Interview: Photographer Ronald Mengerink (Netherlands)
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Ronald Mengerink, I’m born and living in the east of the Netherlands and I am 45 years old
How and when did you get into photography?
When I was a kid, my father was working at Polaroid. So there was always a camera in the house and with events and holidays there were always pictures. When I was older I saw the old pictures and it gave me good feelings. A long time I didn’t do anything with photography, in 2006 I bought my first camera. I always liked the technique, and like the Polaroids, also my digital camera shows me instantly the picture. I started in nature, after a couple of years I make my first portrait. Now I’ve got my own studio and mostly together with my wife (muah) I’m shooting portraits .
What does photography mean to you?
Photography is not my profession, it started as a hobby. Today it is more than a hobby, it’s my passion. Together with my job and family there isn’t always time to shoot. So I have to share time, but every free hour I’m spending in photography.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I like a lot of styles and I’m still trying to learn difficult techniques. It’s hard for me to describe my own style, at the moment I’m doing a lot black and white with high contrasts.
Where do you get inspiration from?
The internet is a good place for me to find inspiration. I see a lot of pictures from other photographers. Not to make the same picture, the ambiance and setting is important for me.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Together with the model and muah, I’m sharing a moodboard. When we are shooting I’m looking at the model, in what way she feels the most happy. If that means we have to leave the moodboard, we are going to freestyle. The most important thing is a happy and relaxed model, than I get the best pictures.
Studio, on location or both?
Studio for now. Last year I did a shoot on location and that was very interesting. So I think this year I’m gonna shoot more on location.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I’m a full passion hobbyist.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I don’t have one shoot that’s more memorable than others. Every shoot has it’s own moments.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
People around me.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I work with Canon and my favorite lens is the 70-200
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Because I’m a hobbyist I can’t advise someone to make photography a profession. As a hobbyist I can only say, “do it your own way and make what feels good”.
What do you think of our new magazine?
The magazine gives a lot of inspiration and it’s a beautiful magazine. A lot of great photographers, beautiful models and muah’s and stylists shows there work. It’s an honor for me to show my pictures between them.