Dominiek Cottem
Since my childhood I had an interest in nature. During my secondary school I was a member of a 'bio-club' in which, under the guidance of our biology teacher, on Wednesday afternoon we focused on nature exploration, determination and especially microscopy. This is how my interest in the fascinating world of small life came about. In 2009 I took my first steps into the world of digital photography. After buying my first DSLR camera, a Canon 50D, very soon I bought my first macro lens. Afterwards I followed a number of courses and workshops on nature and macro photography. Since then I have been a passionate nature photographer. Macro photography in particular, but also landscape photography, have been my main interests. By now I use a Canon 5D Mk III and a 7D Mk II, and I have several Canon macro lenses at my disposal : the 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS, the 180mm f/3.5L Macro and the infamous MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x. Recently I added the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II to my collection : given its very short minimum focusing distance, it can be used as a close-up lens for butterflies and dragonflies. In combination with the 7D Mark II I can also focus on bird and possibly wildlife photography in the future.