An Exclusive Interview with Rob van der Waal

Rob van der Waal was born in 1957 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. His father was a passionate photographer who taught him the basics of photography. When he was 7 years old, his family already had a darkroom on the top floor of their family house. Apart from his father’s touch and some workshops, Rob van der Waal is an autodidact. With reading, listening and most of all just doing, he developed his creative and photography skills. To briefly summarize his style in photography; pure and honest are the key words that come close. He loves to be out in nature and enjoys the space, light and birds, and on those frequent trips his camera is his companion. He believes, some interest build into his DNA is “maritime”. It’s his preference to be at the waterfront, the sea, and close to ships and its related activity. He feels fortunate to live close to Rotterdam, a harbor area in the Netherlands. He will always respect nature and animals. He hopes more people will support this principle. What triggers him in photography is that, it is never done, complete or finish, as there is always a way to playing with the light and the moment, which gives the opportunity in another way to tell the story!

In this “Exclusive Interview” section, today we have the opportunity to talk with Rob van der Waal, as his photograph was winner of Photo of the Month – 32nd Month, 3rd Place. Let’s discover more about Rob van der Waal, and his forays into photography in the following interview with him.

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

L&C: 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: 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.

L&C: 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: 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.

L&C: 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: 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.

L&C: 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: Keep on practicing is the interesting journey to develop your capability to ‘see’.

L&C: Rob van der Waal, have you ever exhibited your work? If so, then tell us about your first exhibiting experience.
Rob van der Waal: Apart from some photo’s published in newspapers no exhibition yet, but I love to have one in the future.

L&C: Are you involved with any photography organizations? How does this help you in your photography?
Rob van der Waal: 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.

L&C: 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: Keep on practicing to support development of your capability to ‘see’ the beauty in Light & Composition.

L&C: Thank you, Rob van der Waal, for sharing your feelings and experiences with us.