My name is Gerard Leeuw and I was born in Leiden in 1972. Since 2009 I have been active as a nature photographer. Before 2009 I did some clicking with a compact camera but in my case that was not something to get excited about. The photography virus really struck me after traveling through Costa Rica and Tanzania. How beautiful nature can be!

And I try to make my small contribution in respecting nature where ever I go. No exceptions. If I can not make an image without disturbing nature I simply advance to the next shot. This is a small promise to myself and to nature which I can enjoy every day.

Since 2009 I have really come to discover the beautiful nature we have within the Netherlands. During my visits in nature I more and more realize that the Netherlands have a lot to offer. And in my immediate surroundings there is also a lot to explore: sea, beach and dunes are at my doorstep and within five minutes I'm in the grass lands with mills and ditches. Great!

In addition to discovering and learning about all these beautiful sites of nature, once on location the whole process of visualization, observation, composing and looking for the right light etc. starts. Eventually I try, and that is hard enough by itself, to capture nature in all its simplicity. I strive for images which are original, artistic and sometimes very abstract.

None of my images have been manipulated in any way (besides standard image processing stuff like sharpening, noise reduction). Images that do seem manipulated are the result of camera movement, in camera double exposures and other creative stuff invented on location :)

On location I use Nikon equipment. Other equipment and accessories are from Gitzo, Really Right Stuff, Transcend, Lee, B + W and Lowepro. Most important equipment in my opinion; good glass and a sturdy tripod. But ultimately those remain tools. Master your tools I would say and be ready to carve your own images. Be inspired by other nature photographers but alwas try to distinct yourself. Add your signature.

I have joined 1x.com to take the next step up the photography ladder. I am kind of stuck in the process and with all the beautifull images on this site I am sure I will learn a lot.

website: http://www.gerardleeuw.nl/english_index.php
blog: www.weblogenglish.gerardleeuw.nl
facebook: www.facebook.com/gerardleeuw

iPad and iPhone app

My own wallpaper app is now available in the Apple App Store for only ? 1.59. You get 70 high quality images divided over 2 sets of 35 images; one set specifically selected for the iPhone and one for the iPad. So for ? 1.59 you get both sets!

The images can be shared from within the app via Facebook and Twitter and email. You can also save all images and use them as wallpaper on your device. Also included is an embedded RSS feed which refers to my Dutch but also English blog. Browse to the following link to download my app:

http://itunes.apple.com/nl/app/gerard-leeuw-photography/id440182565?mt=8