About fifteen years ago, I was given my father’s SLR camera on loan. I didn’t realize the impact this camera would have on my life.

The camera turned out to be a ticket for a wonderful and adventurous journey of discovery through the magical world of photography. Sometimes difficult, always rewarding. With the camera at the ready, I began the most important journey of my life, the journey that would teach me to ‘see’.

Before I could conquer the world, I had to start close by, very close by. With myself. How could I explore the world without knowing who I was. My strengths and my shortcomings. I started making self-portraits. Literally and figuratively. Recognizing my shortcomings and describing them was probably the most difficult task I had ever undertaken. But it was more than worth it.

What did I need in my life? More self-confidence, social contact and an artistic outlet.

On to change!

The camera became the symbol of my change. Just like in real life, the images I saw through the camera’s viewfinder were limited and quite blurry. That changed as the levers and buttons became more meaningful. The learning process was done in small steps, but the changes were clearly noticeable. I learned to look with focus. Details became important. Light, color, speed.

The camera also opened doors that I previously did not have the strength to push open. The camera turned out to have that power. Or so I thought. Until I realized that it was not the camera that opened the doors, but me. Photography gave me the self-confidence I needed. The steps I took became bigger. I could achieve anything I wanted, as long as I believed in myself. It takes courage and hard work, but it is so rewarding. The photos I have taken since then are visible evidence of my change. Photography has become a passion, with the camera as my teacher. A friend who drags me along in search of new challenges. Every time I hold the camera up to my eye and look through that small window, I discover a new part of the fantastic world around me. A world I would like to fully explore and share with you.

Bart Geurts, passionate photographer and explorer.