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Hendrik Kerstens photography: the Paula Pictures

Hendrik Kerstens‘ series the Paula Pictures, takes his daughter as the photographic subject. I see many influences here, and find the relationship between father/photographer and daughter/subject to be a fascinating one. I wonder about the story behind each portrait - how it was set up, what she was thinking in that moment, whether or not it was awkward to be imaged by her father (especially those shots in which she is half-naked). She never seems fully understood - each photograph only a snapshot, seemingly insufficient to express the layers of her identity.

Black cap

Weep

Curtain

the first one makes me think of the dutch master painters, like Johannes Vermeer. i guess the last one kinda does too.

i agree with you.. the images kerstens has created of his daughter are magical.. i am not sure why i like these images, either. being a big fan of both the weird and wonderful and portraiture - these images combine some pedantic scenario juxtaposed with a surrealist nod toward classical paintings etc… is my excitement equal to that of the photogrtapher/sitter for the image? i love these images and i would be equally enchanted to create such images myself… if you come across anymore of his images of this ilk then let me know… beautiful.
regards
jonathan