Dragonfruits
Meet Hester Blankestijn. She is a friend and a professional photographer who also teaches at the SKVR. Over the course of the last few months, Hester has been acting as our in-house photographer clicking away professional shots at one of our dinner event and most recently spent many hours with us brushing up our photography skills. Some says a picture can tell a million stories. And under the guidance of Hester, she had refreshed our mind and help to enhance the stories we want to tell on our weekly dinners shots.
Left: Rosemary, right: Tarragon
We met up again some weeks back just when Spring arrived. We gave ourselves an assignment which turned out to be photographing herbs, fruits and plants. A trip was made to the Blaak market where baby potted herbs and bright-coloured fruits were bought. Back at GS’s home base, we set up a temporary shooting studio with Hester’s equipments, our props and food.
Left: Green asparagus, right: Week 16 Salmon & Asparagus One pot weekly dinner
What eventually emerged between us were some very interesting still life shoots. The items were simply laid on our grey wooden cutting board. Hester put up her lighting equipments. It was a straightforward session. We styled, she shot. Many laughters and chatting after, we saw these items came to life thru her lenses. The natural hues and details of the food and the rawness of the board behind were all carefully captured. The colours popped out and it is as if you can smell it too. Then and again, Hester questioned why we wanted the settings on our camera. A few Q&A between us and she highlighted tips and reasons between effects and technique. Hester is indeed a very patience teacher (well of course; she has 10 years of professional and teaching experience behind her back!) which really put us at ease and made this form of skills exchange such a pleasure to do.
Left: Physalis, right: Horse chestnut buds
Thank you Hester for your precious time. And many thanks for hauling all your heavy equipments to our place on your bicycle! We welcome for a next collaboration! Read also Hester’s recent interview with the SKVR. 29.04.2014
Hester at work
