07/02/2026
Recently I engaged in a discussion with another photographer.
I proudly presented him this picture. I love the elegance in contrast with the imperfect, rough surroundings of the background and how clearly it is that this is a setup.
He argued back that if that is the case, it should be more obvious. More surroundings, more rough.
While thinking of this, I told him that I also like the fact the sun is shining through the background, creating a frame around the model, me, within a frame that is the background itself, within the frame of the picture.
With lines of composition pointing the attention towards me.
He argued back that, also here, if this is the intention, it should be more clear and I should be in the frame completely, not partly.
Now, he said, one can doubt if this is intentional or simply a failed picture.
We stopped our conversation right there, making room for the more important things in life like going home and getting some sleep…
But I can’t help myself and keep thinking that it is actually the fact that I’m breaking the frame that gets me. The doubt, the in-between… Me, tiptoeing around, completely ignorant of my imperfect surroundings, like perfection itself would do, makes this picture better, or at least more interesting to me than a perfect cutout would.
I’m indecisive about my definite opinion.
So, dear artist, photographer or inexperienced visitor, what are your thoughts about this topic?
Made by in cooperation with .branckaerts
His idea, his camera, his eye, his finger.
My setup and settings, my performance, my post-production
