Capturing Nature with A Doctor’s Eye | An Interview with Jelle Barentsz

I am Jelle Barentsz, a radiologist with a passion for nature photography. My hobby allows me to capture the beauty of the natural world, while my professional work focuses on creating impactful images that make a difference for patients. I hope my nature photos inspire you to make a difference, reminding us all of the beauty of our planet.

Photography has always been a profound passion of mine—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 an early age, I immersed myself in photography through books and online resources, learning the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and storytelling. This self-directed study helped me see the world through a photographer's lens, constantly seeking ways to frame moments that resonate with others.

My mother, an artist, nurtured my artistic sensibilities and encouraged me to explore various forms of expression. Her passion taught me to find beauty in the mundane and infuse my photographs with depth and narrative, reminding me that photography is about telling a story.

My father provided the technical grounding for my artistic pursuits. With his engineering background, he introduced me to the mechanics of photography, helping me develop a solid understanding of camera settings and light. His encouragement to experiment led me to discover my unique style.

As a radiologist, my profession has sharpened my eye for detail, driving me to create images that are both aesthetically pleasing and impactful. The precision required in radiology instilled a deep appreciation for clarity and sharpness, allowing me to convey emotion through well-composed images.

Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the self-education and family support that have shaped me into the photographer I am today. 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 Hoge Veluwe." Armed with an Agfa-Click camera loaded with black and white film, I ventured into the sand dunes, where I captured a simple yet profound scene: my brother standing beside a tree.

At that age, I was unaware of the significance of what I was doing. The camera felt like a magical tool, allowing me to freeze a moment in time. The sand dunes, with their undulating shapes and shadows, provided the perfect backdrop, and my brother's presence added a personal touch to the image.

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. Looking back, I realize that capturing that moment ignited my desire to explore and document the world through my lens.

Today, as I reflect on that early experience, I understand how it laid the foundation for my artistic journey. Winning awards for my photography is a testament to that moment in the sand dunes, reminding me of the joy and creativity that began with my first click.

My journey in photography began in 1961 with a simple "Agfa Click" camera. This modest start laid the foundation for 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 advent of the digital age, I sought to free myself from the burden of heavy lenses. I experimented with various (semi)automatic digital cameras, including one capable of capturing 3D images. I was always eager to use the latest technology, pushing the boundaries of what I could achieve with my photography.

Despite my enthusiasm for new gadgets, I found that the quality and sharpness of images sometimes fell short of my expectations. This realisation led me to invest in a high-quality ¾ camera with top-of-the-line lenses. Today, I use Olympus OMD E-MIII and OMD1 MII cameras, complemented by 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 again have to suffer from the burden of carrying heavy lenses, I can confidently say that it is 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 resonate deeply 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.

I hope that my work will move people emotionally, encouraging them to see the world through a lens of awe and respect. By showcasing the intricate details and stunning landscapes of our planet, I want to motivate viewers to take action and do everything they can to preserve and protect our environment. This is more crucial now than ever before.

Winning prestigious awards like the New York Photography Awards has been a significant milestone in my photography journey, but what truly inspires me are the heartfelt compliments from those around me. One of the most memorable moments came when my brother's children praised my work, saying, "You're getting better than your mother." This comparison to my mother, who has always been a source of artistic inspiration, is both an honour 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. This idea transformed my approach, allowing 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 am driven by the belief that a single image can convey more than a thousand words. This power of visual storytelling inspires me to capture moments that speak volumes on their own. However, I also recognise the importance of guiding viewers to see the photo through my eyes, which is why I strive to craft creative captions for each of my images.

A well-composed photograph has the ability to evoke emotions, spark curiosity, and tell a story that resonates with viewers. I am inspired by the challenge of capturing such moments, where the visual elements come together to create a narrative that is both compelling and impactful.

While the image itself is central to storytelling, a thoughtfully written caption can enhance the viewer's experience by providing context and insight. I enjoy the creative process of writing captions that guide viewers to understand the photo from my perspective, highlighting the emotions and stories I aim to convey.

Thank you! Winning this prestigious award is an incredible honour that holds profound significance for me. It represents not just a personal achievement, but a validation of my ability to convey my unique perspective on the beauty of our planet.

To "hit" the jury with my vision is a testament to the power of photography as a storytelling medium. It confirms that my images resonate with others, evoking emotions and sparking a sense of wonder about the natural world. This recognition inspires me to continue exploring and capturing the intricate details and breathtaking landscapes that make our planet so extraordinary.

This award also reinforces my belief in the importance of sharing our collective appreciation for nature. I hope that 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.

I try to use various techniques to show the beauty of nature, e.g., macro, landscape, individual animals, architecture, and black background art. The New York Photography Awards is a prestigious competition, and winning all of my 7 photos and 5 series with awards hopefully will enable more viewers to see the world through my eyes. I also wanted to see how my work relates to others.

Winning an award, especially at this early stage of my career, has been a transformative experience. While I am just beginning my journey as a photographer, receiving recognition from an expert jury has provided me with a significant boost of motivation and confidence.

The acknowledgement of my work by seasoned professionals stimulates me to continue pursuing my passion with even greater energy and dedication. It reassures me that I am on the right path and encourages me to push my creative boundaries. This recognition serves as a powerful reminder that my efforts are valued, inspiring me to strive for excellence in every project I undertake.

Additionally, winning an award has greatly increased my exposure, particularly through social media platforms. The visibility that comes with such recognition allows me to share my work with a broader audience, connecting with fellow photographers, art enthusiasts, and potential clients. This expanded reach not only showcases my photography but also opens up new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the industry.

My mother, my Father, and my neighbor, Zen-master Rients Ritskes.

Know your camera through and through; get a feeling for composition and what you really want to show (focus!) and use post-processing to enhance the parts you want others to see.

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer to aspiring photographers is to look for the beauty that surrounds you. Often, we overlook the extraordinary in the ordinary, but there is so much to capture if we take the time to observe and appreciate our environment.

When you find something beautiful, strive to capture it in all its essence. Pay attention to the details, the light, and the emotions that the scene evokes. Each photograph should tell a story and convey the unique qualities of the subject, allowing viewers to connect with it on a deeper level.

Consider using a black background to enhance your compositions. This technique creates a striking contrast that draws the viewer's eye directly to the subject, emphasizing its beauty and intricacies. A deep black backdrop can transform an image, making it feel more dramatic and focused, allowing the essence of your subject to shine through.

Take the time to explore the beauty around you, capture it thoughtfully, and consider the impact of your background choices. By doing so, you can create powerful images that resonate with viewers and showcase the splendor of the world we live in.

The journey to becoming a successful photographer is a blend of artistry, technical skill, and a deep commitment to continuous learning. Having an artistic eye is essential in photography. Understanding the mechanics of photography—such as exposure, lighting, and composition is one of the keys to success.

Look at the internet for winning photos, submit photos for comments, look for information on new equipment and techniques, and look for new post-processing (including AI).