1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Annemiek Muller-Rijnaard, a photographer from the Netherlands. Most of the time I photograph pets. It always made me happy and after a few years I started my small business.
2Where did you study photography?
I did not have a school diploma in photography. Some workshops and a lot of practice made me into the photographer I am today.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
It was a shot of my own dog.
4What equipment do you use?
I own a Canon 6D, a 7D MII, a 24-70 f4, and a70-200 f2.8.
5What do you hope to achieve?
I hope to make more people happy with my photography.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
One of the most touching moment was a viewer saying that I make beautiful photos in a painterly way.
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
Old paintings and the almost human qualities/emotions you see in animals.
8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Painterly, emotionally, and pure.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the European Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you! It is a beautiful recognition of the love I put into my works.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 European Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Gathering of snails was a project in the studio to make some still life photography, and I gave it a twist by using snails. In Holland, we had a snail plague and I made it into an 'art' with them.
11How has winning an award developed your career?
Winning awards in photography has developed my career, but I hope to enter exhibitions to show my work more internationally.
12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
The one photographer who inspired me is Richard Wood.
13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
It was "Just go for it... Have fun!"
14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Just enjoy creating the type of photography that you love.
15How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I love learning, so I tend to learn from other professionals for more knowledge and details.
