Spotlight Interview … Fashion and Fine Art Photographer Peter Kemp

JRP: Please welcome Fashion and Fine Art Photographer Peter Kemp as he shares a few moments with James Robinson Photography Blog. Thank you Peter for taking this time with us.

Peter Kemp: Thank you for inviting me.

JRP: Where do you call home Peter and does this environment play a special part in your creative process?

Peter Kemp: My hometown is Delft in Holland.The town where master painter Johannes Vermeer made his paintings around 1650. My work has been influenced by his work and the Dutch master painters , since I love their work.

JRP: What led to your initial interest in photography? Has there been any formal training in your background?

Peter Kemp: In former days I loved to make little drawings. So when the digital cameras came into my world I loved to get immediate feed back on the screen of the camera. So that was my start in creating story telling pictures . I haven’t followed any formal training.

JRP: Name two photographers that have inspired and influenced your photography.

Peter Kemp: The Dutch painter & photographer Teun Hocks, and my friend photographer Ruadh Delone.

JRP: Do personal projects figure in the development of your vision and technique?

Peter Kemp: All the things I see on a daily basis inspires me. Not photography in particular, but  paintings, movies, and literature can inspire me. I am not that kind of technique person.

JRP: Do you have a team that assists you with your projects and if so what roles do they play?

Peter Kemp: Working with a team is the key element in my projects. I usually work with a make-up artist, a hair and a fashion stylist, and of course with my lovely models … What would I be without them? Usually there is a friend to help me with all the technical stuff. All people have their own qualities and we use them as a team. So it is not only me who is pushing the release button.

JRP: What would we find in your camera bag for a typical assignment shoot?

Peter Kemp: My Hasselblad H1 camera with a Leaf back, a tripod and my mood-board designed especially for that particular shoot.

JRP: Do you prefer working with artificial or available light? What are your most often used light modifiers?

Peter Kemp: I usually work with artificial light in the studio or on location. In Holland it rains a lot and the temperature is not that convenient. Working with models that is not the best environment. I mainly work in the studio with soft boxes as big as possible to create soft light.

JRP: Please describe your digital work flow and the software you use?

Peter Kemp: For my photo-work I use Adobe Photoshop CS4 on a Mac. I also use a Wacom tablet since I love to draw!

JRP: As you look through the viewfinder what is the most critical moment in the capture of your image?

Peter Kemp: I love to do story telling pictures. So looking through my viewfinder I focus on the fact that all my models and props are in the right composition to tell my story to my viewers.

JRP: Name for us a shoot or project that opened your eyes to the distance you’ve come as an artist.

Peter Kemp: During my last shoot (which was inspired by the paintings of Vermeer) I realized I was able to create the light I wanted. When I saw the photos on my lap top and later when they were printed for my exhibit in the Vermeer Centre in Delft, I realized I came a bit closer to Vermeer. So that was a good thing to realize.

JRP: In today’s economy how would you recommend an aspiring artist approach the market place?

Peter Kemp: Go for your own qualities and stick to them since that is what you are best at and this will promote you in your best way! There is so much work available so stick to your own plan.

JRP: If not photography what would Peter Kemp be doing with his time?

Peter Kemp: Maybe doing drawings, creating comics?

JRP: What has been the best advice given to you by another photographer?

Peter Kemp: Don’t bother about technique … use your creativity!

JRP: What advice would you like to share with our readers?

Peter Kemp: Enjoy and follow your own thoughts and creativity. No matter what field you are in try to create your own style since that will let your work shine.

JRP: Thank you Peter for sharing your thoughts and images with us. It has been a pleasure talking with you, and I wish you continued success.

Peter Kemp: The pleasure was all mine.

JRP: To view more of Peter Kemp’s photography please follow this link:
www.peterkemp.nl