Behind the Lens – Jeffrey Vonk

Photographers, designers, artists, writers, water people… we’re beyond grateful to work with so many talented creatives around the globe and love to introduce them to you. In this episode, meet lensman Jeffrey Vonk. Let’s talk life-paths, finding a new home in Portugal, and – obviously, in case you missed the ‘lensman’ clue – photography.

Text Alexandra Gossink
Photos Jeffrey Vonk Photography

Jeffrey Vonk, a Dutch photographer living in Ericeira, Portugal, sent us a message one day asking for one of our iconic travel mugs. Cheeky-he also asked if he could have it for free! Then offered, in return, to make some beautiful shots of the mug in his surroundings. He was trying his luck, aspiring for a career in photography. But guess what? He did deliver some dreamy shots of our good ol’ gorgeous Seaside mug in all its glory!

We stayed in touch with Jeff and met for coffee during our next winter trip to Ericeira, wandered round the old town and chatted time away. We’ve tried meeting up when travel itineraries and schedules align ever since. In the years following the mugshot (pun intended), Jeff’s been working hard at his art; discovering his signature and style, mastering techniques in playful ways, trying different perspectives, lenses, focal points and subjects. Putting himself out there, despite his introverted personality, and going for it played a big part in landing his first few jobs. From the cheeky free mug proposal to publishing lifestyle photos on his socials – using his friends and family as models – and going round boutique hotels offering them free photos to help build his portfolio.

When we started looking for inspired-inspiring shots for this year’s books and products, Jeffrey’s name popped up in our first thought bubble. His style reflects our vibe like a perfect day in the park. His images make you want to go and explore somewhere remote, spend the night and wake up next day with a view of blissful sets peeling ahead of you.

Now that his photos feature on the cover of and throughout our new Surf & Travel Guide to France, Spain & Portugal, as well as our Dutch edition Spanje & Portugal (published by our friends at Momedia) it’s time we introduced Jeffrey properly!

How did you come to live in Ericeira, Portugal?
A friend from Rotterdam moved to Ericeira to start a surf house together with 2 of his friends. When they opened in 2015, I visited them because I wanted to learn how to surf and I was in much need of a break. From that moment on I kept coming back to Ericeira because I fell in love with the small little fishermen town. It was so peaceful back then. Only busy in tourist season. But the off-season was super quiet. I always wanted to live someplace else and discovering Ericeira back then made me realise that this was where I wanted to be. By the end of 2018 I got a job offer at the friend’s surf house. Two months later I fully immigrated to Ericeira. So that all went very fast. I worked there for 3 years and then started doing photography full time.

Do you consider this wave-rich corner of the world to be home now?
Absolutely. When I met with my fiancée, I went to Switzerland for 2,5 months in the first year that we were together. And although I truly love the mountains and love to be in Switzerland, after a few weeks I started feeling homesick for the first time in my life. I never had that feeling before. I missed home so much. Home being Ericeira, confirming how much I love living where we live.

What is the magic of Ericeira and surroundings, and why did you decide to make it your home?
For me it’s a combination of things. I am very fortunate to have true Jagoz (Ericeira locals) as very close friends. Their love and connection to Ericeira is so deep, and beautiful to see. It makes them talk about Ericeira a lot. So, my connection with this place keeps on growing via them. You learn so much from listening to their stories about the history and the heritage. This in combination with being one with nature so much by being in the water almost every single day makes it very magical to me. And it is also why I came here. I wanted to be closer to more raw nature. I am still in awe when I am sitting in the water and look at the surrounding cliffs. This, combined with the Portuguese culture, the amazing food and the proud language is why I wanted to live here.

In today’s world it’s a real struggle to stand out as a photographer, and not an obvious profitable choice for work. What made you decide to chase the career despite the difficulties?
You describe it perfectly. It is so difficult being a photographer. Especially if you are a person like I am. Because I suck so bad at setting up a network. My fiancée always tells me that I need to work on that. But it is very difficult for me. I don’t like to go to parties, I don’t show my face at special gatherings, and you won’t find me in a bar. I’m either in the water, shooting, editing or spending time with my loved ones. My decision to choose photography as a job was based on a ‘now or never’ hunch. I had momentum when I left the surf house and my fiancée pushed me to pursue this career. She believed in me from the start. More than I did. I have months where I maybe make 100 euros and it’s not easy and very demotivating. But then I get some amazing new jobs, and the smile is back on my face. The fact that you reached out for the Seaside book covers is one of those examples. It’s jobs like these that confirm that my art is appreciated. So, thank you again for that!

You’re very welcome, Jeff!

Do you always have a camera at hand?
No. Which I often slap myself in the face for. But I’m already hooked on my phone. I’m too scared that if I also have my camera on me all the time, I don’t pay attention to my loved ones at all anymore. Shooting for me, especially if it’s not for a specific job, is like meditation for me. I zone out. I’m so in that moment that time nor people seem to exist. So, I leave my camera at home a lot. But it also made me miss so many incredible shots. I’m planning to buy a camera strap, so I can just swing it around my shoulder and bring it along more often.

When you’re not working on an assignment, do you set yourself goals? Or carry out ideas, not knowing if the photos will ever be published?
I do. At the moment I am working on a very big project which is taking up a lot of time. I’m shooting a lot now for this project which eventually will result in a photo book. It’s my big dream, and very special to work on. I have no clue yet when the book will be finished. But I’m hoping somewhere in 2025. Other than that, I love to shoot nature. Landscapes, seascapes, and lifestyle that has to do with nature. When I’m not busy and the weather works out for photos I love to shoot in these moments.

Do you have a clear life plan or path, or are your life and work more an organic continuity of ‘one thing leads to the other’?
For sure the last. I’ve learned that if I set a path that I want to follow it only leads to disappointment. I always set the bar super high for myself and get frustrated when things don’t turn out the way I hoped. This brings me into a negative headspace. The way for me to avoid this is by letting things happen as I go. I’ve noticed that in my case this works best.

Although there are things you do want to achieve…
For me, it’s both. For example, I rolled into studio photography by going with the flow. I do this next to the other types of photography I do. But there are a few brands that I really would love to work with. One of those I was close to landing a shoot for them. But so far that hasn’t happened yet. Hopefully, I can do something with them this year. Other than that, I desperately hope that smaller brands realise how extremely important and valuable good photos are. A good photographer is different from someone with a good camera. I love to work with smaller brands. Because you are working with the founders who have that fire burning within them. They love their product and therefore motivate me to create amazing content for them. To build a relationship together is where I can help them grow.

Totally agree there, Jeffrey!

And finally, where can people most likely find you?
In the water 😉 Although they would need to wake up early, because I mainly surf at first light, haha. Abraços!

Find Jeffrey Vonk’s work online:
i. @jeffreyvonkphotos  
w. jeffreyvonkphotos.com