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Interview with Janske Kaethoven

Janske Kaethoven is a Belgium based photographer with a knack for taking creative shots that inspire the imagination. We asked her to answer a few questions for our readers.

When did you know that you wanted to pursue a photography career?

At the age of twelve my parents gave me a Kodak camera. Right away I was intrigued by that little camera and what I could do with it; freezing a precious moment.

A few years later I decided to start an education in photography and I am still very passionate about photography today, both professionally and personally. I like the fact that its both an art and a way to capture memories.

How would you describe your style? Is it important for photographers to develop their own style?

I believe I have a minimalistic style, I suppose. I think it’s important to stay true to yourself in order to develop an individual view on things. If you are authentic and motivated you will automatically develop your own style over time.

Please share a photo that you’ve recently taken that you’re proud of. Explain why.

I don’t really have one particular photo I’m proud of, but these four shots I took last year are important to me.

Obviously not because they’re technically perfect, just because of the spontaneous reaction to the situation. Nothing is staged. It might be too unadorned for some peoples’ taste, however these images represent my idea of an ideal world.

I prefer to see the world in a certain way. Everyday life in many ways is loud, smelly and crowded. That’s one of the reasons why I like to be in quiet and remote places. I love sharing landscapes and nature’s purity where things can just be what they are.

Tell us about a difficult shoot. How did you overcome the problems? Share a photo from that shoot.

In January, I was on a photography assignment in Bruges. The weather wasn’t that great. The lighting was really flat. I had to make it work though, because of a deadline. Normally, I’m always looking for the best light conditions to avoid heavy editing afterwards, but in this case I had to create the desired light in the editing process.

A shot from Janske’s tough shoot in Bruges.
A shot from Janske’s tough shoot in Bruges.

You have quite a following on Instagram. How important is social media to your success?

Social media is quite important. Instagram, for me, is a great way to show my work to a larger audience. It is a good alternative for an exhibition, a nice way to get feedback and a new assignment every now and then.

What’s the one quality a photographer must have to be successful? Why?

I think it totally depends on what kind of photographer you want to be. If anything; maintaining a critical eye and perseverance are two qualities I believe every photographer must have.

Learn more about Janske Kaethoven and her work on her website.

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