“For me, engaging with people through the medium of photography is one of the purest art forms and one of the most genuine ways to look at life.” – Pie Aerts
Pie Aerts, is an Amsterdam-based photographer who travels the world and strives to capture the essence of humanity through his lens.
A group of young Buddhist monks in striking red robes take a break from their duties to share playful moments on the steps of a traditional monastery, framed by its ornate architecture. A lone figure stands waist-deep in a river at night, his silhouette illuminated by a single candle floating on the dark waters, casting a soft glow on the surface. Meanwhile, a flower seller pauses for a quiet moment on a bustling urban street, her bicycle laden with vibrant green wares, a moment of pensive calm amidst the frenetic urban streets.
These stunning images, captured with artistry and skill, are part of Because People Matter, an ongoing project by Amsterdam-based photographer Pie Aerts.
Self-taught, Aerts discovered a passion for photography around two decades ago. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that he transitioned from photography as a hobby—capturing moments during his travels on breaks from work—to pursuing it full-time.
In his early 30s, Aerts made the huge decision to quit his corporate job and dedicate himself entirely to photography. He explains: “I felt a strong intuitive pull to make this decision after years of anticipating on it, it felt like the right moment to take this leap of faith before starting a family or getting too old.”
His wife also left her job, and the couple left for India. They had no clear plan driven instead by a profound desire to break away from routine and explore something new. This pivotal decision allowed Aerts to build on the foundation he had established over nearly twenty years and develop the distinctive photographic style seen in his work today.
Although Aerts draws inspiration from the work of other photographers, he often finds his creative spark outside of the medium. He is influenced by nature as well as poetry of all forms. He appreciates “the absence of information” and the sense of abstraction it creates, which allows space for imagination—something he integrates into his storytelling. Additionally, he cites nostalgia as a key source of inspiration.
“The current instability in the world—environmentally, socially, and politically—heavily influences my work. I tend to cling to a nostalgic view of the past, longing for ‘the days gone by,’ because the future feels uncertain and out of our control. This perspective anchors me to both our past and our aspirations for the future, significantly impacting the stories I choose to work on.”
While the natural world and its wildlife are key subjects, Aerts’ focus on people has always been central to his work. The Instagram handle, Because People Matter – dedicated to this aspect of his photography – emerged when he transitioned to photography full-time in 2018, as a response to his reflections on the future direction of his art.
Fascinated by the stories of the individuals he encountered, Aerts aimed to capture them in their most authentic forms—flawed, complex, and often mysterious. In a world where people are increasingly guarded, fearful, and obsessed with perfection, Aerts says he sees photography as a means to connect with the raw humanity of others.
“For me, engaging with people through the medium of photography is one of the purest art forms and one of the most genuine ways to look at life. People are opening up, showing you their soul, telling you their life story, showing you that simple, often mysterious, but also often imperfect nature of what it means to be human.”
He strives to challenge stereotypes and avoid reinforcing cliché or superficial depictions. Instead deliving deeper to offer nuanced, truthful representations that break away from conventional portrayals.
His approach is one of sensitivity, grounded in dignity, respect, and ethical consideration. He always ensures transparency about his intentions and prioritizes making the subjects feel comfortable and fostering trust, which he says is essential for capturing their true selves.
His images are forthright, yet poetic, telling a story while leaving space for more. The people are always the focus, often portrayed in the context of how they connect with their environment, though the full details of the scene often remain unseen. This creates a sense of ethereality, imbuing the images with a poetic dreamlike quality that stirs the viewer’s imagination
After years of exploring remote regions around the world, Aerts recently began organizing small-group expeditions in which like-minded individuals come together to engage deeply with local people and environments. Aerts says these journeys are not just about photography but about forming profound relationships with the people and places they visit, aligning with his core philosophy of valuing experiences over results.
“The encounter, for me, is always more valuable and important than the final photograph. This answers the long-standing question I kept asking myself: What do you value more—the photograph, the final story, or the encounter that forms the foundation of the photograph?”
Ultimately this is at the core of Aerts’ work. He seeks to convey the powerful connections between people—the commonalities that unite us through shared fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities.
In a world where hopeful narratives are often scarce, Aerts aims to frame stories that radiate hope and coexistence rather than focusing on tragedy and conflict. While the importance of depicting such harsh realities is not in doubt, like Aerts, the author believes there should also be space for positive narratives: space for hope.
All images © Pie Aerts