The Dark Rooms of... Jan Gruiters
The Dark Rooms of... is an interview series in which a photographer talks about his or her darkrooms, the digital and the mental, or technical and inspirational. What makes you click?
In this edition of The Dark Rooms of… we focus on Dutch street photographer Jan Gruiters.
By the way, if you haven’t read the previous six interviews, you can find them in the archive.
Here we go.
Who are you?
My name is Jan Gruiters. I am a father of three sons, but I am also a Hagenees (born in The Hague) in Culemborg and a recently retired husband. And yes, I am also a photographer. Photography has fascinated me from an early age. I took my first pictures with my father's Agfa box camera. I still have those first eight pictures. As a boy, I dreamed of a life as a photographer over Time Life books from the library. But that didn't happen. I got another dream job: director of PAX, an organisation working to end armed conflict in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. A wonderful job that took up all my time and energy. It was only after retirement that I had time for the other dream: photography. I am a member of the photography club Lek en Licht and the photography collective Visie+.
Technical
Do you think technique is important?
Technology seems to play little part in the work of good photographers. This is just an appearance, of course. As a photographer, you need to master technology, but you also need to prevent technology from controlling you. Technology can both enable and obstruct photography as a creative process. In the end, of course, it is all about creativity, feeling, intuition. Making space for that is and remains the greatest challenge.
What equipment do you use?
I shoot with a relatively simple system camera, the Sony A6300. I almost always use a standard 16-55mm zoom lens. I try to resist the urge to buy new equipment all the time. But in my weak moments, I look forward to the arrival of the Fuji X Pro 4. As a street photographer, I value a relatively small camera. A tilting screen is a must for me as I like to shoot from the belly.
And what software?
For post-production I mainly use Lightroom classic and Nik Silver Efex Pro. Occasionally Photoshop. Of course, the most important software is your own intuition.
How do you edit your photos?
Above all, I try to work slowly. I prefer to look at my photos a few days after I have taken them. This creates a mental distance that allows me to observe my photos more clearly. I like to shoot in square format and in black and white. So the first edits often consist of finding the right ratio and composition and converting to black and white. I am mainly guided by feeling and much less by conventions and rules. It sounds obvious and easy, but it is not. After a while I can be puzzled by how I have processed a photo. Why did I overlook that distracting element? Why did I think this photo was good or bad? Time seems to affect how I judge and edit a photo.
Inspirational
Where lies your heart?
My heart lies in street photography, the ultimate snapshot of people in their environment. Photographically, I find the tension between the physical environment and the inner world of people particularly interesting. A searching person in an alienating environment. It is a subject that not only appeals to me, but also says something about the times we live in.
Do you have your own style?
I use certain visual elements more or less consciously to give meaning to my photographs. The choice of black and white, the use of negative space, the isolation of people. You often find these kinds of elements in my photos, they are choices I make to convey an emotion. I don't know if that makes my photos recognisable. Of course, I quietly hope that they do.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I enjoy looking at photographs, visiting exhibitions and following photography blogs. I also find it inspiring to talk about photos with photographers. Films are another source of inspiration for me. I am a fan of Italian neorealism. As a photographer you can learn a lot from the way a director like Michelangelo Antonioni uses imagery to tell a story, to convey a feeling, to raise a question.
Does your project start with an idea or with a loose image?
The first thought for a project often starts with an extremely vague idea that needs to crystallise slowly. Usually this idea relates to a feeling. Then it is a question of how to turn that into images that will evoke the same feeling in other people. Naturally, a photograph can also give you an idea, a starting point.
When is your project finished?
My spontaneous answer is never. In practice, a project is finished when the photos are handed in, the exhibition is over, the book is on the table. But even then you often see things that you would like to change.
During your project, do you already know how it ends?
At the start of a project you often think you know how it is supposed to end, but as it progresses everything changes and you often end up somewhere else than you thought. To be honest, it often happens to me that I only realise that I am actually working on a project halfway through.
What is your favorite photo and why?
I don't particularly have a favorite picture.. But there is often an image in my mind before or during a project. An image you want to pursue, but why and how? At the moment it's a photo I recently took on the island of Vlieland (the Netherlands). For me, the image evokes a feeling of loneliness and desolation. This is quite strange, because it only shows a house with a lighted window. What makes this picture so fascinating, at least to me?
Future
What do you want to achieve
Above all, I want to do something meaningful with photography. Maybe one day exhibit somewhere. There is a vague intention to do a project together with my partner Marianne - she paints and exhibits. I also like to do documentary photography with other photographers. I am currently working on a project in which we want to portray Nieuwstad, a neighborhood in the city of Culemborg. Photography can also have a social meaning. I find that interesting.
What do you want to know from others? You may ask one photographer one question. What would that be?
I recently visited the Errand and Epiphany exhibition with photos by Alex Webb. It was truly inspiring. He writes:
“I only know how to approach a place by walking, for what does a street photographer do but walk and watch and wait and talk, and then watch and wait some more, trying to remain confident that the unexpected, the unknown, or the secret heart of the known awaits just around the corner.”
I would love to spend a day with Alex.
Where can we see more
My photo book City Blues is available through Blurb.My website gives an idea of my portfolio.
Furthermore, you can follow me on Instagram
That’s it for this newsletter
Do you like this interview? Do you want to see more? Send my some suggestions for photographers you like to see interviewed at Darkrooms. Of course you can suggest yourself if you have an interesting story to tell.
Till next time,
Marcel Borgstijn
Like these interviews? Lucky you, there’s six more of them in the archive.