Gert Stel

the context of the image dominates the subject

the photographer determines the context

the image is the result of a creative process

sometimes carefully planned

sometimes by mere coincidence

Unconsciously and incompetently, I rolled into the world of photography a few years ago. Over time, I develop a preference for abstract, minimalist and subjective images. In the meantime, unconscious has changed to conscious and I strive to evolve my incompetence into competence. However, I do not want to be guided by the boundaries of a specific style, but want to develop my own vision on creating images independently.

Since I started with - in my opinion - serious photography, I am searching. What fascinates me in the image, in capturing the moment? What is the difference between a nice photo and an interesting image? Two aspects are decisive for me. In addition to the abstract and minimal, this is the dimension of stagnant time. I do not mean the scientific dimensions here, but the fact that an event or movement is stopped in time. Time is captured in the image. A piece of history has been preserved. That moment will never come back, but can be remembered through the image.  The Dutch writer Cees Nooteboom expresses this aspect to its essence in his travel story collection 'The world a traveler' in the story 'The photo, the time'. He writes: "The photographer has given a perceived and captured image of a moment of reality a charge that leads to questions. Without being proven, more than an image is displayed. The photo wants more than just to be seen. He also wants to be thought of."

Another source of inspiration is Otto Steinert, the founder of subjective photography. He says: "A photograph becomes a photographic image only when it contains an idea, when one experiences the mind and soul of the creator." Subjective photography is about interpretation, feeling and forming an opinion. It is not about the facts, but about the emotion it evokes.

The fascination for photography that has become a passion has captured me and that is why I will never let it go.

the images on this website are the result of a search

for order and harmony

through shapes lines colours and contrasts

it is a search with the camera

and through the lens as an extension of the eye

the journey is decisive for the result

so in that sense

the essence