Connections Through Portraits.
Douwe Krooshof is a 39-year-old photographer hailing from Eindhoven. Living and working in Amsterdam for over 18 years, he has established himself as a talented artist with a passion for capturing captivating portraits. Douwe specializes in shooting on black and white film, an artistic choice that adds a timeless and evocative quality to his work.
Inspired by graphic arts, design, and fashion photography, Douwe draws inspiration from renowned artists such as Escher, Man Ray, Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, and Irving Penn. Their distinct styles and innovative approaches influence his own creative process, encouraging him to constantly push boundaries and explore new techniques.
Douwe's photography predominantly focuses on female portraiture. He sees beauty in the female form and finds joy in the challenge of creating original and thought-provoking images. In a world where the female image is often idealized and omnipresent, Douwe strives to bring a fresh perspective and redefine the norms associated with portraying women.
What sets Douwe apart is his hands-on approach to photography. He thrives on the entire process, from designing and constructing cameras to shooting film in his meticulously crafted studio. Taking pride in his craftsmanship, he even builds his own lighting equipment and personally handles the development, scanning, and printing of his images. This comprehensive involvement stems from his insatiable curiosity and his desire to master every aspect of the analogue craft.
From an early age, Douwe displayed a keen interest in creating and understanding the science behind everyday objects and machinery. This analytical mindset propelled him into a successful sales and marketing career, where he stands out as a scientist among businesspeople. However, his innate drive to design, create, and capture images remained strong, leading him to pursue his true passion as a photographer.
Douwe Krooshof is an artist who channels his technical prowess, artistic influences, and unwavering determination into producing remarkable and thought-provoking portraits. With his unique perspective and commitment to the analogue craft, he continues to make his mark in the world of photography.
Straddling Instinct and Science
The visuals I create embody an instinctive and personal interpretation of beauty, seeking to evoke intriguing tension within the imagery. However, when it comes to transforming the visions in my mind into tangible works on paper, I rely on scientific methods rather than pure instinct. These techniques stem from a profound technical comprehension of every aspect of analogue photography.
What truly captivates me is how emerging technologies empower us to reshape our. With access to state-of-the-art tools and affordable machinery, artists can explore new possibilities and foster innovation even from the comfort of their own homes.
My own artistic process serves as an example of this concept. I have taken it upon myself to revolutionize the production of cyanotypes. Leveraging my expertise in optics, chemistry, electronics, programming, 3D design, and 3D printing, I have embarked on a mission to redefine this practice. I approach this challenge with patience and perseverance, addressing and resolving technical obstacles along the way.
The pioneering strides I have taken towards projected cyanotypes have been the result of rigorous trial-and-error experiments spanning a period of three years. It is truly gratifying to build upon a technique that has remained largely unchanged in its application since the 1850s.
Projected tensions
Upcoming work
In this project I will explore the tension between female beauty and geometric patterns found in the Middle East