Nestled within the enchanting landscapes of Belgium, Postel has become a beloved sanctuary for my photographic explorations. The nature reserve here is nothing short of breathtaking, a haven where I have had the privilege of capturing the beauty of wild deer, boars, and so much more.
Today, my heart aches as I witness the relentless tree cutting carried out by environmental organizations. They assert their noble ambition is to restore the land to its former glory, as it existed many years ago. Yet, all I see scattered throughout the woods are hunting cabins, stark reminders of a vibrant past. It feels like a bittersweet farewell to the deer and boars that once roamed these woods so freely.
Far too long has passed since I last stood in this cherished place, held captive by the demands of my hectic work schedule. Today, I took a bold step beyond my comfort zone. I recently acquired an old Hasselblad camera for portrait work, knowing it yields stunning images teeming with detail and emotion—especially when captured on film. Yes, you heard that correctly: analog! So, I ventured into nature’s embrace, eager to discover how well I could seize the essence of emotion with the Hasselblad and its digital back.
My mission? To explore the profound depths of feeling in my photographs while surrounded by the wild beauty of the outdoors. I yearn to reconnect with this timeless beauty. Armed with my beloved old Hasselblad, a digital back, and my latest treasure—a breathtaking 150mm Zeiss Planar lens—I am eager to capture the essence of what once was and document the poignant changes unfurling over time.
I captured my first images in the enchanting open fields of the farmer’s land, wielding the remarkable 80mm Zeiss Planar lens. The breathtaking array of flower colors surrounding me fills me with anticipation and excitement. While this lens is celebrated primarily for portrait photography, I’m thrilled to explore its potential amid the beauty of Mother Nature. Each moment behind the camera is an invitation to transform vivid scenes into lasting art.
The last images I captured were taken with the stunning new 150mm F4 lens from Hasselblad. I had the chance to test it during a breathtaking sunset, and I was truly captivated by the sharpness and detail it delivered.
However, working with this lens demands a different approach than what I’m accustomed to. I typically thrive on the swift handling of my Leica cameras—each moment feels like a dance with precision and ease. In contrast, using the Hasselblad invites me to slow down and truly immerse myself in the art of capturing that perfect shot. Each click of the shutter becomes a thoughtful endeavor, adding a layer of depth to my photography experience.
I couldn’t help but capture the charm of my wife and our beloved dogs in some portraits. Watching my four-legged companions frolic in the wild, stretching their legs and embracing the great outdoors, fills my heart with joy and gratitude. Their sheer happiness and eagerness to discover the wonders of the woods are infectious. Inspired by their enthusiasm, I grabbed my 150mm lens, ready to immortalize the breathtaking beauty of the landscape around us.
Working with this old camera paired with the latest Hasselblad digital back is an entirely different experience. In my days of shooting with analogue film, the images had a certain depth and authenticity that is hard to replicate. Now, it’s astonishing how reliant I’ve become on the display screen; the anticipation of capturing an image on film can sometimes overshadow the very moment I want to seize. I truly need to embrace this journey. Each time I revisit the film images, I find myself captivated by the powerful emotions they inspire.
Today was a revelation. I’ve learned that the outdoors is a canvas waiting to be explored, and I mustn’t allow my thoughts to stifle my artistic freedom. Trust the process, and you’ll uncover wonders you never thought possible.
Even more on film…
Thank you
De foto’s zijn adembenemend mooi , knap werk weeral .