365ers - An Interview with Peter de Graaff

This week I'm really pleased to have this great interview with Peter de Graaff for you. Peter has been a wonderful inspiration to many on the site, and a regular in our themes and top 20's. It's been really interesting to learn a little more about him.

Our 365ers series of interviews follows great photographers with interesting stories from the community, so a big thank you to Peter for sharing his story. I hope you enjoy it.

What made you decide to take on the 365 Project?

I became inquisitive about the 365 Project after seeing posts on Facebook from a friend's timeline. I had always been interested in photography so thought it would be a great Project to try, and signed up in December 2010. Initially I posted intermittently due to other commitments and used an iPhone as my camera.

Did you have much photography experience before you started?

As a teenager I saved my pocket money and bought an Olympus Trip 35. During the 90's I was an early adopter of digital photography with an Apple camera. Later I bought a Canon A10 and an Olympus E-330, but was also shooting film.

How did the project expand your knowledge, and teach you new things?

The 365 Project broadened my horizons around the use of lenses, camera settings, different formats and techniques. The 365 community is very active and encourages participation in a great range of themes or competitions. I have immensely enjoyed Film February for the camaraderie with other film shooters, experimentation and encouragement to try out the world's different films and cameras. Dave Schofield @chewyteeth and Aaron Aldrich @grizzlysghost have been terrific film supporters and conspirators.

I see you like using a wide variety of cameras – do you have a favourite?

I am particularly fond of my Olympus cameras, particularly my OM-1 SLR and Olympus Chrome Six which is a medium format folding rangefinder camera from the 1950's. The latter has a remarkable lens. I also love the photos taken with my Yashica A which is twin lens reflex. Recently I have bought a large format Toyo field camera made from carbon fibre so that it is lightweight for trekking. I usually never leave home without my Lomo LC-A or Olympus XA-2: both of these are small point and shoot cameras from the 70's. in my car I usually have five or so cameras, with different types of film. I always have my Olympus PEN EPL-1 digital camera with an ultra wide angle lens on as well.

Is there a particular style of photography you enjoy the most?

I particularly enjoy landscape photography both in black & white and colour. Sunsets and seascapes seem to be favourites for me as I live near the sea. I enjoy street photography when I am in town. My favourite photographers are Ansell Adams, Georgia O'Keeffe and Max Dupain. Later this year I will be undertaking a large format photography with Bruce Barnbaum.

What kept you going throughout the first year of your project?

During the first year of my project I posted intermittently so it took me a long to reach 365. I did not believe in using fillers for days I had missed. During my first year I experienced some significant heath problems and it was photography and 365 which helped me through this difficult time. Although I only occasionally mentioned it, 365 provided my with an interest and stimulation. Photography challenged me to focus on the world about and around me.

And what kept you snapping after your first year?

After my first year I continued 365 since everyday I am taking photos, enjoy sharing and love the friends I have made here. Sometimes threads are a good place to share or make a joke, share knowledge and learn, but also there are friends who I now communicate with off 365. I would also love to see a film photo get to Number 1 on the weekly Top 20.

Can you share a few of your own favourite pictures with us…

I particularly like these two photos taken in Bali one digital and the other film
using a Yashica twin lens reflex camera. one, two

And, according to your followers what were your most popular shots?

Three of my photos have been Number 1 in Top 20 including two below. The third one below is my highest rated Top 20 film photo. one, two, three

Is there any thing or any person you would like to capture on camera?

This year I am looking forward to visiting Utah and then Yellowstone in spring. I would like to capture a panorama of the Grand Tetons, a moon rise through a sandstone arch, and wildlife including a grizzly bear. I would also like to visit Nepal, Kenya and Patagonia. I have a huge bucket list.

Any advice for budding 365ers?

It is important to remember that it is your project. If it takes longer than 365 - well that's OK. Enjoy the photos of others and make comments on those you connect with. 365ers will often come to look at yours too.

And finally... What next? What do you think you will be doing in 5 years time?

I hope that I will have become a creatively skilled large format photographer able to successfully develop and exhibit my own work, be travelling and making images of the world