Interview with Niels Devisscher
#1 Please introduce yourself
I am Niels Devisscher, student international entrepreneurship and photography enthusiast. I live in Westerlo, a small town near Antwerp, Belgium. When I was a kid, I always loved taking pictures on family trips. I soon realised that I wanted to learn more about photography, so I decided to buy my first DSLR in 2013. Since then, photography has become my full-time passion.
#2 How did you get interested in photography?
I think I have always been quite interested in art and in particular photography. I liked to take pictures on holidays and on special family occasions. About 4 years ago, a good friend of mine went to art school and I often accompanied him and helped him with his assignments. I realised that photography was a great way for me to explore new places and give sense to my imagination.
In the beginning, I started shooting almost everything without knowing in what genre I wanted to specialize in. I’ve always admired the nature around us and loved to go to the sea. I wanted to capture its peacefulness and quietness. Using long exposures and converting my images to black and white really allowed me to translate this idea into reality.
#3 Do you have an artistic/photographic background?
Although I have always been interested in art and photography, I decided to study international entrepreneurship. I have a strong interest in business and economics and would love to work internationally so I can combine my work with my biggest passion.
#4 Which artist/photographer inspired your art?
There are so many great photographers who inspire my work. I am a big fan of Michael Levin and Rohan Reilly. They both manage to capture minimal and elegant subjects presented in an often intriguing atmosphere, focussing on the objects that really matter. I’d love to attend one of Rohan’s workshops in the future.
#5 How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph?
Since I am often shooting seascapes, I do put a lot of preparation into taking a photograph. Firstly, I search Google and Google maps for nice locations, those that draw my attention and would make a great subject for my photography. Secondly, the weather and tides are very important. I prefer rainy clouds and no wind. I never take out my camera on sunny days. Consulting a tide table is also a necessity since I want to arrive at the right time. Having good boots and an extra pair of socks are very important.
#6 Which places have been your favourite shooting sites so far and why?
I do not really have a favourite location in particular. I love shooting derelict places such as boat wrecks and World War remains. Basically any interesting man-made element in a peaceful location draws my attention. However, I must admit that I love to photograph in Venice. The city offers so many opportunities for fine art photographers. Shooting gondola’s on a misty winter morning when all other tourists are still asleep, really is something magical.
#7 What do you do in your life besides photography?
As I have already mentioned, I am a bachelor student. Whenever I am not shooting landscapes, I like to explore and photograph abandoned places or hang out with friends.
#8 What future plans do you have? What projects would you like to accomplish?
I have a lot of plans coming up. I will be backpacking South-East Asia this summer and as of October, I will be doing a 3 month internship in South Africa. In the meantime, I want to finish my ‘Nuclear Negligence’ series and start with another project I have been preparing over the last couple of weeks. I also want to expand my long exposure portfolio with new exciting photographs.
Website: www.nielsdevisscher.be
