Interview with Jelle Barentsz | Displaying Diagnostics with Photography

My name is Jelle Barentsz, a radiologist with a passion for nature photography. My hobby lets me capture the beauty of the natural world, while my professional work focuses on creating impactful images for patients. I hope my nature photos inspire you and remind us of our planet's beauty.

I have always been deeply passionate about photography. It is a medium through which I express my creativity and capture the beauty of the world. My journey has been shaped by self-education, family influence, and my professional background.

From a young age, I immersed myself in photography through books and online resources, learning the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and storytelling. My mother, an artist, nurtured my artistic sensibilities and encouraged me to explore various forms of expression. My father provided the technical grounding for my artistic pursuits.

As a radiologist, my profession has sharpened my eye for detail, driving me to create impactful images. Winning this award is a tribute to their influence and my professional experiences. I look forward to continuing this journey, capturing moments that inspire and evoke emotion in others.

Reflecting on my journey as a photographer, I can't help but recall the moment that sparked my passion. It was 1961, and I was just five years old, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the National Park "De Hooge Veluwe." Armed with an Agfa-Click camera, I captured a simple yet profound scene: my brother standing beside a tree.

That first photograph was more than just a snapshot; it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with photography. It taught me the importance of perspective, composition, and the beauty of simplicity. Winning awards for my photography is a testament to that moment in the forest dunes, reminding me of the joy and creativity that began with my first click.

In 1961, my photography journey began with a simple "Agfa Click" camera. This humble start ignited my lifelong passion for capturing images. As my interest grew, I transitioned to a single-lens reflex camera with various lenses, which allowed me to explore more creative possibilities.

With the digital age, I aimed to lighten my load and experimented with different lightweight (semi)automatic digital cameras, including one capable of capturing 3D images. I always sought to leverage the latest technology, pushing the boundaries of what I could achieve with my photography.

However, I found that the quality and sharpness of images sometimes fell short of my expectations, even of the modern iPhones. This realization led me to invest in a high-quality ¾ camera with top-of-the-line lenses. Presently, I use Olympus OMD E-MIII and OMD1 MII cameras, paired with a range of professional lenses, including the flagship M.Zuiko Pro Digital ED 150-400 1:4.5 TC 1.25X.

While this means I now have to endure the burden of carrying heavy lenses, I can confidently say that it's worth it. The exceptional quality and sharpness of the images I capture with this equipment make every ounce of effort worthwhile.

My equipment has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting my commitment to excellence in photography. Each camera and lens has played a crucial role in shaping my work, and I continue to seek out the best tools to capture images that inspire and resonate with viewers.

Through my photography, I aim to create images that deeply resonate with viewers, highlighting the breathtaking beauty of our planet and everything on it. My goal is to craft photographs that not only captivate but also inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.

Winning six prestigious awards at the Global Photography Awards is a significant achievement in my photography journey. However, what truly inspires me are the heartfelt compliments from those around me. One of the most memorable moments was when my brother's children praised my work, saying, "You're getting better than our grandmother." This comparison to my mother, who has always been a source of artistic inspiration, is both an honor and a motivation to continue improving my craft.

Additionally, I received invaluable encouragement from my neighbor, the founder of Zen.NL. He complimented my photography and suggested I experiment with deep black backgrounds, which transformed my approach and allowed me to create striking contrasts that enhance the emotional impact of my images. His insight has been instrumental in refining my style and pushing me to explore new creative avenues.

In my photography, I believe a single image can convey more than words. Visual storytelling inspires me to capture moments that speak volumes. Crafting creative captions is essential to guide viewers to see the photo through my eyes. A well-composed photograph can evoke emotions and tell a compelling story. Thoughtfully written captions enhance the viewer's experience by providing context and insight, highlighting the emotions and stories I aim to convey.

Vibrant, serene, and focused.

Thank you! Winning this prestigious award is an incredible honor that holds profound significance for me. It represents not just a personal achievement, but also a validation of my ability to convey my unique perspective on the beauty of our planet. To impress the jury with my vision is a testament to the power of photography as a storytelling medium. This recognition inspires me to continue exploring and capturing the intricate details and breathtaking landscapes that make our planet so extraordinary.

I hope my work encourages viewers to see the beauty around them and motivates them to protect and preserve it for future generations. Winning this award is not just about my journey, it’s about inspiring others to cherish the planet we all share.

The optimal framing of a nature photograph is an artistic decision. Post-processing can enhance the vibrancy and detail of each subject, allowing me to highlight the intricate beauty of wildlife and flora and draw the viewer's attention to what, I think, is the essence of the picture, without distractions.

This approach allows me to convey the profound beauty and complexity of our planet, inspiring viewers to appreciate and protect the beauty of nature.

Receiving an award at this early stage of my photography career has been transformative. The validation from seasoned professionals inspires me to continue pursuing my passion with greater energy and dedication. This recognition also increases my exposure, allowing me to connect with a broader audience and create new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the industry.

My mother, my father, and my neighbor Rients Ritskes.

Try to capture the essence of what you see and you want to show it. Then enhance it with post-processing. By examining photos that inspire you, you can learn to recognize what you find beautiful. Technically, strive to understand your camera as well as possible, so that you can use it effortlessly.

Becoming a successful photographer requires a combination of artistry, technical skills, and a strong dedication to ongoing learning. An artistic eye is crucial in photography while grasping technical aspects such as exposure, lighting, and composition is also essential for success.

Look online for award-winning photos, submit your own photos for feedback, research new equipment and techniques, and explore new post-processing tools, including AI.

Be open, read a lot, and experiment. Critically evaluate your results: "Do you like them? What can be enhanced?"