#12 Meet - Linda van Tuyl

In our blog series "Get to Know," we introduce a new visual artist with every edition.

Through just five questions, you’ll gain insight into the style, motivations, and experiences of the featured artist. At Picfee, we’re always inspired by engaging conversations with passionate creatives who share their unique vision and skills. This season, we’re thrilled to interview Linda van Tuyl, a young and talented macro photographer with a deep love for nature. Linda shares her journey in photography, her passion for macro imagery, and valuable tips for photographers of all levels. Read on and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of macro photography through Linda’s eyes.

1. Who are you, what do you do, and what is your favorite gear?
I’m Linda van Tuyl, 23 years old, and I grew up in the picturesque village of Elspeet on the Veluwe. Currently, I live in Heelsum with my twin sister, and I’m studying Forest and Nature Management at Wageningen University. I’m in my second year, and I’m so glad I chose this field—it allows me to further develop my love for nature while combining it with my passion for photography.

My photography journey started with my phone, as it does for many people, and in 2012 I bought my first compact camera. In 2016, I decided to take photography more seriously and invested in a Nikon D5300. This camera served me well for many years and helped me refine my skills.

Gear
In 2023, something extraordinary happened: I was approached by Canon, who noticed my work and expressed interest in collaborating. At the time, I was still using my Nikon, but after sharing my openness to try Canon equipment, I was given the opportunity to work with the Canon EOS R6 Mark 2 and the Canon RF 100mm macro lens. This lens is now my absolute favorite. It’s an incredible honor and a unique experience to have the chance to work with such high-quality gear from Canon.

2. What is your preferred style in photography or graphic design?
Macro photography has become my true passion. It started as a desire to specialize and improve in a specific area of photography. Initially, macro photography wasn’t something that immediately attracted me, but I realized it was a less-explored niche, and that intrigued me. The amazing opportunities (like my collaboration with Canon) that have come my way definitely motivate me to continue in this niche.

On my photography accounts, I exclusively share macro images because I aim to become a true specialist in this field. While I enjoy shooting other types of images in my free time, such as landscapes and vacation photos, my heart lies in capturing the small, often unnoticed details of nature. Macro photography allows me to discover and share an entirely new world with others.

3. Who are your major inspirations in photography?
My love for nature and photography was sparked by my grandfather, who was a forest ranger and photographer. He was my first inspiration, and through our trips together, my passion for photography grew.

I also admire Albert Dros for his stunning use of color and Marit van Ekelenburg for her incredible insect photography. Their work has inspired me to develop my own style and continuously improve my macro photography skills.

4. What is your favorite piece of work?
Without a doubt, my favorite photo is Bee in Flight. I was so thrilled to capture this moment in a fraction of a second. Everything about this photo embodies what I strive for in macro photography: precision, the beauty of nature, and the challenge of capturing such fleeting moments. For me, this image perfectly represents my passion for the small yet significant moments in nature.

5. What tips or tricks would you share with other photographers?

Tip 1: Manual focusing
In macro photography, I find manual focusing essential. It gives you full control over which parts of your subject are in focus. Autofocus often chooses the focus point for you, which isn’t always ideal, especially with tiny details like an insect’s eyes. Manual focusing lets you pinpoint the exact detail you want to emphasize.

Tip 2: Shoot in the morning or evening
In the morning, insects are often sluggish or even asleep, making them easier to photograph. Additionally, the light in the morning and evening is softer and less harsh, giving your photos a beautiful atmosphere. If you prefer shooting during the day, opt for cloudy days to avoid harsh sunlight and strong shadows.

Tip 3: Post-processing
Use tools like Lightroom to give your photos that extra touch. I enjoy using the Gradient and Radial Filters to highlight specific parts of the image. This enhances contrast and intensifies the insect’s colors, making the subject pop. Accentuating the angle of light also adds depth to your photos.

Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of occasionally heading out without your camera. As photographers, we can become so focused on capturing the perfect shot that we forget to enjoy the moment. Taking time to explore nature without a camera can offer fresh perspectives and inspire your next photo session.

Dive into the world of macro photography and discover the extraordinary beauty of nature through Linda’s lens!