KATJA VAN DEN NOUWELAND 1973 In 2019, I must have thought: “I’ve never done this before, so I think I can do it.” Friends needed photos for their website. I borrowed a camera, took the pictures, and everyone was happy. In hindsight, I am especially glad that I acted out of ignorance, because that moment turned out to be the beginning of my adventure in photography. The more I learned, the more my insecurity grew, and I wonder whether I would still do it the same way now. In 2020, I bought my first camera and immediately set it to manual mode. I photographed, experimented, and enjoyed it immensely. Through YouTube, I absorbed all the information I could and soon found a few steady sources of inspiration. I like to follow my own path and feel less at home in courses or assignments. I mainly photograph what moves me. What appeals to me most are portraits with a subtle twist. For my portraits, I search for clothing and props, which I bring together with my models to carefully selected locations. Creative, intense, and not without challenge. In 2023, I became acquainted with the Fotounie. Creative energy, freedom, and boldness came together there. It was a place where I could let my style speak. In addition to portraits, I venture into nature a few times a year—preferably in autumn or spring, early in the morning. Watching the world awaken never loses its magic. Photography offers me creative freedom. A photograph is successful to me when the atmosphere feels right at a single glance. Post-processing is therefore an essential part of the process. I photograph as a hobbyist, in my own way, with a fondness for portraits with a subtle twist. What a wonderful hobby I discovered by responding somewhat thoughtlessly,