Interview with PIJNAKEN ERIC from France

I am principally a self-made photographer, though I have also attended workshops from Leica Camera in France.

My first shots were of cows when I was a boy, and a bit later, I made an 8mm film starring my sister Marja at the Zadkine statue in the center of bombed Rotterdam.

Well, I tested practically all photo gear brands and ended up with Pentax and Leica cameras, and for snapshots, I use a Sony RX100 VI. The reason for this selection is that I sought equipment capable of rendering sensitivity, human feeling, and the expression of life. Most cameras are too synthetic and only razor-sharp.

I use the whole range of Pentax reflex cameras, from wide-angle to macro, and also medium format. For Leica, I have one Leica M9 for color, and two Monochrom models, the M9 and M11.

During exhibitions, I am touched by spectators who arrive and immerse themselves in the images, openly expressing their feelings. That's a real treasure.

Storytelling is a gift I receive through intuition while living my life on this wonderful planet. The stories come to me when I focus on subjects that draw my attention, and I can never predict what my next topic will be, as I refuse to force it.

Humanity, spirituality and empathy.

It is incredibly rewarding when skilled individuals view my work, especially when they connect with it and appreciate it deeply.

Receiving awards is a sign to others that my work has value. However, I have not found that awards significantly advance my career as of yet but I dearly look forward to how it can develop my career!

Diane Arbus, Sally Mann and Masahisa Fukase.

Be yourself. Don't let fashion influence you. Stay humble!

We live in an era of individual freedom where people focus on images. Every year are published worldwide billions of photos, without concern for quality.

So one has to ask himself/herself what he/she can add to this plethora, or what you as new photographer have to witness. Otherwise as you see it simple as a job, you can shape your career in the target of your choice.

What is success? Is it soothing your ego? It's difficult to speak wisely about success. If your goal is to exhibit in renowned museums, it's often more about having the right relationships and friends than the quality of your photographic work.

Embrace the feeling that each day is new. Recognize that you know nothing and must keep learning. Most importantly, stay open to being surprised!