About me

To Whom It May Concern

My name is Willem-Jan Schipper and welcome to my photosite.

I have been a passionate and livelong omnivore of architecture,  design,  literature, (classical) music and art.

Since I am utterly useless in dancing and completely devoid of any kind of talent concerning making music, it filled my youth with artistic frustration. All that adolescent `Sturm und Drang´ welling up as a volcano and no creative exhaust-valve to channel it through.

Finally I discovered that hidden treasure called photography as the only way of artistic expression, which I actually do master.

From that point in time, I have not merely been a consumer of culture, but a creator as well. It pleases me hugely, when I am able to create new images. I enjoy the satisfaction of making people happy – or at least intrigued – by my photography.

In my photography I endeavour to connect the visual world of Art and Culture in general and
The Classics – both in art and earlier photography – in particular to the present. Preferably with my own twist.

In my portfolio, portraiture is the centre of gravity. Portraiture is my one true love. However for the last couple of month, I have tried to branch out to and explore adjoining fields of photography such as fashion, music and and glamour photography.

I graduated from Leiden University Law School and I practice law. Please do not hold this against me, for I have repented. At the moment I hope to switch careers, rehabilitate my life and become a fulltime photographer.

If you like to collaborate on a project with me, do not even consider hesitating, and send me that E-mail.

I hope that you will enjoy the photos and please do not hesitate to leave a comment. I welcome your feedback.

Kind greetings,

Willem-Jan Schipper

 

216 Responses to About me

  1. David Jolly says:

    I love your dutch master portraits

  2. Jhartho says:

    Hoi Willem-Jan,

    Kom je beelden regelmatig tegen op Flickr.
    Mooi werk! Wil er meer van zien.

    Groet, Jhartho

  3. Pawluk Iván says:

    VERY GOOD PHOTO
    VERY GOOD WORK

  4. Pawluk Iván says:

    VERY GOOD PHOTO GOOD JOB WORK

  5. Natasha schulte says:

    Mooie foto’s!
    Zou je het leuk vinde om eens wat foto’s te maken van een theaterproject? Van 19 febr tm 27 mrt maak ik aan de aalmarkt 14 20 minivoorstellingen in een etalage. Ik zoek fotografen die het leuk vinden dit te fotograferen en met mij te bundelen in een mooi boekje.. Interesse? neem even contact op 0624809253
    Hartelijke groet natasha schulte theatermaker regisseur

  6. Harry says:

    voor een hobbyist beslist niet onverdienstelijk gefotografeerd

  7. Koen says:

    Ja, oude vriend. mooie foto’s maar ik ben op zoek naar jou. Stuur me eens je gsm en dan bel ik je.
    koen

  8. Welcome aboard, Willem-Jan. It’s good to meet you.
    Lovely portfolio of photos here.
    Best wishes,
    Miles and Pippa

  9. I love your work!!

  10. Good photographs! the dutch masters reminds me of christian louboutins project with flemish masters, thank you for stopping by my blog

    • ooggetuige says:

      Thank you for your kind comment. I am not familiar with the work of Christian Louboutins´ work. I am going to check it out.

      Kind greetings,

      Willem-Jan

  11. niasunset says:

    Nice to meet you, dear Willem-Jan Schipper. Thank you for visiting my blog. Your photography is amazing, I loved your portrait works. With my love, nia

  12. Kelly says:

    Thank you so much for visiting and liking my blog…I’m really enjoying my visit to yours!

  13. Md. Alsanda says:

    Hi, thanks for sopping by 🙂

  14. elicitz says:

    Willem-Jan really like ur portraits…. as i hav developed my interest in photography recently,will get some guidance to click one 🙂 frm ur work… thanks for liking my post “victory”. obliged as a perfectionist lyk it …

    regards
    rajwinder

  15. nightlake says:

    Thank you for following my blog. Wishing you all luck with yours.

  16. richard says:

    Mooie werk! The Vermeer/Dutch master portraits are great, but I also like that shipping crate building on the IJ – whereabouts is it? I’ve never noticed it on my trips through Amsterdam.

  17. Fantastic photography. Thanks for visiting my website rakmilphotography.com.

  18. John says:

    Thanks for visiting my site today. 🙂

  19. rj says:

    Thanks for visiting my blog, I hope you like the posts. You have some amazing captures here..

  20. dankie dat jy van my blog hou……

  21. These are such wonderful portraits! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and liking my post on Singer’s Castle. I hope to see you back soon. Bella

  22. Christine says:

    Hi Willem-Jan,
    Thanks for stopping by my page. Your portrait work is amazing! I look forward to seeing more of your work. Hope to see you around my page again!

    Christine

  23. Honie Briggs says:

    The images are striking. You capture more than light, an essence – attitude.

  24. Loved your portraits! Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier 🙂

    Yulia

  25. Jo Fredric says:

    Thanks for visiting and liking our blog. Well done with the photography too – you have some stunning images here.

  26. achilliad says:

    Hi, Sir Ooggetuige! Thank you, Spaceebah, for liking my Woody Post post. It means much from a person of your photo caliber! Cheers! Jimi B

  27. You have some very beautiful and stylish portrait photos here! I wish you the very best in success with your photography!

  28. Thanks so much for coming by the LoveMore Studio blog and showing some love. I look forward to checking out your images! ~Peace, Jason

  29. LOVED your images.
    Great job

  30. Thanks for checking out my site. I love your photography. I haven’t seen your entire site yet, but I am looking forward to doing that soon.

  31. ciao! I’m starting more then studying experimenting photography…I consider it a great form of art and expression and I want to deal with it more & more! kiss

  32. Marli Koen | Photography says:

    Hello Willen-Jan. Dankie vir die besoek aan my blog!
    Your photography is breathtaking. Keep up the good work!

  33. thank you for the support. Hope you’ll be able to read my future posts. Sweet! Hope you’ll be able to finish your folio. I hope to do my folio as well. 🙂

  34. stella says:

    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Your photography is amazing, and I’ve decided to follow you. Follow back?

    • ooggetuige says:

      Dear Stella,

      Thank you for your kind words.

      Sure thing to “follow you back”

      I am looking forward to reading new posts by you.

      Say hello to the Big Apple from me!

      Greetings from Holland,

      Willem-Jan

  35. @somefactory says:

    Willem-Jan
    Your photography is incredible and sharp!
    I appreciate that like you my posts
    Glad to follow your blog
    Best
    A

  36. caityrosey says:

    I enjoy the storytelling you include in your images. Each one makes you want to know more about the person depicted.

  37. Congratulations for your work, which is actually very good.
    P.

  38. todolokis says:

    Nice to meet you, and thank you, like, follow! Good Photo

  39. Great blog … thanks for visiting mine! =D

  40. yarashakar says:

    hi ! I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award 😀
    Your pictures are very artistic ,they’re beautiful 🙂

    For further Detail visit my blog:

    One Lovely Blog Award!!

    Yara ,

  41. Glad you dropped by and enjoyed my post “Squash Blossoms” today (http://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/squash-blossoms/). Please feel free to stop by anytime. I’m enjoying taking pictures with my new iPad. The camera is amazing, even though I feel a little silly sometimes using it instead of the real camera. 🙂 I look forward to exploring your site and pictures when I have a little time. I’m on vacation right now and won’t have much time (or fast internet access) but I will have more pictures! 🙂 Nice to meet you.

  42. Awesome photo today… wow! I’m still looking at your pages. Thanks for stopping by in my world. 🙂

  43. rigmover says:

    Hey thanks for the like on my blog, you have a great blog here.

  44. petrel41 says:

    Congratulations, Willem-Jan!

    I have nominated you for the Kreativ Blog Award.

    The rules are at

    Kreativ Blogger Award, thanks J.E. Lattimer!

    If you got this award before, I think that you deserve another one 🙂

  45. Loved the shots! Very engaging.

  46. Ty fir hitting the like button on my blog :). Love ur work

  47. neelkanth says:

    So nice.
    I am thankful to you for your ‘like’ on my blog post. I have done the same thing on yours. I am also following you with immediate effect.

  48. Thanks for stopping by and liking my post, Luscious Tomatoes. Enjoyed browsing through your blog. You have great pictures.

  49. JulesPaige says:

    Going through my e-mail I see that you stopped by one day. I hope to stop by and be inspired to write short verse on your beautiful photography. Wishing you continued success.

  50. Liz at Libro says:

    Thank you for liking my book review blog post. If you are considering changing your career, you might find it useful to have a look at the series of interviews I’m doing on my other blog with people who have set up their own businesses – including two photographers so far – many of whom have had a mid-career switch: http://libroediting.com/category/freelancer-chat/

  51. Thanks for liking my books post!

  52. You have some stunning shots here Willem, great work! I am flattered that you liked my blog. Now if I could only take some pictures like these . . . . . . .

  53. coconutspeak says:

    Thank you for the ‘like’ on my blog.

  54. jiltaroo says:

    Your art is incredible. Really love looking at your photos. Jen

  55. sylvia tay says:

    I love your artistic photography and there is so much depth in your pictures. Their beauty left me speechless…

  56. Hello, Thanks for the “like” on my blog today! I’m new to your blog as well, and your photos are beautiful! I love photography too – I haven’t mastered it as you have, but I hope to someday. Nice to meet you, and have a wonderful day! – Kathryn

  57. absolutely and thoroughly love your work & your vision, you bring each and every photo to life, I love how you use the light and shadows to do just that!! yes you are a master of your work!!! I look forward to coming back 🙂 and I thank you for hitting the “Like” button on my blog:)

  58. As a fellow lawyer-who-doesn’t-want-to-be-one I totally understand! And I feel that taking photos and exploring is one of the best ways that I have to feel different and to connect with the world around me. It’s awesome to know that there are others out there just like me (although with a little more talent!)

  59. Lovely photos, you are so talented. I love looking at the world thru my camera as do you from what I can interpet your photos. Nice of you to like my photos so I found your blog 🙂

  60. darianadasan says:

    Thank you for being kind enough to life my post, although browsing your makes me feel so little !
    I am definitely a follower, your photos are mesmerizing ! Hugs, Daria

  61. darianadasan says:

    *Correction – Thank you for being kind enough to like my post, although browsing your blog makes me feel so little !
    I am definitely a follower, your photos are mesmerizing ! Hugs, Daria

  62. Wish you the very best when switching careers.

  63. Pingback: Thought Provoking Blog Award! | Ritva's Art

  64. I Nominated your blog for the “Thought provoking award”. Please check out the details at http://artbyritva.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/thought-provoking-blog-award/ If this is not suitable time for you to accept this, please take it as a compiment of a beautiful blog 🙂 Sunny regards, Ritva

  65. Erica Preo says:

    Incredible body of work.

  66. N Filbert says:

    appreciate your work here – thank you

    Thankfulness

  67. Juiceeme says:

    Thanks for visiting my blog…Feel free to come by anytime 😉

  68. maciek dubla says:

    Hi Willem.
    Please could you send me your email address?

    Thanks

  69. gacochran says:

    Thanks for dropping by and the like. And I’m looking forward to enjoying more of your art.

  70. deCamville Design says:

    Your photos are beautiful! Thank you for visiting my blog. I am happy to have found yours. ~Patricia

  71. Dave says:

    I hope to get to this quality of photography. Very nice…

  72. holliegraceanne says:

    Thanks for the like on my post! I’m on Twitter also – @holliegraceanne. Happy blogging!:)

  73. JM says:

    Hi, Thank you for stopping by my corner of the web and following my blog! I really enjoyed exploring your site and look forward to seeing more posts in the future.

  74. Penny says:

    Thanks so much for stopping by my site so that I found yours!

  75. S Joe says:

    Thank you so much for stopping by my site because that’s how I found yours! I looked through you blog and decided to start liking and commenting few photographs but realised I liked almost all your photographs… that’s why I decided to comment once at your ‘about’ page… 🙂 Loved your photos. You are an inspiration.

  76. fstopfun says:

    Great blog, I have been working on my portraits for a few months. I love the depth of your compositions! Awesome work.

  77. tms says:

    … if this comes as a consolation (or even in time), I do not know: Great artists like Kafka, Benn, and Döblin had ‘civil’ careers. They teach us it’s possible … and before I forget to mention it: Beautiful, touching photos you show here!

  78. katemcmillanblogs says:

    Your portraits are amazing. 🙂

  79. Jenny Trozell says:

    wonderful pictures! looking forward to more 🙂

  80. Wow, very impressive photography. You would have no trouble switching professions!! I just want to click ‘like’ on them all!!! Thanks for visiting my photography blog so I could have the pleasure of meeting you. I have a lot to learn when it comes to portraiture so I will follow your work for excellent examples! 🙂

  81. grumpytyke says:

    Hi, thanks for the like on my recent WordPress challenge pic. I’ve just flipped through some of your posts – some really superb pictures! I’ll be following you from my photoblog – grumpytykepix. Best of luck with the change of career – you shouldn’t have a problem!

  82. Renchick says:

    I love your photos! Portraiture is something I have not yet tried, but would like to. I look forward to seeing more of your work and learning from it 🙂

  83. N Filbert says:

    thank you for your work – very inspiring 🙂

    Reasons for Thanks – inspiration

  84. TheBowTieButterFly says:

    I’ve nominated you for the “very inspiring blogger award” http://thebowtiebutterfly.com/2012/11/24/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/

  85. petrel41 says:

    Hi Willem-Jan,

    Good news! I have nominated your blog for the Blog of the Year 2012 award.

    The rules of the award are at

    Blog of the Year 2012 award, thanks Miss Marzipan!

    Congratulations!

  86. your website is nominated to the blog of the year 2012 ..check it here

    http://suavesolidade.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/blog-of-the-year-award-2012/

  87. Hi! I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Congrats!
    http://mimipatenaude.com/2012/12/16/one-lovely-blog-award/

  88. westseventhfreelance says:

    Hello! Thank you for taking a look at my blog… your portraits are so rich and full of stories. I can only hope to one day find my way..

    I would be so pleased to receive your critique and suggestions..if you have time. (I am in career change..54 years old and determined to do things differently!!) (I also posted a portrait in my last blog ‘Swedish..’ I look forward to seeing more of your work-

  89. Willem-Jan, thank you for visiting and liking my recent post on using creativity in photography.

    Good luck with transitioning from law to photography! I did the move from being a CPA to photographer a few years ago and I haven’t looked back. 🙂 You’ve got good taste in portrature. What can I say? You’ve liked my work. Hahaha…

    Happy New Year!

    Jean

  90. julzH says:

    Hi Willem-Jan, thank you for the like on my post. You have beautiful photographs, lovely portraits.
    Cheers!

  91. This is a truly amazing blog, and I love reading each post.

    I wanted to nominate you for the Liebster Award as you always inspire me.!

    The Liebster Award

    🙂

  92. Diana says:

    Hi! Thank you for checking out my blog.
    I like your site, and images.
    I wish you all the best! Diana.

  93. Kerri says:

    For being a source of inspiration to me, I have nominated you for the Inspiring Blogger Award.
    If you have recently been nominated for this award OR if you’re not keen on participating in the process, please feel free to accept my appreciation of your talent and desire to point others in your direction. I think you’re FABULOUS! with no strings attached. 🙂

  94. Hallo Willem-Jan. Ik vind uw artikelen interessant.
    Ga zo door!

  95. sashasway says:

    You have lovely photography!!! Thank you for the blog post like and know that you are in good company … Careers pay the bills, do they not?? I do not like mine much but until I finish that best seller … I trudge back and forth … and found my way back to my second hobby – the gym 🙂

  96. StillWalks says:

    I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blog Award 🙂

  97. Jackie says:

    Thanks so much for visiting my blog and liking my photo! I appreciate it very much. I’ve enjoyed my visit here and look forward to following your work. 😀

  98. Thanks for letting me know you like my recipe at mittsandmeasures.com! What a great site you have! Beautiful!

  99. rachcortes says:

    Hi!!
    I like your blog a lot, so I’ve tagged you for the Liebster blogging award. Please take part of it! Here are the rules: http://thehatofthemad.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/liebster-award/

  100. Victor Ho says:

    Willem
    I have read your bio… My comment is to not quit your ‘day job.’ Once you go over to doing photography as business, it’s different. I’ve thought about ‘wedding photography.’ But everyone with a digital camera these days is an expert. And youtube… Thanks for visiting my blog. All the best to you. But if you should quit your job… the world would be a better place with one less lawyer… 🙂

  101. Harrie says:

    Hallo; Goeie naam, ‘ooggetuige’; en prachtige foto’s. tot een volgende gelegenheid. Groet, harrie. (En bedankt voor het bezoeken van m’n blog.)

  102. Dr_IQ says:

    Lovely images. Beautiful portraits.

  103. Incredible eye you have! A pleasure to follow!

  104. You have some great shots here! Considering portraiture is obviously your thing I’m really pleased that you liked my attempts 🙂

  105. Your portraits are outstanding…very beautiful.

  106. Alexander says:

    Hey!
    Thank you for taking a look at my pictures…how flattering that someone in the world sees and likes my photographs…. your work possesses a wonderful sense of light and ‘approach’. Keep going! My best wishes to you, thanks again

  107. Maggie Beck says:

    Oh! What amazing portraits! Seeing your work makes me so very appreciative that you liked my post today on Tide Line Still Life. Thank you ever so much. I must tell you that I spent quite a bit of time in the Netherlands when we lived in Europe several decades ago. We drove up often from outside Frankfurt. Now I wish I could go back and spend time on the coast of the North Sea to look for treasures. Best, Maggie

  108. Zest says:

    Hi Willem-Jan, thanks so much for stopping by and liking my post on the Sunshine Scrapbook! 🙂

  109. Nanouk says:

    Hoi Willem-Jan, ik kreeg je link door van Gerhard, echt mooie foto’s! Groetjes, Nanouk

    • ooggetuige says:

      Nanouk,

      Dank voor je bericht. Waar ken je Gerhard van?

      groet,

      Willem-Jan

      • Nanouk says:

        Hoi Willem-Jan,
        Gerhard en ik zijn collega’s en ik blog, waarop hij vertelde over jouw foto-blog. Vandaar:)
        Die zwart-wit foto die op een tekening lijkt, is echt super mooi. Lady with book ook trouwens. Hoe kom je aan je inspiratie?
        Groet, Nanouk

  110. Thank you very much for liking my post! I’m honored 😀 I wish to be an awesome photographer like you someday!
    I love your photos. They’re beautiful 🙂

  111. juohmaru says:

    Following!!! THOUGH, why repent? I would definitely go to law school if my family was able to afford it back then. Photographer is a good career too, just that I think lawyers are awesome!

  112. Hi Willem-Jan, thanks for passing by my little ‘canary’ blog and liking some of my photographs. I have just started to get interested in photography and – clearly – there is endless room for improvement and learning. However, you definitely managed to intrigue me with your pictures…will follow your creative output from now on. Have a great we.

  113. HI, Thanks for following me…Love your shoots…Where are you living? maybe we can have a chat one day…For now too busy with life 🙂 X

  114. Giovanni says:

    I deeply appreciate your sensibilities and our passion.

  115. windhound says:

    I really enjoyed this visit to your Blog and am so glad that you discovered a way to express your creativity showing both humour and an eye for beauty. Following your heart is life changing and the best reason for breathing.

  116. gjnctf says:

    thanks for stopping by my blog. Your pictures are stunning and I’m sincere when I say this as I hate to give compliments without meaning it. 😉

  117. KJ @ alwaystravelicious.com says:

    Hi Willem ! Have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! You can see the details here http://alwaystravelicious.com/2013/07/13/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/. keep the good photos flowing in 🙂 Cheers KJ

  118. seasonette2 says:

    thank you very much for visiting and liking my blog (altough in comparison to you I’m an absolute beginner). Your portraits are real pieces of art. I’m deeply impressed with your way to portrait “real people”.

  119. Thank you so much for dropping by my blog. 🙂

  120. Melissa says:

    Hello!
    Thanks for liking my post re: Artwork! I love your sense of humor… and your photography is lovely.
    Be well,
    Melissa / Orbit

  121. carmenaidacreates says:

    Thanks for visiting & liking my post on Bouquet of Hydrangeas. If your talent as a lawyer is one tenth as great as your photography, I’ll look you up if I get into a jam. Your work is awesome! I’ll definitely come back to visit. Carmen Aida

  122. hi willem-jan,
    thanks for liking my recent blog and stopping by.
    like your photos, especially the beautiful portraiture work.
    all the best.
    very best regards,
    kap

  123. I love your photographs and just nominated you for a Super Sweet Blogging Award on my blog. Such wonderful work! Cheers, Nicole

  124. You have very interesting blog.
    Wery spectacular.

  125. unwillingexpat says:

    You have a beautiful blog which I have just discovered.
    So happy you have seen the light and are being creative instead of being yet another lawyer.
    I too love photography, but I refuse to be paid to do it and prefer to combine images with my words. Look forward to seeing more.
    Regards …

  126. theartofdigitalimages says:

    Please don’t sue me…

    I have three other blogs which you might enjoy :

    Theartofdigitalimages.wordpress.com

    iphoneart.wordpress.com

    architectualcutouts.wordpress.com

  127. HAYinstyle says:

    tks for stopping by my blog and liking my post, appreciated!

  128. Just popped over to say thanks for liking the post “Himba Girl”, really appreciated. Just been going through some of your own posts and like them. So here is a follow from the South of Ireland. MM 🍀

  129. bikerchick57 says:

    Your photos are beautiful and striking. I will be following you!

  130. Ana says:

    Thank you for stopping by my blog http://anakiyasworld.com and thank you for giving me the opportunity to find your blog. I really like your work and can’t wait to see more of it. I particularly like the cobble stone shot. It brought me back to the days of living in Europe and I swear I could almost hear the sounds of the cobblestones under my feet. Great work.

  131. The Chronicles of Miswa Patola says:

    Hello! First of all, thank you for stopping to my blog. I really love your works, and I do admit that I even choose your pictures to be on my dream pictures. I totally love your works, especially the classic lighting. You are one of my biggest inspiration and influence.

  132. Capt Jill says:

    thanks for stopping by my blog, I’m glad you liked it 🙂

  133. alexpapakon says:

    Thanks for your kind interest in my blog.
    Your work is outstanding really!
    Bravissimo!!!

  134. kara says:

    thanks for liking my post, its great to so wonderful to discover new work from someone discovering yours… I love your sense of light and the expressions you bring out of people… where are you based???

    Cheers
    Kara

  135. Willem, two reasons to celebrate: 1. Start of the weekend, 2. I’ve nominated you for the Semper Fidelis Award. For more details just hop on over to my blog at http://meticulousmick.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/semper-fidelis-award/

    Have a great weekend, MM 🍀

  136. Glad to have stumbled upon your site, your portraits are stunning!

  137. Your eyes give an intensity that I really enjoyed, plus your use of color really gels. Nice work! Thanks for swing by and following me on my artistic adventure too!

  138. Hello Willem,

    Splendid portrait images…

    Each one is an art work, enjoyed browsing through your blog 🙂

    Have a great time.

  139. FotoFips says:

    Hi! Thank you for visiting and now following my blog.

  140. Hi there,
    Thank you for taking the time to stop by and check out my little corner of the blogosphere and the follow, your support is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to seeing more from you

    Have a great Day, 🙂

    Eddie

  141. Anna says:

    Very nice pictures. Have a grest day.

  142. Awesome blog man! keep it up

Leave a reply to ooggetuige Cancel reply