Mariëtte Aernoudts

What makes Mariëtte journey even more extraordinary is that she is entirely self-taught, sculpting her craft through sheer passion and determination. What sets her path apart from many others in the field is her unconventional approach; she fell in love with Photoshop editing first, and only later picked up a camera. In a world where most photographers start with a camera and then learn editing, she created her own course, proving that all roads lead to Rome as long as you maintain your direction and unwavering commitment to your craft.

Her tool of choice? Photoshop, the magical wand that brings her imaginative visions to life. Her portfolio is a testament to her unwavering dedication, each photograph bearing the mark of her pure and dreamy touch. Her work doesn't just capture your attention; it weaves a spell around you, leaving an indelible mark on your imagination. Her signature style is instantly recognizable, a testament to her unique vision in the world of photography.

In this interview, I'll uncover the inspiration behind her dreamscapes, the creative process that fuels her storytelling, and the secrets behind her photography's extraordinary quality and visual appeal. Join me as I step into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, guided by the lens of a true artist.

1. Your photographs possess a mesmerizing, dreamy quality while capturing the raw essence of reality. Can you share the inspiration behind your distinctive approach to blending the ethereal with the tangible?

Then I have to go way back to my childhood. Lights like candlelight and Christmas decoration always became more poetic by looking through my eyelashes. Actually, that has always been my way of giving less beautiful things a kind of layering, a softening of reality. It is a way of coping with life.

2. Nature's intricate details take center stage in your work, evoking a sense of classic botanical illustrations. How do you select your subjects, and what draws you to the subtleties found in these natural elements?

Inspiration can strike at any moment, so it’s essential to be open to new experiences, how small they may be and to be receptive to the world around us. My everyday activities and the worldwide social problems can become a wellspring of creativity and I approach them with a curious and open mind.

3. Your use of background colors, abstract lines, and textures adds a captivating depth to your images. Could you delve into your creative process when selecting and composing these elements?

I find that my creative process is often spontaneous and impulsive. I tend to work on my projects in the moments when inspiration strikes me. One unique aspect of my work is that I choose colors based on my current mood. This allows me to infuse my emotions and feelings into my photography, making each piece a reflection of my inner world at that particular moment. It's a personal and intuitive approach that adds depth and authenticity to my work.

4. The absence of direct natural light in your works creates a unique ambiance, invoking feelings of silence and wonder. What inspired you to explore this approach, and how does it contribute to the emotional tone of your images?

In my creative process, I actually always utilize direct natural light as a fundamental element. This approach allows me to harness the beauty and nuances of sunlight to create a unique ambiance in my images. Natural light, with its ever-changing qualities, is a constant source of inspiration. It helps me invoke feelings of silence and wonder by infusing my work with the warmth and subtleties that only the sun can provide. The interplay of light and shadows, the way sunlight dances on surfaces, and the variations in color and intensity throughout the day all contribute to the emotional tone of my images. The use of natural light allows me to capture moments of serenity, awe, and contemplation, enhancing the overall mood and atmosphere of my work. It's a powerful tool that adds depth and authenticity to my photography, as I aim to showcase the inherent beauty of the world around us.

5. Your photography conjures feelings of purity and a touch of fairytale charm. Can you share how you cultivate these emotions in your work, and how you translate these feelings into visual storytelling?

I often work from my studio at home, outside, or rent a location which is lit by daylight and with a large space for freedom of movement. Mostly I prefer a quiet background and after making the photo I combine it with another photo of me, or texture using blending in Photoshop. Natural light is essential for me. I pay close attention to the quality of light and love the cloudy days. My choice of subjects often includes individuals, particularly people who I meet in daily life, who convey a sense of innocence and purity. I approach them and ask if they are willing to pose for me. Mostly they are very ordinary people, not using much make up but with a photogenic look. I prefer a quiet background and after making the photo I combine it with another photo of me, or texture using blending in Photoshop. In post- production, I enhance the colors and tones to achieve a whimsical and poetic quality. This may involve adjusting the saturation, contrast, and adding subtle filters or selfmade overlays to evoke a poetic ambiance. My images often contain subtle narrative elements or hints of a story. I hope to create photographs that resonate with the viewer's sense of nostalgia and fascination.

6. As a self-taught photographer, your style exhibits a refined and professional quality. Could you walk us through your journey of developing this distinct aesthetic and refining your skills over time?

My journey as a self-taught photographer has been a rewarding and evolving process. It all began with a strong interest in image editing using software like Photoshop. I was fascinated by the possibilities it offered for manipulating and enhancing photographs. This initial interest sparked my passion for visual storytelling. To take my photography to the next level, I invested in my first camera. This marked a significant step in my journey, as it allowed me to capture my own images and have more creative control over the entire photographic process. With my camera in hand, I began self- teaching by exploring online resources, especially YouTube tutorials and photography forums. These platforms provided a wealth of information on camera settings, composition, lighting techniques, and post-processing using Photoshop. Books on photography, composition, and post-processing became valuable resources in my self-education. I studied the works of renowned photographers and authors who shared their insights and techniques. This helped me develop a deeper understanding of the art and craft of photography. As my passion grew, I also sought out workshops and online courses to gain more structured knowledge. Two small collectives of other photographers are my source of inspiration and spawning ground for joint projects and exhibitions. We meet every month, twelve times a year.

7. Your portfolio showcases a range of work, from captivating portraits to intricate nature shots. How do you approach each genre differently, and what aspects of your creative process unite these seemingly distinct approaches?

My mood and energy are my choice of genre, I try to maintain a dynamic and evolving portfolio while keeping a consistent thread of emotion, lighting awareness, and storytelling running through my photography. This leads to an interaction to a diverse body of work that reflects my creative versatility.

8. It's evident that your images evoke emotions akin to stepping into a museum or reading botanical classics. Are there specific art forms, eras, or artists that have significantly influenced your photography?

The colors of Rafael, the light of Rembrandt and the details of Gustav Klimt combining my influences with my daily exposure to photography on social media, I have a rich source of inspiration to draw from. My journey as a photographer is a dynamic and ever-evolving process, and it's the fusion of many influences.

9. Your work often seems to strike a balance between reality and a dreamlike realm. Can you elaborate on how you achieve this blend and how you bring out these qualities in your subjects?

Ultimately, achieving a balance between reality and a dreamlike realm in my photography is a deeply personal and creative process. My intuition, combined with deliberate choices in color, composition, lighting, symbolism and storytelling, allows me to craft images that transport viewers into a world where reality and dreams intertwine, inviting them to explore and experience the emotions I’ve captured.

10. Your photography transports viewers into a realm of wonder and subtlety. What do you hope your audience takes away from your images, and how do you personally connect with your work on an emotional level?

My audience may interpret my images in various ways, and that diversity of perspectives can enrich the dialogue around my work. Ultimately, my photography serves as a means to connect, communicate, and evoke emotions, and my commitment to conveying a message is a powerful and noble pursuit in the world of visual storytelling.

Thanks Mariëtte Aernoudts and please find more her work @marietteaernoudts

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