About a month ago I discovered a new film channel on YouTube, the photographer & videographer Willem Verbeeck. I’m always looking for new and exciting takes on other photographer’s processes and visual styles. Instead of admiring from afar I decided to ask Willem a few questions about his work and future plans on the channel.
FG: Where are you from and how long have you been shooting?
WV: Im originally from Belgium, but i’ve moved around a lot between Belgium, New Jersey, London and now New York
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FG: What prompted you to document your work on a YouTube channel?
WV: Everything I was watching on youtube was so much focused on tech, gear reviews and the technical aspects of photography. I wanted to create content that also heavily involved the artistic aspects of the medium. I do occasionally still do videos about cameras and gear but I try to focus on the process of the equipment as opposed to a list of technical specs.
FG: Along with what inspires you, what other photographers or artists do you admire?
WV: I’m a huge Wes Anderson fan. His movies are so visually driven and the color palettes are so incredibly refined. Most of the photographers I admire have work that looks like they’re movie stills. Todd Hido is an amazing example.
FG: How did the idea of shooting a series at Coney Island come about?
WV: I think like a lot of photography projects it started by just taking photos on a trip to the beach. I was drawn to the incredible color palette that exists there and just looking through the history of how Coney Island developed over the past couple decades I became really inspired to continue shooting there and try to develop some kind of narrative through the people and scenery.
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FG: What is your method when shooting fashion or portraits? Are you more spontaneous or a planner?
WV: I’m super spontaneous with my shoots but I aspire to be someone who plans. I have friends who will plan every detail of a set weeks in advance but that stresses me out and I end up making terrible work. So I approach my shoots with an open mind and a general idea but just go with the flow of things. I have been shooting much more in studios recently and that honestly requires a ton of planning so I’m working on it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rs1_ZSV25E
FG: I always look forward to your videos each week. Can you mention any upcoming videos you’ve got planned?
WV: I’m flattered. My favorite series right now I make is called “phototalks”. Its a series that features other photographers and their image making process. That truly is the content that I enjoy watching on youtube and its what I have the most fun making. I have some amazing photographers lined up so definitely many more of those. I think watching other artists and their creative process is the most inspiring form of videos. Also its incredible to me that this youtube channel started as a silly place where I posted videos about photography and its becoming a platform where I can give other aspiring photographers a platform to showcase their work/voice.
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FG: Who would you love to interview or shoot for the channel?
WV: Ryan Plett
Devin Blaskovich
Todd Hido
FG: You mainly shoot with a Mamiya RZ67. Is there a reason why you prefer a larger format to 35m right now?
WV: I just love the detail, tonality and depth that you can achieve with a medium format camera. That being said, I think the reason I keep shooting with medium format as opposed to something digital is just because of how tactile and physical the experience is. It makes you slow down and think about your shot in a way that a digital camera never does. The shutter, winding, loading film etc feels significant and precious as opposed to firing a digital shutter and seeing your image pop up right on the back of your camera.
FG: What’s next for you in general? Is there a genre of photography that you haven’t explored yet and wish to in the future?
WV: I think I’m only just getting started with portrait and fashion photography. Working in the studio has opened up whole new doors for me to explore and I definitely want to keep working/photographing with dope musicians and artists. Im addicted to print. The first time I saw my work in print I was instantly hooked. Its special in the context of the digital world where we primarily consume content on screens.
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Follow Willem on instagram: @willemverb and on YouTube – WillemVerb
