Barend Houtsmuller (Amsterdam, 1953) hardly needs an introduction. His work is well known and has been sold in the Netherlands and abroad. He studied in NYC and Venice with famous masters such as Ansel Adams, Duane Michals and Christian Vogt.

Although he did much experimental work during his career of over 40 years, his interest has always remained unchanged: women in all their variety. In his photographs he seeks for mystery, sensuality and beauty. Barend leaves enough space for imagination. His models balance between modest, vulnerable and sensual and he allows the costumes to merge with the shapes of the body. The interplay of light and shadow is in perfect control. Sometimes these fall on the body of the model, from an unexpected angle; they draw a pattern on the floor or wall. Often there are references to the works of old Dutch masters.

Barend has exhibited in museums, galleries and art events. His work can be found in the collections of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, the International Polaroid Collection in Vienna, the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, and in various other collections, including many private individuals.

In 1980, together with his companions Bas Vroege and Luuk Huiskes, he formed Galerie & Magazine Perspektief, which later became the Nederlands Foto instituut (NFI), which was connected with the Netherlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam.

More recently, Barend founded Photo020, a group of independent fine art photographers in Amsterdam.

Current work

Work of Barend Houtsmuller can be bought at:

• Sandvoort Gallery
• Wallmore.nl
• Galerie Sille in Oudewater
• Galerie Neve in Almere

Publications

Barend’s work is regularly published in photo magazines such as ZOOM, Foto and Professional Camera and Barend has published in three FeierAbend Verlag books:

• The Body, The Finest Collection of Esthetic Nude Art Photography ISBN 9783899853087 (2006)
• The Best of International Nudes Photography ISBN 9783939998822 (2011)
• The Best of International Fetish Photography, ISBN 9783939998778 (2013)

And two monographs:

• The Other Side of The Light “, Bert Bakker, NL publication (1984)
• Interweaving-Raw beauty “BHP Publishing, ISBN 9789082232806 (2014)

Prices / Awards:

2016 Black & White Spider Portfolio award: Nude (USA).

2014 Black & White Spider Porfolio award: People (USA).

2012 PF 1st prize portfolio award (NL).

2012 Black & White Spider Portfolio award: Fashion (USA).

2003 2nd prize International Library of Photography, Owings Mills, (USA).

Business & Portrait photography

Also have a look at business and portrait photography by Barend Houtsmuller.