I’m Maarten Vromans, a fine art photographer currently living and working in Delft, Netherlands.
Movement is at the heart of my work and methods. Whenever I travel from one place to another – on foot, by boat or train I methodically record the altering terrain that passes me by.
This could be the eroded buildings in an anonymous urban setting, the untouched landscape of a remote region, or the infinite distance on unspoiled open water.
I like to move through transition areas: the no-man’s-land between residential, commercial, and working environments, between built-up, cultivated, and untouched regions.
There, in places that apparently no longer belong to anyone, I make tranquil, abstract and picturesque photos in which the subject always remains recognisable.
I have been interested in photography since 1990. From 2014 onwards, I followed my ambition to make a photographic series and discover whether I could present the results at galleries and art fairs.
I have worked in the Netherlands, the United States, and Switzerland. That work could be seen in all kinds of unique places. For my most recent work, I crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
My parents got me my first camera in 1990. It was an analogue point-and-shoot Fujifilm FZ-5 with a fixed 35mm lens. I still have it today, although I haven’t used it since 1993.
The Fuji didn’t offer me much to learn about controlling a camera. But it taught me the most important skill I needed as a photographer: framing a picture.
I’ve switched cameras a few times since then, until 2018, when I bought a slightly used Sony A7R and paired it with a Meike MK-AR7 Battery Grip.
It’s a lightweight combination – essential to me when walking around and scouting locations that I can photograph for one of my photo series. I still love its looks and plan to use this combo for many years.
To give my camera a more personal look, I bought a Windmup Handmade Camera Strap. Their camera straps look far superior to the standard straps from camera manufacturers. They are made with raw materials like leather, climbing rope, parachute cord and wax line.
Initially, I used a Samyang 35mm f/1.8 AF lens on my Sony A7R, but I quickly upgraded to a Sony FE 35mm f/1.8. It’s a lightweight lens, providing excellent image quality.
I’ve used it to create various photo series, and in May 2024, I used it again when I crossed the Atlantic Ocean for my latest photo project.
I also bought a Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 lens two years ago. I haven’t used it much until now, but the lens is glued to my camera when I take landscape photos. The lens is my first choice when working on a new project in the area where I live and work.
I also own a Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 lens, which I bought because it’s small and lightweight. I mainly use it during holidays to take snapshots.
To ensure that I always have at least one or two full batteries to work with my Sony A7R, I have five Sony NP-FW50 Batteries and two Sony BC-TRW Chargers.
For my various photo series, I always develop a new visual language. For my latest project in May 2024, I wanted to take long exposure shots of the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean during the daytime.
That’s why I bought a Cokin A-series BA-400 Filter holder, a Cokin M-Series 55mm Adapter, a Cokin M-Series 67mm Adapter, and a Nuances Extreme ND1024 Filter.
As a backup, I also had a Hoya ProND EX 1000 55mm Filter in my bag.
The smallest item in my camera equipment is the Sony RM-SPR1 Remote Commander. More advanced Remote Commanders are available, but I like this item’s simplicity and old-school look and feel.
All those batteries, chargers, filters, cables and Remote Commander are neatly arranged in a small black Peak Design Tech Pouch with a thousand compartments. My girlfriend gave me this pouch for my birthday.
Since 2009, I have owned a Gitzo GT2330 Tripod and a Gitzo G1178M Ball Head. It is a heavy combination, which I do not have with me when I am walking, looking for beautiful places to take pictures of.
I used my tripod when I took long exposure shots of the horizon while crossing the Atlantic Ocean in May 2024.
There has been a 21″ Apple iMac on my desk since 2019. It is fully equipped to perform all the operations required to transform raw files into images that bear my signature, using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
I always take the time to choose new items for my camera equipment. I love researching and discovering which items suit my set and myself.
This is how I collect equipment I am proud of and can comfortably work with under all circumstances.
Credit : Source Post
