Capturing Vulnerability and Strength in Nature Through Fine Art Photography
Get to know Dutch photographer Ruben van Schalm in his own words.
As a contemporary Dutch photographer based in the cultural diversity of the Netherlands and Tel Aviv, Israel, my creative journey is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fine art photography by creating black-and-white portraiture that merges male nude photography with the natural world. My photography is more than an exploration of aesthetics; it's a profound statement on identity, emotional depth, and the nuanced beauty of the human form. But what do these terms mean to you? When was the last time you paused to truly consider the beauty in vulnerability or the strength in quiet resilience? Through my lens, I invite you to explore these questions with me, to see beyond the surface and connect with the deeper truths of the human experience.
A Journey of Personal Growth and Identity
Born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 1988, I've dedicated years to delving into the art of capturing the male nude within natural environments worldwide. My practice connects my journey of growth, the exploration of my identity, and the relationships I've built with the people and places I encounter. Through these experiences, I aim to reflect the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, capturing the essence of the human form in its most authentic state.Â
My photographic work often places the raw, unguarded human figure alongside the untamed beauty of natural landscapes — forests, mountains, beaches — each location chosen for its symbolic resonance with the themes I explore. The play of light and shadow across the male form emphasizes both its fragility and power, while the surrounding environment serves as both a contrast and a complement to the subject's emotional state.Â
The models I collaborate with are often individuals I meet during my travels, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds and stories to each project. This approach adds depth and authenticity to my work, redefining traditional representations of masculinity and inviting viewers to see the male form in a new light. By capturing these moments in settings ranging from the serene to the rugged, I aim to convey the universal and timeless connection between humanity and the natural world, inviting the viewer to engage with the image and the profound themes underlying it. This intersection of nature and humanity is central to my artwork.
The Intersection of Nature and Humanity
Over the past decade, I have developed a unique visual narrative that mirrors my personal growth and evolving connection with the natural environment. Photography is a meditative process, allowing me to deeply engage with my subjects and surroundings, finding peace and solace in creation. Through my lens, I examine the balance between the beauty of the human figure and the essence of nature, reflecting universal themes of identity and resilience.
My Artistic Journey: From Introspection to Growing Recognition
In my work, I strive to uncover the intimate connection between the human form and the natural world. My projects aim to highlight the interplay of fragility and resilience within natural settings, inviting viewers to connect with deeply personal narratives. Every photograph I take reflects my journey — my fears, hopes, and quest for meaning. The camera is my way of processing the world around me, and through my lens, I try to capture the raw, unfiltered truth of the human experience.
My first monograph, 'Paradise' (2020), investigates the nuanced relationship between man and nature, featuring images from the Philippines, French Polynesia, and Israel. This work represents years of introspection, travel, and collaboration, with a foreword by the world-renowned Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf, who has profoundly influenced my artistic journey.
Erwin says, ‘The Photographer paints a world in which he evokes a delicate balance between man and nature, illustrating how we must approach, respect, and cherish the vulnerability of our surroundings. Ruben van Schalm stands on the shoulders of male nude photographers of prior generations, paying a tribute with this series of photos to the work of these men, the very source to which Wilhelm von Gloeden attributes his work.’
Erwin's guidance and support have been invaluable, serving as a guiding light throughout my artistic path. Although I never formally interned with Erwin, our collaboration — beginning as his model and evolving through his insightful advice — cemented his role as an informal mentor in my life, deeply influencing my artistic vision.
Change: Life's Constant State of Movement
My new series, Change: Life's Constant State of Movement, is not just a photographic journey; it's a narrative of overcoming grief, embracing the new, and celebrating life's perpetual motion. Through these photographs, I invite you to journey with me to find solace in the constancy of change and the transformative healing powers of the natural world. Each project within this series teaches me something new, and I constantly evolve my approach to capture these moments more authentically, inspired by the experiences encountered during my travels.
For press inquiries or to explore more of my work, visit my website and follow me on Instagram for regular updates on my latest projects. To purchase a copy of 'Paradise' click here.
Q&A with Ruben van Schalm
Gayety: Many artists capture the male form; what unique experience do you feel you bring to this medium?
Ruben: Working closely with models, I draw upon my background in acting and modeling to foster a collaborative environment that brings out genuine emotion and expression. This connection allows me to capture not just the form but the inner life of my subjects. I focus on portraying the male nude in harmony with nature, emphasizing the unfiltered beauty and vulnerability of the human body. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people I meet during my travels add a layer of authenticity and richness to my creative practice, allowing it to resonate with a broad audience.
Who or what inspires your work?
A pivotal inspiration for my work is the world-renowned Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf, whose guidance has profoundly shaped my artistic path. His foreword for my book Paradise was both an honor and a guiding light. I draw deeply from the intricate relationship between the human body and natural landscapes, exploring themes of vulnerability, resilience, and identity. The dynamic energy of my models, often met during my travels, continually offers fresh perspectives and creative insights. This intersection of cultures brings a unique richness to my photography, allowing me to explore universal themes through the lens of varied cultural experiences.
What inspires a new series of photos?
Inspiration often strikes during my travels, where new places and unique cultures spark fresh ideas. My latest series, Change — Life's Constant State of Movement, emerged from personal reflections on impermanence as I confronted the reality that life is not forever. This body of work aims to capture the transient beauty of the male form within evolving natural environments, emphasizing the emotional resonance of transformation. Every project teaches me something new about the interplay between humanity and nature, and I am constantly evolving my approach to capture these moments more authentically, enriched by the diverse experiences of the people I meet during my travels.
What do you hope people feel or take away from your work?
I want my work to encourage viewers to rethink their perceptions of beauty, vulnerability, and our connection with nature. By focusing on the male form, I aim to evoke introspection about the human body and its relationship with the environment, highlighting both fragility and resilience. Ultimately, I hope my audience appreciates the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world, fostering a deeper empathy and respect. My photographs are not merely visual compositions; they are narratives that invite viewers to engage with deeper themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the fleeting beauty of life. While I have my own vision, I believe every viewer brings something unique to my photographs, and I hope they find their own connection with the stories I try to tell.
‘As you stand before one of my photographs, I encourage you to take a moment — to really look, to feel. What does the image stir within you? Art is a conversation, and I'm eager to hear what my work says to you, and how you might respond in your own way.’
— Ruben van Schalm, 2024