#10 Artist Interview - Reinier Snijders

In our blog series "Meet the artist," we introduce a new visual artist each time.

IIn just 5 questions, you'll learn more about the style, motivations, and experiences of the featured artist.

In the second season of our blog series "Meet the Artist," we present a talented visual artist on our platform Picfee every month. This edition, we get to know the artist behind many national and international images, namely photographer Reinier Snijders

Desert Shadows

105x60cm - Passe-partout frame with black coated wood

1. Who are you, what do you do, and what gear do you prefer to use?

My name is Reinier Snijders, currently 54 years old, residing in Hengelo. I've been working as a steward at KLM for 25 years and started taking photos in 2015. Before that, I already had a camera but mainly used it for vacation photos. A friend suggested that Instagram might be something for me, and that sparked my passion for photography. As a birthday present, I received a photography course, where I learned the basics of digital photography. After that, I delved into the internet to learn more about lighting, camera settings, and especially composition. 

The combination of my work and hobby is perfect for me because a good photo naturally starts with a beautiful location. And when you get to travel the world for your job, that's a huge advantage. Of course, the Netherlands also has stunning places; I enjoy photographing in cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and The Hague, but cities like Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, and Chicago truly make me smile! 

I enjoy wandering through the city with my camera, often early in the morning or late at night. In the darkness, I feel completely at ease; with the lights on, the quiet streets, it has something magical. I'm particularly drawn to the back alleys of big cities. It feels like I'm walking on a movie set with metal fire escapes, steam rising from the ground, and large dumpsters. I'm trying to merge all these disparate elements into one warm and atmospheric scene, that makes people feel like, "I want to be there.".

Gear:

My backpack is always filled with my Sony A7R3, a carbon travel tripod, and various lenses. Which lenses I take depend on my destination and what I want to photograph. I have lenses from 12 to 600mm, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

2. What style of photography do you prefer?

In addition to street photography, I also love architecture, cityscapes, skylines, and occasionally a beautiful landscape or a starry sky. Actually, I find everything related to photography interesting, but I try to focus on these genres. For me, the most important elements in photography are atmosphere, symmetry, and perspective.

Back Alley
150x85cm - Photo paper behind glossy acrylic glass

3. Who is your big role model/inspiration in terms of photography?

I follow various people on Instagram and Flickr who inspire me to improve. For example, I met Abel Perez (abel.psd), whose creations motivated me to spend more time on post-processing. I also follow Michael Sidofsky (mindz.eye), who takes beautiful, atmospheric photos. On Flickr, for example, I follow Alan Schaller; his compositions are always so strong and powerful, especially in black and white.

4. What is your favorite piece of your own work?

I don't have one favorite photo; each photo has its own story. For example, a photo of the Chicago skyline that I took early in the morning in winter. It was freezing outside, Lake Michigan was frozen, and I stood there all alone shivering. The light, the reflection of the skyline in the ice, created a beautiful symmetry that makes the photo unique. Another photo that will always stick with me is the one of String Lake in Grand Teton National Park. The perfect conditions, the breathtaking landscape, and the sounds of nature made it an unforgettable experience.

Skyline Chicago
150x100cm - Matte photo paper on metal with blind hanging system

5. 5. What tips / tricks would you like to share with any other photographer?

Tip 1: Knowledge of your camera is essential.

Tip 2: Scouting a location beforehand is important, especially in landscape photography.

Tip 3: Make sure you arrive at your location on time so you can calmly find your spot, try out compositions, and adjust your camera settings. Then you'll still have time to enjoy the surroundings.

Fal Di Funes | Dolomieten
105x60cm - Acrylic glass with glossy photo paper framed in white coated floating frame