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An Exclusive Interview with Rob van der Waal

📅 May 19, 2013 • ⏱️ 5 min read • Official Laureate Dialogue
✦ Exclusive Interview Dialogue • Light & Composition

In this “Exclusive Interview” section, today we have the opportunity to talk with Rob van der Waal, as one of their photographs won the Photo of the Month – 32nd Month, 3rd Place.

Through this remarkable win and by sharing their artistic journey in this exclusive interview, Rob became an official candidate to be ranked among the prestigious World’s Top 100 Photographers list.

Let’s discover more about Rob van der Waal, and their creative journey, philosophical insights, and passion for the art of photography in the following interview:

Rob van der Waal

Rob van der Waal

Registered Photographer 🏆 Photo of the Month • 3rd Place 🌟 World's Top 100 Candidate

Born in 1957 in Rotterdam, Rob van der Waal was introduced to the craft by his father, a dedicated photographer who maintained a home darkroom. An autodidact who refined his skills through practice and observation, van der Waal is known for a pure and honest photographic style that frequently explores nature and maritime themes near his home in the Netherlands. He views photography as an endless pursuit of light and storytelling, consistently seeking to capture the authentic essence of the natural world and the bustling harbor environments that define his surroundings.

📍 Location Hellevoetsluis, The Netherlands
📷 Camera Equipment He uses Nikon D800 and D90 camera bodies. His lens collection includes various Nikkor lenses ranging from a 50mm prime to a 200-400mm zoom.
✦ Synced live from the official Photographer Profile 👤 Visit Rob van der Waal's Official Profile Page →
Meerkoet by Rob van der Waal 🔍 Click to Visit Award Page

Meerkoet by Rob van der Waal

Photo of the Month – 32nd Month, 3rd Place • Photograph by Rob van der Waal
🏆 Visit Winning Photograph Award Page →
01
Light & Composition

Hello, Rob van der Waal. How does it feel being selected as the winner of Photo of the Month, 32nd Month, 3rd Place?

Rob van der Waal • Laureate

I felt really honored and appreciated when my photo was selected being 3rd in the prestigious photo of the month competition by Light & Composition.

02
Light & Composition

Your photographs, “Poppy,” in the category of Color Photography selected as Photo of the Month, 3rd Place. It is a beautiful photograph with artistic perspective, correct lighting, and very well presented. Overall, it is a great composition! Tell us more about your experience of taking this photograph.

Rob van der Waal • Laureate

During my visit to the beautiful island Madeira I was attracted by the clear light and beautiful pure colors. Traveling around the island to enjoy the amazing scenery this was one of the most attractive spots. The fresh and pure colors of the sky, the ocean and the flowers created a remakrable and rich atmosphere.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="330" caption="Poppy, by Rob van der Waal"][/caption]

Fine art study by Rob van der Waal
Portfolio exhibition study by Rob van der Waal
03
Light & Composition

Besides this winning photograph, many people liked and voted for other photographs of yours in the Photo of the Month contest. You must be proud. How do you see your journey to the world of photography so far? Do you like a particular genre of photography and if so, why?

Rob van der Waal • Laureate

When learning and improving the composition and technique I realized better to focus on the subjects and scenery I really like. So nature comes first and within this chapter the paragraphs landscape and birds are quite high on the list. Learned a lot from analyzing the most fascinating photo's created by others.

04
Light & Composition

As we know, you are originally from the Netherlands, which has its own rich diverse cultural and artistic heritage. Do you think depicting life in the Netherlands portrays a different essence? How much does that influence your work?

Rob van der Waal • Laureate

One of the most attractive aspects of a country like the Netherlands is the ever changing whether and climate. It creates the opportunity to see and experience nature in many different (light) conditions.

05
Light & Composition

One of the keys to any style of photography is visualization. Please tell us how you started this process and what you did afterwards.

Rob van der Waal • Laureate

Keep on practicing is the interesting journey to develop your capability to 'see'.

06
Light & Composition

Rob van der Waal, have you ever exhibited your work? If so, then tell us about your first exhibiting experience.

Rob van der Waal • Laureate

Apart from some photo's published in newspapers no exhibition yet, but I love to have one in the future.

07
Light & Composition

Are you involved with any photography organizations? How does this help you in your photography?

Rob van der Waal • Laureate

I am a member of the Dutch Association of Nature Photographers. No real contribution yet but getting valuable information from there website. Most important is to be complient with the Code of Conduct of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

08
Light & Composition

What advice would you give our readers who want to take part in the journey around the world with Photo of the Day?

Rob van der Waal • Laureate

Keep on practicing to support development of your capability to 'see' the beauty in Light & Composition.

✦

“Thank you, Rob, for sharing your feelings, perspectives, and profound artistic journey with our global community.”

— The Editorial Board, Light & Composition University

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