Interview: Photographer Mara Linde van Ouwerkerk (The Netherlands)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Mara Linde van Ouwerkerk. I was born on the 4th of November 1992 in Haarlem, the Netherlands. In 2022 I set up my own company: Photography by Maralinde, and also participated in 2022 at Mrs. Netherlands Universe and I can proudly say that I became 2nd Runner Up. In this process I also made 2 special videos showing how important it is to put yourself in place number 1! the name of the videos is: My story translated into images. The showbiz world is something that plays a lot in my family. My grandfather used to be a lighting man in the city theater the Haarlem and my father's uncle was a stage manager, my brother Tim William van Ouwerkerk graduated from the conservatory as a guitarist / session musician and plays with Rob Dekay and Rilan & the Bombardiers, where their song: walking on fire has been used at the film festival in New York and also different Netflix series. Back to Mara Linde; besides being both in front of and behind the camera, I am now developing myself as an actress.

How and when did you get into photography?

For this question we go back in time, my grandfather was a lighting man and had a great passion for photography, this passion has been passed on to my father so it is now with me. From an early age I was already working on compositions, how did an image come out best or come forward. Creativity can only be partially learned, however in the end it comes down to what you have in mind and you have to translate that into a photo. After all, it's not there yet, translating it into a photo also requires some technical knowledge. There are different types of cameras, all these cameras are actually made on the same principle of three things: the shutter speed, the aperture and the sensitivity expressed in iso. These three values determine how your photo is exposed.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography means a lot to me I can fully use my creativity. In my eyes you are never done learning as a photographer. Technology continues to develop, so as a photographer you can also continue to develop. When I am in a photography/ camera store I always see something new that I would like to try. You can compare it to a kid in a candy store. You prefer to take everything home with you.

What do you think sets your work apart from others?

For the best result I build a relationship of trust during the shoot so that the client feels completely at ease. This makes it not a pretty picture but the picture tells a story, it’s a sense of power that the photo should radiate. Everything in the picture must be correct

Where do you get inspiration from?

Annemarieke van Drimmelen is a role model in photography. She is one of the best fashion photographers in our country and she has recently been able to capture none other than Kim Kardashian. For the right inspiration, it is also important to have a good discussion with the customer in advance. As soon as you know this I will add my own piece of freestyle during the shoot for the best end result.

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

With this question it total depends on whether it is free work or a paid assignment. I always make a mood board in advance so that I have certain guidelines for the shoot. Apart from the guidelines, I think that as a photographer you should let go of your creativity at the moment so that the image remains unique.

Do you edit your photos and what do you do about it?

In addition to correcting irregularities, I work a lot with the editing program Lightroom, which is a program from the makers of Photoshop. How far the processing is depends entirely on the concept.

Studio, on location or both?

It just depends on which environment suits the shoot best. I have a wonderful studio where I can of course make someone look beautiful with my lights, but in a beautiful location with daylight you can also be very creative.

What are your future plans or what can we expect from you soon?

The fashion week is on the schedule, several press kit shoots. otherwise the year has just started and apart from the bookings that are already there I can't wait to see what 2023 has in store for me.

What do you look for in the models you work with?

I look at unique aspects in the face. In addition, a good appearance is important. Of course depending on the assignment you are looking for a certain type. Sometimes an assignment calls for dramatic facial expressions, then you go looking for that. When more power/energy is required in an image, you look for a suitable model. It is also very important that you have fun together, models must be themselves, feel comfortable and dare.

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

Do you have a message for the modeling world?

I hope I have been able to inspire people. If you have a dream and you believe in it fight for it. It doesn't matter what the road is like and how long it takes. As long as you believe in it, anything is possible to achieve your goals. Believe in yourself!

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