Carla van de Puttelaar

Carla van de Puttelaar (*1967, Netherlands) is a renowned photographer celebrated for her exploration of the female body and natural elements, particularly skin and flowers, through a highly tactile, light-sensitive lens. Her work captures the sensitivity and sensuality of skin, using natural light to evoke texture and form. Van de Puttelaar’s photographs reveal an intimate interaction between the model and the light, a hallmark of her style that recalls the works of old master painters.

Exploring Form, Fragility, and Emotion 

Van de Puttelaar’s photography investigates the delicate interplay of form, fragility, and emotion. Her work spans the female body and natural subjects such as flowers on the verge of fading, capturing fleeting moments that transcend the physical and immerse viewers in their tactile and emotional texture.

Portraiture forms a central part of this exploration. Both commissioned and personal portraits focus on conveying the subject’s emotional essence, often through the eyes, creating an intensity that resonates deeply. Shot in natural northern light, the images reflect a sensitivity and precision reminiscent of old master painting, uniting technical rigor with intimate, poetic expression.

Synergia Series

Synergia, a collaboration with Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen—renowned for her innovative couture that fuses technology, sculpture, and craftsmanship—explores the delicate interplay of fashion, sculpture, and movement. The series elevates form, texture, and the ephemeral, merging photography and design into a seamless visual dialogue that celebrates transience and artistry.

International Recognition
Van de Puttelaar's work has gained international acclaim, with five of her portraits being acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London. Her photography for The New Yorker in 2015 further solidified her reputation as a world-class photographer who brings sensitivity, intimacy, and old-world elegance to modern photography.

Collections

• National Portrait Gallery, London

• Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam

• Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam

• Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam