About
Introduction
I am a Dutch photographer (born 4-7-74 in The Hague) with landscapes, travel, nature, still life and street photography as my main photographic interests.
I always liked taking pictures on holidays, but was equally always disappointed with the results. This changed however when I bought my first digital camera (a Fujifilm FinePix 6900 Zoom) in 2002 and got on a major -but very satisfying- learning curve. I entered a couple of digital photo contests and won in a couple as well; mostly photo or computer gear but also a photo vacation to Jordan.
I am mostly self-taught in photography (having upgraded to Canon DSLR's and currently using a 40D with a selection of lenses and an 'always at the ready' PowerShot G9) as well as in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, with the help of books, magazines and the internet. And although I love the power and possibilities of Photoshop, I do believe in getting it right (or at least 'as much right as possible') in-camera. There's absolutely no joy to be found in trying to salvage a poorly exposed or composed picture on the computer (often it's plain impossible and a waste of time anyway). On the other hand, Photoshop does offer things that you just couldn't do with the camera, like blending exposures for higher dynamic range or selective dodging and burning. I do use these tools to enhance an image or give my vision or interpretation of the scene photographed. Ultimately, with both camera and Photoshop, it is the photographer's vision that creates the image.
What triggers me to take a photograph is when I am challenged to capture beauty (and most things can be beautiful, it just depends on the way you look at it), harmony, humour or what I like to call 'still life moments'. It doesn't have to be a still life subject to be a still life moment; the subject can be anything, even a portrait or street photograph, and still be a still life moment captured forever. Generally speaking I am not one for 'pretty pictures' with endless blue skies because, well, life just isn't like that, is it? I much prefer a good old stormy sky instead.
If you want to learn more about me (and my other interests) you can visit my blog (in Dutch but Google Translate available).
Galleries
Most images in the galleries were taken in Ireland, simply because I happen to think it is the most beautiful country in the world and am inspired to take photographs every time I visit. I went on lots of holidays there and even lived in the country for a year and a half (you can read more about that -in Dutch- on the Zwan in Ierland blog if you're interested). But other countries are represented too, with quite a few images taken in Spain for example.
Slideshow
You can view the images on their own in the galleries of course, but you can also watch a slideshow of them on the homepage.
Google Maps
All images in the galleries have a link to Google Maps, so you can view the location where they were taken.
The story behind the photograph
You can read the story behind some of my photographs on my blog (in Dutch but Google Translate available). You will also find a link to the story behind a photograph on its gallery page.
Picasa Web Albums
You can also view all my images on Picasa Web Albums.
Flickr
You can view all my images on Flickr as well.
Image purchase
All gallery images are available for immediate online purchase using PayPal. If you can't use PayPal, want a different size or need an image digitally (sent to you by e-mail or on cd), please go to the Purchase page for more information and to contact me.
Alamy
You will find some of my images with Alamy.
Photographers Direct
You will also find some of my images with Photographers Direct.
Copyright
All images on this website are the copyright of Frank van der Zwan and may not be reproduced without permission.
I am a Dutch photographer (born 4-7-74 in The Hague) with landscapes, travel, nature, still life and street photography as my main photographic interests.
I always liked taking pictures on holidays, but was equally always disappointed with the results. This changed however when I bought my first digital camera (a Fujifilm FinePix 6900 Zoom) in 2002 and got on a major -but very satisfying- learning curve. I entered a couple of digital photo contests and won in a couple as well; mostly photo or computer gear but also a photo vacation to Jordan.
I am mostly self-taught in photography (having upgraded to Canon DSLR's and currently using a 40D with a selection of lenses and an 'always at the ready' PowerShot G9) as well as in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, with the help of books, magazines and the internet. And although I love the power and possibilities of Photoshop, I do believe in getting it right (or at least 'as much right as possible') in-camera. There's absolutely no joy to be found in trying to salvage a poorly exposed or composed picture on the computer (often it's plain impossible and a waste of time anyway). On the other hand, Photoshop does offer things that you just couldn't do with the camera, like blending exposures for higher dynamic range or selective dodging and burning. I do use these tools to enhance an image or give my vision or interpretation of the scene photographed. Ultimately, with both camera and Photoshop, it is the photographer's vision that creates the image.
What triggers me to take a photograph is when I am challenged to capture beauty (and most things can be beautiful, it just depends on the way you look at it), harmony, humour or what I like to call 'still life moments'. It doesn't have to be a still life subject to be a still life moment; the subject can be anything, even a portrait or street photograph, and still be a still life moment captured forever. Generally speaking I am not one for 'pretty pictures' with endless blue skies because, well, life just isn't like that, is it? I much prefer a good old stormy sky instead.
If you want to learn more about me (and my other interests) you can visit my blog (in Dutch but Google Translate available).
Galleries
Most images in the galleries were taken in Ireland, simply because I happen to think it is the most beautiful country in the world and am inspired to take photographs every time I visit. I went on lots of holidays there and even lived in the country for a year and a half (you can read more about that -in Dutch- on the Zwan in Ierland blog if you're interested). But other countries are represented too, with quite a few images taken in Spain for example.
Slideshow
You can view the images on their own in the galleries of course, but you can also watch a slideshow of them on the homepage.
Google Maps
All images in the galleries have a link to Google Maps, so you can view the location where they were taken.
The story behind the photograph
You can read the story behind some of my photographs on my blog (in Dutch but Google Translate available). You will also find a link to the story behind a photograph on its gallery page.
Picasa Web Albums
You can also view all my images on Picasa Web Albums.
Flickr
You can view all my images on Flickr as well.
Image purchase
All gallery images are available for immediate online purchase using PayPal. If you can't use PayPal, want a different size or need an image digitally (sent to you by e-mail or on cd), please go to the Purchase page for more information and to contact me.
Alamy
You will find some of my images with Alamy.
Photographers Direct
You will also find some of my images with Photographers Direct.
Copyright
All images on this website are the copyright of Frank van der Zwan and may not be reproduced without permission.