by Yvette Depaepe 
Published the 26st of June 2023

To Nic Keller, digital editing offers the possibility to transform her visions into images. When she has an idea in mind, she tries to develop it creatively. She wants emotions in her works and therefore uses powerful black and white contrasts, strong contrasts in the depiction of the size of  objects. Her photographs often reflect moments out of her own life. Read more about this sensitive artist and her creations through this interview.

 'Flying home'

Briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs.

My name is Nic Keller. I come from Switzerland and have two teenage children. I work at a pedagogical university where I have a management function. In my free time, I pursue my hobby which is photography.

What first attracted you to photography?
Inspired by my father's love of beautiful pictures, I came into contact with photography as a teenager. In addition, he repeatedly inspired me through his knowledge of art and his painting, especially in cubism and abstract. Unfortunately, I did not practise my hobby for several years because of my studies at the university, family and my work. It was after years that I bought a digital camera and started retaking pictures.

Describe your overall photographic vision and tell us why you are so drawn by creatively edited photography?

My photographic vision is to take everyday images, to create new ideas related to life.  I want them inspiring and emotionally moving. Often my pictures reflect moments from my own life, such as the work “Career ladder - Long way upstairs...”

'Career ladder - Long way upstairs...'

or thoughts I try to express in image creation, such as the work “Which door should it be?"

'Which door should it be?'

Digital image creation offers me the possibility to transform my visions into images. If I see an idea with my inner eye, I try to develop it creatively. To create emotions in  my works, I like to use powerful black and white contrasts, with strong contrasts in the depiction of the size of objects and with an interesting lighting design. I often use objects such as clouds, birds, lamps and people as silhouettes, often represented very small.

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

For me, the story behind the picture is central and essential. But if I want it to work, it also has to be technically perfect. Imperfect editing techniques can negatively influence the impact of the story behind it. So I also make a lot of efforts in terms of technical perfection to achieve the desired result.

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

My visual conception determines the choice of my motifs. Therefore, when I have a picture in mind,  I photograph its corresponding motifs in the corresponding places. For this reason, I always have my camera with me when I am out and about and photograph what I encounter. If I discover an exciting object or people in poses that I like, I may photograph them to use later for a new picture if necessary.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?

I use a Nikon z 7 with mostly the 50mm 1.8 lens, but I also use other Nikkor lenses like the 105mm.

What software do you use to process your images?

I work with Photoshop which offers me all what I need.

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?

My images usually start with an idea I have in mind which I follow. First, I sketch it on my iPad to check whether it works. Then I start looking for suitable subjects to create this new image. Finally, I photograph the necessary motifs or use pictures I already have. That is why some particular subject appear more often in my photographs.

Once I have everything together, I sit in front of my big tablet and start putting everything together in Photoshop, which is a longer process. Often I let the picture rest for a while to give the opportunity to new ideas to flow in. During this process, the image keeps changing from the original vision. Then, finally, I work on the image until I like it.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in creatively edited photography and how do you get started?

Look at a lot of photos and get to grips with Photoshop or another programme. And above all: don't give up and don't be intimidated by the many possibilities offered by programmes like Photoshop.

Who are your favourite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography?

Ansel Adams for his atmospheric black-and-white landscape photographs, Sebastiao Salgado for his awe-inspiring shots, Michael Kenna for his striking and minimalist landscape images and Ben Goossens  for his creative and humorous photos.

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?

I find 1x.com a very inspiring website that I appreciate a lot. I like the high quality images, thanks to the concept of jurors selecting the photos.

'Civilization – no more space for nature'

'tree in the rain'

'through the gates...'

'walking to the light...'

'my home is my castle'

'Wonderful view'

'Fly like a bird'

'Biker in heaven'

'Cycling in the forest'

'Alone with big clouds'

'Birds like a break at lofty heights'

'alone with birds and my time'