Patrick Desmet: It is not about what you see but how you see it

by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 28^th of August 2023

Patrick Desmet loves the artistic freedom to create his own magical and surreal images. He enjoys processing his collages and always strives to reach technical perfection. Something very special to mention: one of his works is available in a tattoo studio in New York. It is a selfie and the background was taken in his Belgian home town. Isn't that great. But to Patrick, the essence of photography always was and always will be to have fun. Join me through this journey in his unique surreal world.

'Introspection'

At the age of 14, I bought my first reflex camera and thus took the first steps in analogue photography. Photography has always been a hobby even at a later age when working as a corporate photographer – product photography and interiors.

Apart from photography I have other hobbies like cycling and walking in nature and also travelling to other countries. I discovered my inspiration in art in books, photo books and on the internet.

What first attracted you to photography?
The way you can present something and visualize it more beautifully as the eye can perceive it.

'Strange Planet'

Can you describe your overall photographic vision, Patrick.

Vision is not what you see, but how you see it. The photographer is central and essential, the camera is a tool to express that vision and not the other way around. So creativity is always paramount.

'Under construction'

Why are you so drawn by creatively edited photography?

Because of the complete artistic freedom: you can do what you want and place characters in the scene where you want.

'Forever in Love'

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

The most important thing to me is having fun while processing / editing / Photoshopping. About the story .... everybody can have another interpretation. But the technical perfection has to be excellent otherwise it is better to just stop.

'The Man With The Key'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

Twice a year I go to a street theatre where I can photograph beautiful characters. About the locations, well every year we travel to places where I can get a lot of backgrounds, such as landscapes in Lanzarote, Sicily, Etna. I use a lot of those backgrounds in my photo montages.

'We're now approaching our final destination'

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

I have two nikon d800. My lenses : 14-24 2.8 / 24-70 2.8. / macro 105 mm sigma 50-500

'Music writer'

What software do you use to process your images?

Since I started with photography, I always used Photoshop. I also use the Nik Collection.

'Zardoz and the flying head'

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?

I have my own photo library / archive in which I'm looking for a character to create something. That's the part of searching and thinking job. Sometimes an unfinished montage remains on my desktop for months or even years until I come across the right subject to photograph. I have my own digital stock gong back in time to May 2001. Of course, the resolution is not as it is now, but for small details I still can use something now and then. When I have all the elements I need, I start to cut out the subjects to make a montage. I do it mainly for fun and it doesn't really matter if the image becomes a topper or not ... Well at least I had fun .

'We're rolling rolling'

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

You just have to enjoy the fun.
Listen to the advice of other photographers too.
Watch a lot of good photo sites.
Browse through art books.

Have patience, take your time and dare to dream.
In my first years I spent two to three hours Photoshopping every night .

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

Many years ago before 1x even existed , I was a member of the photo community DE. I was inspired and saw many creative photographers who now are also 1x members. I don't really have a favourite photographer because there are so many excellent ones. But I do have my favourite painters alike of course Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali and Paul Delvaux.

'Underwater world'

Is there any specific photo taken by another photographer that has inspired you a lot and why?

No for the simple reason that when I'm browsing the net, I see so many good photos which inspire me to make create something new again.

Are there any specific directions that you would like to take your photography in the future or any specific goals that you wish to achieve?

No nothing special. I just want to enjoy photographing as much as possible, whether it is shooting landscapes or street or architecture photography. I enjoy the last two genres the most on the street walking around in a busy city and being able to do my thing .

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you?

One is very special to me seen at New's online. Why is this so special because you can get this tattoo based on a work of mine in a studio in New York. I took the background in my home city Aalbeke and it is a selfie.
https://www.tattoofilter.com/p/31852

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

1X is inspiring, shows good photography, has a beautiful design, is instructive. It is simply the best of the best on the internet for me!