Photographer Max Kraanen is fascinated by the role fear plays in society and in his work explores how fear and threat affect us. Using a variety of analogue and darkroom techniques to create his images, stretching the limits of photography, he makes pictures that can be strangely aesthetic but often have a darker side. The craft of photography itself and the act of taking a picture plays a big part in his work. Waiting hours for the right moment, on the exactly the right spot, he only takes one shot, one that must be perfect.

“For the ongoing project 'The Ocean Keeps Calling'I traveled by train throughout Europe with my 4x5 camera as my travel companion. I've searched the continent for situations that allowed experiencing a timeless moment.”
 

In his photo series ‘So it Goes’, Kraanen explores human fears and the influence of the unknown on people. Dark unrecognizable places, alienating close-ups and mysterious nature together create an uncomfortable feeling of disquiet. It is this feeling that fascinates Kraanen and which he wants to share with the spectator.