Jury 2010
Laura Luykenaar
PHOTO-EDITOR, SALT MAGAZINE (NETHERLANDS)
“People look at the images first before they decide to read anything. That always fascinated me and it makes me want to find the best photos to use at any purpose.” Photo editor and graphic designer at Salt magazine, Laura Luykenaar just loves match making text and image.
How much has she planned her photo editor career to date? “My career ‘just happened’, I think that if you try too hard to get what you want, you’ll never be happy with what you’re getting. I just go with the flow and make it happen on its own. I found out that everything – good or bad – happens for a reason, there is no such thing as coincidence.”
After five years in her current role, what challenges does the job give her? “Because we are a very small company – we only have 3.5 ‘full time’ people and some freelance writers – we have to do everything ourselves. We never have a typical day in the office. I’m always looking for photos to use with a story or finding pictures which can be interesting to write about or to be used in the future.” However, she has one special tip for anyone interested in becoming a photo editor. “Finding things is easier when you don’t look for them!”
What makes a great photo? “My favorite photos grasp the essence of a moment. No matter if it’s a big wave rider who is about to get swallowed by Jaws or a split-second shot of a stylish board trick, if the timing is right the photo will make you go WOW! Besides that WOW-factor, I always look for the elements, how active and adventurous the photos is and if it makes a lasting impression.”
Indeed, for Laura, the image expresses more than an article ever can. “A photo still says more than a thousand words. I love that a photo can make you feel.”
She thinks that digital photography has made the profession more accessible to the public – and has opened the door for hobby photographers to be taken seriously if they meet the right standards. “I won’t say that everybody can make perfect pictures, but with a keen eye and the right amount of luck, experience and tools you’ll get very close.”
As well as democratizing the profession, Laura also believes that Red Bull Illume is giving photographers the chance to step forward from behind the camera as people. “I think that Red Bull Illume gives undiscovered talent from around the world the chance to get noticed.”
