Interview: Photographer Charles van Trappen (Netherlands)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am mainly a fashion, glamour and fine art photographer, although I like photographing various subjects (including nature, architecture and street photography). I am self-taught, did not have a formal training as photographer. In my youth, I did consider joining the Photo Academy in The Hague, but after some deliberation decided not to and take up a study in Mathematics instead.

How and when did you get into photography?

I got my first camera a long time ago when I was around 13 years old (a 6x6 analogue Agfa), and my first SLR (a Yashica) when I was 16. At school we had a dark room, and there I learnt to develop my own films and prints, all black & white, obviously all analogue. It was in 2000 that I got my first digital camera, and then the photography virus really hit me. By 2008 I got into model photography as a result of me attending a photography fair organised by one of the Dutch magazines. I quickly found a studio of my own, and from then on my model photography career took off.

What does photography mean to you?

For me, photography is a means to get creative, think of a concept for a shoot and make it happen. I really enjoy it, because I get to meet many interesting people, and together we can create something unique and beautiful. It is always a challenge to turn an idea into reality.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I like variety so it is difficult to describe my own style. I like both colour and black&white. Some people have described my style as American Glamour, because of the way I retouch my pictures, especially portraits.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I have found inspiration in the work of Helmut Newton, Marc Lagrange, Erwin Olaf, Mario Testino, David LaChapelle, and some others. But also beautiful commercials (like for perfumes or cloths), paintings (like work from Dali, Mucha and Karel Willink) and sculptures.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Yes, I always start with an idea, and work from there. The first couple of pictures are then in line with the idea, and then I usually start deviating in different directions, to expand or broaden the idea.

Studio, on location or both?

Both, I had a large studio for years, but the last few years I work in my small home studio, which suits me fine (although I sometimes miss the ability to move away from the model and use a telephoto lens). Studio is nice because you can control the light 100%. On location is also nice, because it adds atmosphere to the picture, something the studio can not easily do. Location does have its own challenges: handling the existing light and determining what is needed to get the effect you want, people walking around, things in the way etc.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I consider myself semi-professional. It started as a hobby, but I think I have achieved a level where I can earn money, but did not have the time because of my full-time job. I will be retiring soon, and then I think I will setup my own small photography company. I have had many publications already over the last years, and look forward to more of that.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

First practice a lot doing TFP work, and be critical about your own work. Always strive to be better, learn from every situation.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

A shoot where we had a whole team of models, makeup artists, hair dressers and stylists with designer dresses. It was so much fun to work together with all those people and to jointly have a common goal.

Another memorable moment was my first publication, that still remains very special. Seeing your own work in a magazine is really rewarding.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Nikon for the DSLR bodies and lenses. I own an old D3 (still very good for studio work) and a D850. I also have most of the pro lenses by Nikon (prime lenses 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 105mm 2.8, zoom lenses 14-24mm 2.8, 24-70mm 2.8, 70-200mm 2.8), Favourite lens is the 105mm 2.8 macro lens, because it is so sharp, I use it a lot for portraiture! But on location I usually bring my Sony A7 iii camera, with my 85mm 1.4 lens, amazing depth of field.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It looks really professional, beautiful elegant home page, good layout and quick one click interface to the various interviews. I really appreciate the opportunity to showcase my work in your fine magazine.

https://www.facebook.com/charles.van.trappen

https://www.instagram.com/trappenc