Peter Jonker is a Dutch photographer who aims to capture the quiet beauty of everyday life. Growing up near the countryside of the Netherlands and spending more than a decade living and working in Amsterdam, his interest in photography grew during his travels to Asia and Latin America. Once he moved to Barcelona, he bought his first professional camera and photography became his true passion. Peter's first solo book Barcelona Dreaming invites readers to explore the city's architectural masterpieces as well as the lesser-known corners of Barcelona that are equally captivating.
Barcelona Dreaming is available for pre-order at Trope.com and will be in stores October 28th. Read more about Peter below.
How long have you been a photographer and what initially sparked your interest in taking photos?
I bought my first camera about four years ago right after moving from Amsterdam to Barcelona, and since then, photography has become a central part of my life. I’ve always loved exploring. Whether it’s new countries, new cities, or the one I live in, having a camera with me makes it even more fun.
You are from the Netherlands, currently living in Madrid. What drew you to Spain and what kind of connection do you feel to Barcelona?
As a kid, I grew up as a huge football fan. Dutch players have had a huge influence on FC Barcelona’s history and that’s when my love for the city started. Beyond that, I’ve always been drawn to the Spanish way of living. Life happens outside, around food, drinks, and friends, with a focus on enjoying the simple things. I also love how much history and culture the streets here still carry. Wandering through the streets in Spain without a plan and just letting life happen is one of my favorite things to do.
How do you typically balance iconic landmarks with the more lesser-known areas of the city?
Lately, I’ve really enjoyed planning compositions around neighborhoods close to home (I guess that’s the advantage of living in the center of Madrid). I like figuring out when the light hits a certain street just right, then going back to try and nail the shot. I’ll come back to that same spot until I have the frame I wanted, that’s my strategy usually.
In general, slowing down has helped me improve my photography a lot over the past few years. When I notice a composition I like, I try to wait patiently until the right scene unfolds. I’ve been working hard on training my eye, and it’s something I’ll keep focusing on. I don’t think my photos are at the creative level I’m aiming for yet, but I’m confident I’ll get there.
Follow up - What is your favorite type of shot to capture?
Some of my favorite shots are through reflections: whether it’s windows, mirrors, or water. Looking at photo books from masters like Saul Leiter has been a big inspiration for this. The great thing is that these kinds of images can be found everywhere around you. I can walk the same street for the tenth time and still find a new detail that works for a creative photo. That’s what keeps me motivated to go out, look around, and experiment with creative compositions.
Do you have a specific neighborhood of Barcelona that you gravitate towards most?
For photography, Barri Gòtic (the Gothic Quarter) is easily my favorite neighborhood. It’s full of history and has some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve ever seen. Even though it’s a very touristic area, there are plenty of hidden streets where the crowds don’t go. My advice: visit in winter for the best light (December to February), wake up early to avoid the mass, and explore the relatively empty streets. The light in those narrow alleys at that time of year is truly magical.
Vila de Gràcia is my favorite neighborhood outside of photography. It’s one of the places where you can still really experience local life, with endless restaurants and bars to discover. I love spending a day just hopping from bar to bar, drinking vermouths and enjoying tapas - it’s the perfect way to enjoy a day in Barcelona for me.
Tell me a bit about your editing process.
Since most of my photos are taken in Spain, I try to adapt my editing style to fit that setting. My color grading is all about bringing out the warm tones I see here, especially in the morning and evening light. Editing has actually become one of my favorite parts of the process. I enjoy selecting photos with a similar look and feel, then working on them until they fit together as a series. It’s the kind of thing that often keeps me up late at night.
Is there a shot that you recently took that has inspired you above others?
One of my favorite photos I took in Madrid last week was through an antique silver plate at El Rastro (a famous flea market). I had already been standing on a corner for about ten minutes, waiting for something to happen, when this plate on one of the stands caught my eye. Like I mentioned earlier, I love using reflections to frame daily life in a creative way. The colors, light, and soft, blurry reflections in this shot make it feel almost like a painting. It’s definitely one I’ll print and frame for my home.
What are you most looking forward to with Barcelona Dreaming?
What I look forward to most is sharing a collection of my favorite photos from my time in the city. I hope these images give people a feeling of the rhythm of Barcelona, the beauty of its streets, its people, and everyday life. I also hope it inspires other photographers, or anyone who wants to get started with this, to go out and create their own photos.
What advice do you have for other photographers?
As I’m not a commercial photographer, but more an artist, my advice is really for people who want to make photos as a form of art. My biggest tip: do it for the love of making photos, and nothing else.
These days, it’s easy to think success is measured by likes and shares on social media, and it can be tempting to follow trends just to get more reach (I’ve been there as well). The problem is, by doing that you end up copying others, when the real aim of an artist should be to create something original and personal.
So make art for yourself first. If other people connect with it, that’s just a great bonus.
Pre-order Barcelona Dreaming today.