bio

Allan Schaap, professional free-lance photographer, is based n the midlands of The

Netherlands.

Born in 1964 and raised in the then still apartheid era Johannesburg, Allan studied

photography under the guidence of Franklin J. Sanborne FPSSA FRPS from 1984-1986. Allan

was influenced in the early days by various South African reportage photographers but

especially by Jürgen Schadeberg of Drum magazine, who's work was and still is truly

inspirational.

With more than 25 years experience in the field, studio and darkroom, Allan is a firm

believer in technological development and uses only professional digital single lens reflex

cameras and pro-spec lenses although he has learned to concentrate his attention on the

subject and perceived final image and tries to avoid being caught up in the present

megapixel race.

David Hamilton said that "the difference between an amateur and a professional photographer is

that the amateur thinks the camera does the work. And they treat the camera with a certain

amount of reverence. It is all about the kind of lens you choose, the kind of film stock you use...

exactly the sort of perfection of the camera. Whereas the professional - the real professional -

treats the camera with unutterable disdain. They pick up the camera and sling it aside. Because

they know it’s the eye and the brain that count, not the mechanism that gets between them

and the subject that counts."

Fine art nude, beauty and reportage photography are Allan's favorite genres and he has

been inspired by celebrated photographers such as: Bill Brandt, Edward Weston, David

Hamilton, W.Eugene Smith, Karsh, Henri Cartier Bresson and Sam Haskins.

His usual approach to nude and glamour photography is simple and fundamental and

emphasizes the female form in its natural glory. He prefers to shoot fine art nude and

beauty on location outdoors in rural environments and establishments, such as fields and

the beach, old farmhouses and barns. The multitude of textures, colors and shapes with

diffused or direct natural lighting further enhance the curves, smoothness and unblemished

beauty of the female form as he prefers it to be portrayed. Allan frequently receives

commissions from local government agencies who have come to appreciate his unique style

of landscape and architectural photography in recent years. Allan has also been

commissioned to design and create photo-art as gifts for high ranking civil servants and

dignitaries. As well as commissions, Allan has had work accepted for publication in

numerous books, magazines and promotional material (local and international) and has

held 2 major exhibitions; in Johannesburg, South Africa and in Holland.

When time permits and in-between projects, Allan will be found, ideally, wading through a

gin clear stream in the mountains somewhere in Europe practicing his second favorite pass-

time, fly-fishing. "The art of tying an imitation fly and deceiving a wily trout is a thrill that has

to be experienced!