One of my absolute favourite modern photographers is the Dutchman Erwin Olaf. His eye for composition is truly outstanding, and the subtlety and delicacy of his work is breathtaking. OK, some of his stuff is not at all subtle – some of his “gay” work is right in your face and very confronting (and brilliant nonetheless). But some of his series have a very quiet maturity to them, and a subtlety that I think in uncommon in modern photography. Particularly the series Rain, Hope and now Grief. Go to his web site and check out “Grief” and the “Grief Portraits”. If you haven’t seen his work before, check it all out. But Grief is truly inspirational work. It’s possible I’m very sensitive to this theme as my older brother went missing over a decade ago, and I have dealt with this topic at first hand, but I think it’s an extremely accessible human condition that we can all be touched by.
As far as aspirational photographers go, he is it for me. The decor, the models, the colour, the composition, the incredible and uncompromising attention to detail – all hallmarks of a truly professional artist. And he has his little quirks that have to make you smile. Keep an eye out for electrical leads and switches. He seems to place them in the majority of his work. What they represent I have no idea, but I like them. They break up the perfect lines a little and add a touch of organised chaos to what is a very very organised scene.
To see some of his commercial advertising work, check out this site.
And Erwin – if you are ever in Australia and need an assistant for free, please, please, please give me a call. 🙂
Leave A Comment