Interview: Photographer Dominique Sonneveld (Netherlands)
Tell us something about yourself.
My name is Dominique Sonneveld, I am a 20 year old Dutch photographer. At the moment I am studying photography at a Dutch art academy, Willem de Kooning. Besides I am also studying international bachelor arts and culture at the Erasmus University
How and when did you get into photography?
Well, I think it is in my genes. My granddad is a photographer and he and my mom passed on their knowledge and creativity to me. Since I was young I found photography very interesting. I think that is the reason why my father did not mind that I played around with his expensive camera when I was only five years old. Two years ago I started to take photography more seriously. In the beginning I photographed musicians at a monthly event that my mother and me organise. Just a year ago I discovered that I also liked fashion photography very much as well.
What does photography mean to you?
It means creative freedom and relaxation to me. I am a very impatient person when it comes to painting and drawing etc., but I do have patience when I am making photos. I can express myself and when I see the results of a shoot, I am more motivated to make different and better photos. Photography gives me a motivational boost in live in some sort of way.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My fashion photography is romantic and dreamy, but still kind of realistic. The photos that I take of musicians are more honest and raw. In both cases I want to catch their personality or an inner feeling.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I get inspiration from the smallest things, from a little car drive to the top of the bill photographers from harpers bazaar and vogue. Most of the time I get inspired by one sort of thing, for example a flower or another picture and then I try to make my own story about it in my head to get to a concept.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Yes, most of the time I make a mood board from all the ideas in my head to get to a concept. I always like to be well prepared for a shoot, but I do give myself the freedom to put last minute or spontaneous ideas into the shoot.
Studio, on location or both?
I like both, but the last year I worked a lot at locations. I especially like to work with nature as a background
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
A paid professional
What has been your most memorable session and why?
My most memorable session was definitely my first official shoot with two musicians. Of course I was a little nervous, but the session was some much fun! I got to know them better which was very nice for the honest picture that I wanted to take from them. We were both we very happy with the results. This session brought me a lot of motivation, and from that moment on, I started to work and think professionally.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
I don’t have one source; I always like to use multiple sources of inspiration. I mostly get it from fashion magazines, people and nature.
Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?
I have a Nikon camera and my favourite lens is 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 VR
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Stay close to yourself, your own vision and ideas.
What do you think of our new magazine?
It’s a source of inspiration and I also like it that I can discover new photographers.
info@sonneveldphotography.nl
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