Bible Way community.

Dilemma.

The comfort of home or a new adventure in America?

This week I’ll be celebrating my one month anniversary as a Temple alumnus. It still feels odd, I must say. But anyway, the time has come for me to seriously shape my future. I’ve always played things by ear and most of the times, it worked out. Now however, some planning is necessary. Will I return home to Venlo? A small city in the Southern part of the Netherlands. Or will I stay in America, a country that has been my second home for the last few years. Decisions aren’t easy to make, when you’re not used to making them.

View of the Sint Martinuskerk. Venlo, January 2010.

Manhattan skyline. New York, March 2010.

Simple shape squared.

After studying the work of Rene Burri for the last couple of weeks, I’ve obviously seen numerous wonderful photographs. What struck me the most however, was the range and versatility of his work. From hardcore photojournalism to pure art, Burri does it all.

As a photojournalist I know that there’s a story to be told (I’m pretty sure Burri knows that as well), but every once and a while it doesn’t hurt to take a photograph just for the sake of taking a photograph.

Anderson Hall, Temple University.

Last Hooray

After 5 years, my days as a student are finally over. The journey, long as it was, often proved to test me personally and I’ve learned a great deal in all aspects of life. Academically however, I expected a bit more. Most of the photography courses I took completely focused on the wrong things, causing me to educate myself and to filter. With that said, I do realize that this program has taught me some valuable things and for that, I’m grateful.

As for photographic content, I share with you a special photograph. Not special because of its content, subject matter or anything else that makes a good frame, but because it marks the end of my time at Temple University.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my last photograph as a photojournalism student.

Annenberg Hall