Hi, I am Kristel, a ‘Dutchie’ living in France.
First, thanks to Shotkit for mentioning me in the 28 Most Famous Landscape Photographers in 2023 list and inviting me to give you a sneak peek inside my camera bag.
As a full-time photographer, photography is more than just a passion for me; it is a way of living and the best way to express myself creatively.
I am an intuitive artist with an eye for details, using photography to explore patterns, textures, light and colours of nature.
Through the use of natural light, choice of weather elements and the rhythm of nature, I create intimate compositions that aim to evoke certain feelings in the viewers.
I work with the Dutch photo-travel organization Nordic Vision Fotoreizen and create my own work. This can range from working on assignments or projects, such as an Artist in Residency project, to local long-term projects with a particular theme.
My inspiration often comes from the common subjects we often pass without actually seeing them.
My first book, Variations In Trees, is a collection of images from my tree project, showcasing the beauty of common trees in various compositions and techniques. It has been exhibited in various festivals throughout Europe.
My most recent project is Riverscape. Three years in the making, this project shows an intimate portrait of one of Europe’s last great untamed rivers, the Allier, a department in the centre of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is named after the river Allier, a tributary of the Loire.
An audiovisual journey, created in collaboration with another artist, is published in a book and brought to life through music, an album specifically composed for this project by Italian composer and pianist Fabrizio Paterlini.
Now for a look at my camera gear:
I still stick with my older Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, complete with all my Canon L lenses, from zoom to wide angle.
My go-to lenses are the Canon IS II USM 70-200mm L f/2.8 or the Canon EF 200-400mm ƒ/4L IS USM, which I always keep on me when I’m out and about.
Working in transitional seasons requires all-weather type gear, and when I’m searching for details, textures, and moody atmospheres, I trust my favourite gear combination.
Occasionally, I’ll use my camera body with old manual lenses such as a Meyer Optik Gorlitz 180mm f/3.5 or a Helios 44-2 58mm for creating abstract work. These lenses are made of metal and are quite heavy. This is why I do not often carry them while hiking along mountain trails.
For my walk-around-the-block gear, I use my Fujifilm X-T4 with a Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4. As a Canon user, it did take me some time to get used to the Fuji buttons.
Finding the perfect camera bag for my kit can be a real challenge as a photographer. After trying out several brands, including Lowepro, I eventually switched to Shimoda.
The Shimoda Action X-30 model, with a spacious core unit, fits comfortably in my Shimoda travel trolley. When travelling abroad, I store the trolley in the cabin and fold the empty backpack in my checked luggage.
What sets Shimoda apart is the quality of its core units, which are durable and simple to rearrange based on your camera needs. The bag is lightweight, making it ideal for longer walks, and sits comfortably on my back.
Although I still use my Lowepro Toploader 75 AW for snowshoeing, Shimoda has become my go-to for my main camera bag.
I have two tripods, firstly, the long-lasting Feisel CT3371 Carbon Fibre Model, combined with a heavy KangRinPoche ball head. Although it’s old, it still works great and is a testament to the quality of Feisel products.
Secondly, the Gitzo Mountaineer 4-section Tripod is a bit pricier but well worth the investment. It’s durable and lightweight, making it easy to carry for longer distances. I pair this with a Uniqball Ball Head 45XC, which has an Arca-type compatible X-cross clamp. The Uniqball is versatile and sturdy, serving as a ball, gimbal, or fluid head, depending on the need.
While I use filters less frequently nowadays, I still have a complete set of Lee filters, including the big stoppers. For polarizing filters, I prefer B+W because they are easy to attach or detach and are perfect for capturing shots in adverse weather conditions.
I also always carry gloves from The Heat company® to keep my hands warm while working in cold, windy conditions. These gloves are a game-changer, and having tried countless models and brands, these gloves are the perfect solution for my cold hands.
I often recommend this brand to other photographers who encounter similar challenges when working in the field. Depending on the season, I carry either one of my Mirano pro liners or a combination with a Shell.
Another item that I always pack is a small thermos, preferably with green tea. It’s perfect for warming up and relaxing during breaks on colder days or for drawing inspiration from my surroundings.
Lastly, I keep an old-fashioned paper notebook on me to write down ideas and points to revisit, while other miscellaneous items in my kit include a pocket knife and a bag of nuts.
In conclusion, photography is not just about gear and capturing beautiful images but also about expressing our emotions and feelings. It can be fun, exciting and even stressful at the same time.
It’s important to remember to simply not follow the crowd or the likes or trends of others. Instead, we should focus on what we truly enjoy and what makes us feel good.
Whether it’s experimenting with new techniques, exploring different subjects, or simply taking photos for ourselves, staying true to our own vision and passions.
By doing so, we can create images that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful and authentic.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that photography is also a powerful tool that can promote awareness and understanding of our world. With this in mind, your photography will bring you happiness and inspire others to appreciate and respect our natural world.
So, let us capture the world through our own unique perspective!
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