Mario Valkenborg

Noorden van Antwerpen – Kapellen – België
Ambassadeur Kase Filters Benelux

I am a professional landscape photographer based in Belgium, 10 minutes from the Kalmthoutse Heide Border Park.  My interest in photography started in my youth the moment my parents gave me a Kodak camera, then still analogue of course. Being self-taught, I spent a lot of time trying out all kinds of techniques through trial and error. Many workshops contributed to the photographer who I am today.
Started as a general nature photographer where I undertook a lot of bird, macro and travel photography but after taking a 1-on-1 workshop with Michel Lucas I started specialising in landscapes. I was able to combine my love for travelling with photography which turned out to be a win-win situation for me personally.
I travel all over the world in search of the most epic landscapes, but can also appreciate local scenery. Giving workshops at home and abroad (from Belgium, Iceland to Patagonia ... ) allows me to combine my passion for photography and teaching.
I have also won several competitions and been published at home and abroad. I am currently working with Colby Brown, a world-class U.S.-based photographer.



What is your favourite location?
Even though I live within walking distance of a beautiful area "Grenspark de Kalmthoutse Heide", I have to admit that my preference goes to locations with mountains and waterfalls. This makes it difficult to name a location but if I have to name one it is Iceland, because of the great variety of landscapes within a plausibly short distance. I also have a special commitment to photographing trees and finding compositions in a chaotic place.



What weather conditions do you prefer to go out in?
When the sky is filled with threatening clouds and the light creates a nice contrast in the landscape, I am in my element. Stormy conditions with lots of wind, rain, snow give an extra challenge to capture images but also generate the most spectacular photos. Of course, this is not to say that a summer day without drama cannot produce a beautiful photo.  The search for the perfect moment is the biggest challenge and usually provides a nice extra story to accompany the photo.



What motivated you to take up photography in nature?
When faced with burnout at my work in the Port of Antwerp, I sought the peace and quiet of nature. This was the way to seek recovery, also it strengthened my bond with the landscape. Visiting areas at times when most people are still sleeping peacefully gives a super feeling of peace and unification with nature. Capturing these moments accelerated recovery of mind and body. Currently, my biggest motivation is educating/training others.


What do you find most important when giving workshops?
Since I am a pretty social person by nature and like helping people, I started doing landscape photography workshops. Experience taught me that making a good composition can take a photo to the next level. This is what many a person has a problem with, so I decided that my workshops should be more about finding and refining a composition in the landscape. For me, imparting knowledge and connecting with others is what has come full circle.



Are there any moments in your life, which had a great impact on your photography experience?
I will never forget the first time I attended an excellent workshop that gave me so much satisfaction. This was with Michel Lucas in the High Fens during autumn on the river Hoegne. This one was a real eye-opener and made me specialise further in landscape photography.
My first trip in function of landscape photography was in Iceland, I felt so overwhelmed by the landscape. All the natural beauty and elements made a deep impression.
Also going out alone during the most dangerous conditions in a remote area is something I will never forget. Seeking and finding limits and then being able to undertake it with clients in a safe way without any risk is memorable!
Of course the recognition I received for the first time when I was chosen as the winner in a competition was a moment in my life never to be forgotten!



What locations are still on your Bucket List?
I have been privileged to have already visited many photogenic places but, for example, New Zealand, Canadian Rockies and Alaska are planned for the coming years. But China is also high on my list as a place to photograph.

What makes the difference?
As many will tell you, clothing during a photography venture is one of the most important things. Imagine if you are not dressed well enough during the harshest and coldest conditions, the motivation and skill cannot keep you on level and it usually results in giving up and/or an unsuccessful photo.
A good stable tripod is crucial if you want to use a tripod ..... a sturdy and good tripod or none at all.
Equipment that is reliable in all conditions (during rain, cold and wind) is a great asset.



Which Kase Filter product is your favourite?
Without any doubt, the Armour Magnetic 100mm filter system is my favourite.
Many turn their backs on filters and filter holders because they think it's a hassle (especially in harsh weather conditions) to assemble a system and insert filters. This is where the Armour Magnetic filter system is the big revelation.
All my lenses already have an adapter fitted as standard, allowing me to switch the filter holder to any lens with one move. Fitting CPL, ND as well as GND filters is very easy and even one-handed, thanks to the magnetic system.  Stacking different filters (on top of each other) with all simplicity and without colourcast or vignetting gives me carefree moments when making a composition and photo.
Also the robustness and near unbreakability is a huge reassurance for handling filters on rocks or hard surfaces.

What camera system do you shoot with?
I am a Canon user at heart, always remained loyal to the brand and certainly don't see the need to change brands.  I am currently using the Canon R5 with RF lenses.
During my workshops, I see all brands pass by and have to say that they all have their positive attributes but the gap between them has become smaller and smaller. The menu and control layout is so familiar, clear and simple with Canon that it is a "no-brainer" for me to stay with the brand. Of course, this is different for everyone ;)

Do you have any tips for beginner photographers to take better photos?
- Don't let social media guide you too much. You can look up locations and photos of locations to get ideas but don't go taking photos for the "likes".
There are many photos that look beautiful but where, for example, a different sky has been used.
Enjoy the whole process in taking your shot. If others like it, it is a bonus taken away!

- Learn as many composition rules as possible and try to apply them on the spot.
Check the sides for incoming and distracting elements. Participants of my workshops receive a free e-book (75 pages) that discusses many composition tips and tricks.

- Embrace your mistakes because from this you will learn the most. Several failures precede every successful photo.

- Find individuals or a group where you can have your photo judged. It should be done constructively with the necessary explanation so you can make progress.
Evaluating your own work is not easy either.
Check out my Facebook group "Landscape Photography" where I give as much constructive criticism as possible and explain everything in more detail.

- Go looking for a composition in nature as often as you can, that way you will not only learn your camera but also interpret weather and light better. Don't let rain, wind, cold, ..... deter you from going outside, usually the best results arise in these conditions.




Where can people find you?

Website

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