Martijn Schmidt (2001) is a documentary photographer based in the Netherlands. He began photographing at the age of ten, inspired by the Czech landscapes where he spent much of his childhood. In 2021 he enrolled at the University of the Arts Utrecht (HKU), where he specialized in documentary photography.
His work is rooted in an engagement with the other, which often leads to a deeper understanding of his own identity and his role within a narrative. Through portraits, landscapes and still lifes he explores how human practices, traditions and beliefs are shaped by and interact with the landscape around them. His work seeks to bring worlds closer together, inviting viewers to look differently and with openness to the stories of others. On a small scale, it aims to counter an increasingly polarized world.
Contact
Socials
Education
2022–2025 Photography. University of the Arts Utrecht
2024 Internship. Rob Hornstra
2024 Internship. Rob Hornstra
Exhibitions
2026 Paper Photo Award. Photobook Exhibition, Sosnowiec (PL)
2026 Quickscan 3. Nederlands Fotomuseum, Rotterdam (NL)
2026 Ghosthunters. Scena Supernova, Kraków (PL)
2025 Hungry Eye Fair. Haute Photographie, Amsterdam (NL)
2025 Zomersalon. ’t Zwolse Kunsthuis, Zwolle (NL)
2025 The Gallery. JCDecaux & HKU, Utrecht (NL)
2025 Graduation Exhibition. HKU, Utrecht (NL)
2024 PRELUDE. Academiegalerie, Utrecht (NL)
Publications
2026 After Kytice. Rust Publishing.
Features & Awards
2026 FotoSlovo Award. Gold Medal Single, Documentary.
2026 Back to Benin. Nieuwe kunst, eeuwenoud erfgoed
2026 Soft Publishing. Eastern European Landscapes
2025 PF Magazine #6. After Kytice
2025 Zone Magazine. ZIVNE
2025 BOOOOOOOM. Favourite Photos of 2025
2025 FotoSlovo. After Kytice
2025 BOOOOOOOM. After Kytice
2025 Der Greif. Guestroom, The Dark Before Dawn
2025 GUP Magazine. Fresh Eyes Talent
2025 HKU Graduation Catalogue. Intersection
2025 Jonathan van Doornum. Dark There, Joyful Here