This week’s featured photographer is Damon Pijlman from Studio Damon Photography in the Netherlands. Damon recently won five awards from the Masters of Dutch Wedding Photography Awards, the most of any photographer. These awards are brand new and honor Dutch wedding photographers four times a year for their outstanding, innovative or just insane wedding photography. Check out the winning photos below and more about Damon and his work.
All photos © Damon Pijlman
Damon Pijlman’s Award Winning Photos
“Winning these awards means a lot to me. One award would have made me so happy, and receiving five literally blew my mind. That was so far above my expectations! The couples in these photos are so amazing and many thanks to them. We’re so lucky that our couples are so cool with lots of LOVE, enthusiasm, spontaneity and patience to get these shots. They believed in us, and gave us a lot of trust and without that, we couldn’t take these photos. We look forward to discovering and documenting amazing weddings. I hope these awards will find more cool couples, deep in love!” – Damon Pijlman
Interview with Damon
How did you get started in photography?
I started my photography when I was 16 years old. First, I was the second shooter, assisting a wedding photographer, and then when I was 17, I did my first wedding with a old Hasselblad camera. I think of the 12 pictures, just one turned out sharp and with good light. But, at the age of 26, I started my own business. I’m now 35 and my studio has six photographers and studio members.
What has contributed to your success?
When I just started my photography, my dream was fashion photography but the real emotions and fun in weddings sucked me in and never let me go. After a workshop with Huy Nguyen and Sergio, it changed my photography and I started to try photojournalism and take different photos. Attending the 2013 Foundation Workshop was a true life changer. Ben Chrisman and David Murray are some of the best teachers in the world! I also attended a great workshop with Citlalli Rico and Daniel Aguilar, and they opened my eyes to see the light.
What is the most important thing for your continued success?
Try to catch the real moments and make them as fearless as possible.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself, and be badass.
What is most important in your photography?
My wife – she is awesome! And nothing would be possible without my awesome wedding couples who believed in me, and who took the time, and had a lot of patience with me.
To view more of Damon’s work, visit his website or follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
More about the Masters of Dutch Photography Awards
These awards are open to wedding photographers in the Netherlands, and are awarded four times per year. The next award submission will be open starting Sept. 1, 2014. For more information, check out the website.
