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Magazine
Photographer of the week: Delphine Devos

Delphine Devos is a sensitive and skilled “still life” photographer. Her work is inspired by painters and she uses light, colours and mood to share her passion. Thanks to by Yvette Depaepe for conducting the interview. You will find more photos by the end of the article.

 

Briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs.
I was born and I live in Belgium. My profession is home agent for museums in my city. I like Audiard cinema and movies of Alfred Hitchcock. My favourite authors are Stephen King and Tom Clancy, but I also like romantic literature and poetry. I like long walks especially the silence and atmosphere of the forest.

Which are your most important experiences that have influenced your art?
My father is a painter. When I was a child, I watched him with great admiration. Still later, I tried to paint, I wanted to be an artist like him but I was not able to create beautiful paintings. I was sad and disappointed. I thought I had no artistic sense. Later, I bought my first small camera. And then…I thought “I can’t paint but I’ll try to make beautiful pictures too”.

What first attracted you to photography?
I really wanted to find my way in the arts. I initially studied image manipulation with editing programs. I create compositions with models and objects in stocks that photographers offered for creations.

I was uncomfortable to work with the photos of others. I wanted to create my compositions with my own images.
It was outdoors where I made my first pictures. I was fascinated, my passion for photography was born.

Describe your overall photographic vision.
Photography is a window that opens to the world. I see the street, the life of every day, landscapes, nature...

It's a personal vision of you and what you want to see. If you can’t photograph something that is consistent with your vision, your photo will not inspire, there will be no reflection of your passion. Your photos can also be used for a story or a poem.

Why are you so drawn by Still Life and Mood photography?
Whether in painting or photography still life is to be a thought of and then constructed. We must restore a mood and create an atmosphere that works with the object. Life and death intrigue me and fascinate me. The one and the other can be beautiful or sad. It is a paradox.

Giving life to inanimate objects is the elegance of despair. This is for me something very poetic and paradoxical. This is something unexpected of reality and this requires thinking. It is an art that looks like me and inspires me.

My photos reflect what I am, what I feel. Photography is my therapy, I'm sometimes in a melancholic mood. Victor Hugo said, "Melancholy is the happiness of being sad", but in the sadness there is something so beautiful because it’s true.

It is easier to pretend to be happy than to pretend to be sad. It's just my point of view. For me, the sadness is not fundamentally black. It is poetic and luminous. I express my melancholy mood with pictures.

What is more important to you, the story behind your images or the technical perfection?
From my point of view, the photo must be more important than the technical implementation.

A story depends on your mood. I look for emotion when I discover the image. The technique must serve the image.
The camera does not take the photo. It is you. The hardware is nothing without you in command. Photography is not an image. Ansel Adam said, " I do not take pictures, I make pictures " There is no inspiration with technology only with emotion. The material has no emotions or heart. I have that. The material can be replaced. Not the photograph.

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
I have a creative look on objects. I want to go in the image, be connected with the subject. The objects are the actors in a story. The words of a poem. I have to put them on stage. I have to imagine the scene before shooting.

Do you carefully prepare the locations or settings before shooting?

Yes, I draw sketches of what I want to achieve but often the feeling prevails. Each object has its place.
The light is very important. A few centimeters and the light is completely different and changes the whole scene. I must bear in mind the final picture.

What gear do you use and what software to process your images?
My camera is Canon 60D and the lens is EF 100mm f / 2.8 L IS USM macroI use photoshop to edit my pictures

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?
I try to do photography every day but not especially long hours. If I don’t take pictures, I work on my photos or I look at the pictures of other artists.

Who are your favorite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography?
There are many photographers that I appreciate very much, but for still life am very inspired by painters :Jean Siméon Chardin is a still life painter who inspired me a lot, his work but also his mentality, his philosophy. Chardin did not care about fashions and vogues. Only in the silence of his studio he painted with feeling. He said "I used the colors but I painted with feeling".

Diderot said about Chardin: "This is not white, red, black what you paint on your palette, it is the substance of the objects, this is air, this is the light you take in the tip of your brush and that you attach to the canvas."

I like these artists who create with their emotions.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in still life photography and how do you get started?
It is important to begin by studying what still life is. Do not hesitate to be inspired by painters or photographers, understand their vision of the still life.

Do not forget that inspiration does not mean to copy. It is important to find your own style. You will give life to inanimate objects, you must choose your items and arrange them consistently. Light is very important, natural or not it will give the atmosphere and visual pleasure to your image, the light will sublimate your objects and give them life.

The background and the support must be in harmony with your items. It is not necessary to spend lots of money to create a beautiful still life. I often use jars, bottles, old books and also feel free to use what nature provides (branches, flowers, fruits …) Remember that making mistakes is a very good lesson to become a photographer.

Are there any specific directions that you would like to take your photography in the future or any specific goals that you wish to achieve?
Continue to create beautiful images, I hope to have the chance to exhibit my photographs. Learn and be inspired, it is very important. I need it to create and not to bore myself in my passion. I'm honored when people say they recognize my style. It is a great compliment for my work.

Describe your favorite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you?

 


Reflection of life
 

"Reflection of life" is a picture that tells a story, this is our history. A disturbing story, terrifying or not. Look in the mirror and accept what we are and what we will be. This picture is not only a reflection of death but also the reflection of life.

This is a symbolic and metaphorical image. It’s a visual representation of fate tinged poetry. It shows the Imagination and poetic projection of the inevitable.

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
1X is a superb art gallery, many artists inspire me with their work, I am proud to share and expose my photos on this site. I am amazed every day by such beautiful pictures.

1X is the best place for photographers. There is a very nice selection of photos with high quality. I have never seen this on another site. I know sometimes photographers are disappointed when the photos are not published. And I'm also sad when a photo is not published. But we must accept that there is better, more beautiful, more creative...

Not being published makes me want to do even better, I don’t  want to leave here, I want to learn here. There are photographers here who have become friends, I'm also happy for that.

 



 


 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Write
Dear Delphine, sorry for the delayed comment, accept my compliments for this deserved recognition of your amazing work. Congrats and greetings to you :-)
Compliments and congratulations to your work dear Delphine! Delphine Devos
Congratulations Delphine ! your works are wonderful!
Big thanks dear Anette, really glad you like my work!!
Big congrats Dephine, you make the difference in a artistic way!
I'm really glad and proud to read you here Ben, you're a great artist, and I hope one day my work will give as much inspiration as yours. Your gallery is a museum and I can sit for long hours in your museum. A lot of creativity and humor. It's brilliant and remarkable.
Excellent appreciation of your great and inspiring work, Delphine!
Thank you very much Phillipp for your support and your words!!
Congrats dear Delphine you deserve! ^_^
Big thank you Margareth ;)
Susi PRO
Muchas felicidades Delphine, gracias por tus consejos y por compartir tu inspiración. Tu maravillosa obra se merece lo mejor.
Muchas gracias por tu aprecio y elogio Susi!!
Congratulations :)! Glad to know a bit more about you and your lovely work. My best wishes dear Delphine :))
Thanks a lot for the compliment Carla and congrats for your top work ;))
Hi Delphine, very intresting to read about you and your great work. All the best to you. Monica
Very glad you liked reading this interview, thanks so much Monica!!
Very beautiful mind Delphine
Thanks so much Alaa
Hello dear Delphine! It is Interesting interview that narrate your professional and artistic life. Actually, it is clear the emotion in your photographs and it is so important for you. I am so honored that I see your excellent work and enjoy it. I like your interview.... I attached a poet form Rumi: I’m the slave of the Moon; talk of nothing but moon. Or brightness and sweetness. Other than that, say nothing. Don’t tell of suffering, talk of nothing but blessings. If you know nothing about them, no matter. Say nothing. Last night I went wild. Love saw me and said: I’m here. Don’t shout, don’t rip your shirt, say nothing. I said: O Love, what I fear is something else. There’s nothing there. Say nothing. I’ll whisper secret words in your ears. Just nod yes. Except for that nod of your head, say nothing. A moon pure as spirit rose on the heart’s pathway. What a joy, to travel the way of the heart. Say nothing. I said: O Heart, what is this moon? Heart beckoned: For now, it’s not for you to know. Say nothing. I said: Is this face angel or human? Neither angel nor human. It is other, say nothing. I said: What’s this? I’ll lose my mind if you don’t tell me. It said: Then lose your mind, and stay that way. Say nothing. You who sit in this house filled with images and illusions, get up, walk out the door. Go, and say nothing. I said: O Heart, tell me kindly: Isn’t this about God? It said: Yes it is, but kindly say nothing.
I thank you wholeheartedly for your kind words and this superb poem Mohammad. I am honored and very touched! Kind regards, Delphine
Thank you Massimo!!
my compliments and congratulations to your work dear Delphine!
Many thanks for taking the time to read Hans. Kind regards!! Delphine
My best compliments Delphine!!!!......stunning photos!!!....ciao....Giorgio
Many thanks for taking the time to write Girogio and congrats for your superb work too. My best wishes!! Delphine
congratulations...love your work...
Thanks so much Adriana ;)
Hallo Delphine, So interesting to read more of your background and inspirations ;) I am a great 'fan'; you have a very recognizable personal style! And good interview Yvette! Grtz, Nick
Good morning Nick and thank you so much for your kind words and your support, my best wishes!! Delphine :-)
Great interview Delphine and good to get to know you a little bit better. Lovely work you have and indeed you have your own signature. Continue with your passion and curious to your future still lifes. Good luck :-)
Your kind words are very much appreciated Edith, thanks so much!! :-)
Wonderful interview Delphine. I am pleased to see you being so acknowledged for your delightful images.
Thanks so much for your appreciation about my work, I really appreciate this kind compliment Deborah!!
tu es une grande artiste je t´embrasse bien fort
Un grand merci Jacqueline de tes gentils mots et de ton soutien, je t'embrasse fort moi aussi
Great to see you in the spotlight Delphine! Well deserved I should say: in the mean time you have a recognisable handwriting in your photographs! Thanks for sharing us your poetry in pictures!
A nice compliment about my work by an artist who shares a superb job, thank you so much Huib!!
Superb interview. I love your work and I'm very happy for you. Keep on going and show your precious work. Thanks Delphine
Thank you very much Hilde, your work is superb too, I love it. ;)
Was happy to read this interview Delphine, you are a very talented photographer with artistic vision and passionate about your work, was a pleasure to read more about you :)
Big thanks Mohamed for the kind compliment about my work and about me ;))
Interesting interview dear Delpine, I was delighted! Congratulations on your wonderful work. Each of them is an inspiration.
Thanks so much, really glad that you liked this interview, you're a great artist too :)
Lenka PRO
Read with great interest. Lots of inspiring words...A great pleasure to see the world through your eyes Delphine. My best compliments! Keep enchanting us :-)
Big thank you dear Lenka for your kind words, you're one of my favorite still life photographer, always excellent work!! :-)
A real pleasure to read this great interview. Delphine's work is remarkable, and she is also a lovely person very attentive with members of 1x community.
Many thanks for the kind compliment Christian, a beautiful encounter with you!! :)
I am pleasant to live it! Wonderful!
Thank you very much Jorge ;)
Une interview passionnante Delphine, dont j'ai été fière d'être la lectrice. Un peu comme de voir une amie récompensée si justement pour son oeuvre.
Un grand merci Martine, cela me fait vraiment plaisir de lire ton appréciation de cette interview, le chemin à été long mais comme je l'ai dit c'est un chemin de passion et d'apprentissage, je voudrais presque le refaire à l'envers, j'ai encore beaucoup à apprendre mais c'est cela qui est génial, toujours apprendre et s'inspirer. Rien ne s'arrête jamais dans l'art, il est infini ;)
compliments Delph ... very happy for you !
When I doubted about my work, I wrote you. And you have encouraged me, you had precious words that I continue to progress and I believe in myself. I thank you from the heart, I can not forget your words Piet!!
Congratulations on this magnificent interview dear Delphine, very interesting to read about your background, thoughts and the way you work. I love your work - best regards, Jørgen.
I was afraid I would not be able to give a good interview, it's not easy to talk about oneself, I never do that. I was sincere, perhaps I seem to be a bit special. But it's me. ;) Thank you for your kind words Jorgen!!
Congratulated with this nice and interesting interview... It's true the way I've always approached your work ... I wish you good luck with your fascinating and unique style... Gil
You were able to discover who I was when you look at my images Gil I was very touched to read your words for me and my work and always having your support. Thank you with all my heart. Warm regards, Delphine
Thank you very much 1x.com to publish my first interview, it is a great pride for me.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your marvelous work, Delphine.
Dear Thomas, thank you from my heart and thank you Ralph, Jacob all the team of 1X and of course all the great artists!!
It was such a pleasure to do this interview with you, Delphine !!! Une précieuse artiste ;-) Merci !!!
A big thank you from my heart Yvette, I am very touched and honored by this interview. Un grand merci du fond du coeur Yvette, je suis très émue, très touchée et très heureuse d'avoir partager ce moment avec toi et de le partager aujourd'hui avec les artistes.
Superbe interview ou l'on découvre toute ta sensibilité et ta passion pour donner la vie aux objets inanimés comme tu le dis si bien. Ravi que ton travail soit récompensé car tu es une vraie artiste. Belle journée Delphine !!!
Un grand merci pour tes mots qui me touchent Thierry, c'est un long chemin mais c'est le chemin de la passion et il est beau, sans aucun doute le plus beau!!
Great interview! I love your work and I loved reading about you and your work!!
Very kind of you dear Nuelle, thank you very much!!
A real pleasure to read this great interview and my compliments for the front page and for your lovely work,dear Delphine! It is so interesting to read more about you!... Best wishes! Julien
Dear Julien, thanks so much for your words and your support, you make me feel proud of my work!!
The photographer uses a technique that is unique and simple elements and the use of wet and dry glass creates an image that is similar to watercolor painting, Thanks so much THOMAS and BRAVO!
Thank you very much for your appreciation Mohammad, I'm really honored!!
Thanks for sharing this inspiring interview.
Thank you very much Pedro