Barend Houtsmuller (Amsterdam, 1953) hardly needs introduction. His work is praised and purchased at home and abroad. He studied in NYC and Venice with grandmasters such as Ansel Adams, Duane Michals and Christian Vogt. Although he experimented a lot during his career spanning more than 40 years, his subject has always remained constant: women in all their forms. In his photographs he looks for mystery, sensuality and beauty. Barend leaves enough to the imagination.

His models keep the middle between modest, vulnerable and sensual and the photographer allows the costuming to play a fusing role with the body. He controls the play of light and shadow to perfection. Sometimes falling on the body of the model, sometimes from an unexpected angle; a pattern on the floor or wall. It often reminds of the works of old masters. Barend exhibited and exhibits in museums, galleries and art events. His work can be found in the Rijksprentenkabinet (National Gallery) in Amsterdam, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, the International Polaroid Collection in Vienna, the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht and in various other collections, including many private individuals.

He was on the eve of the foundation of the Fotomuseum Rotterdam. Together with Bas Vroege and Luuk Huiskes he formed Galerie & magazine Perspektief in 1980, which later became the Nederlands Foto instituut (NFI).

Awards: 2016: Black & White Spider Portfolio award: Nude (USA). 2014: Black & White Spider Porfolio award: People (USA). 2012: PF First prize portfolio award (NL). 2012: Black & White Spider Portfolio award: Fashion (USA). 2003: Second prize International Library of Photography, Owings Mills, (USA).