Meet Siem Clerx

Today we’d like to introduce you to Siem Clerx.

Hi Siem, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a Dutch mechanical engineer who’s transitioning to full-time photography. Where in mechanical engineering form follows function. In photography, it’s more about aesthetics. Which I always had an interest for.

During my career as an engineer, I did photography on the side. I shot finished interior projects for my employer and product photography. For leisure, I have been doing loads of nature and landscape photography. Especially during lockdowns to keep me sane.

I’m spending three months here in San Diego with my sister who has lived here for three years now. This after two years of travel ban between the Netherlands and the USA. I use my time here to learn how to surf, build a website for my portfolio, check out the rest of California. And not to forget, skip dutch lockdown and the gray winter.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has been smooth until now. Working in engineering doing photography on the side has allowed me to create a portfolio while still being financially stable. Transitioning to full-time photography however is quite a jump into the unknown. The labor market in engineering is really stable. For photography, there are loads of people doing it. You have to differ in a way. I can use my technical background as an advantage. It allows me to be in line with contractors, architects, etc. As I know their lingo.

The coming period will be hard. But it will be worth it, creating more freedom in my work and life. If things don’t work out financially, engineering is my safe net.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Commercially I do interior and project (building environment) photography. As an engineer, I know blood, sweat and tears go into these projects. People are working their butts off to create beautiful things. This should be brought to the outside via photography. Same goes for products.

My own work. Contains mainly landscape and nature, wildlife photography. I’m an observer. I like to know how things work, why things are the way they are. Photography allows me to be more mindful in this and capture these moments. I don’t like people using overused quotes from famous artists. But I’m going to do it anyway and make a fool out of myself. Van Gogh once wrote to his brother. “If one truly loves nature one finds beauty everywhere.”

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Just tell people what you are doing and share ideas. Regardless of their social status, education or level of intelligence. All people have different visions. Listen and apply. People will see things you overlook in tunnel vision.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@siemclerx.nl
• Website: siemclerx.nl
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siemclerxnl/

Image Credits
Siem Clerx