The series is titled "This world is (not) mine". Can you explain this?

The series is titled "This world is (not) mine". Can you explain this?The title is inspired by the life of a 16-year-old boy, Paul, whom I met in the fields. His appearance, his gaze, and his tone immediately caught my attention. The next day, I just had to go back to learn more about him. Paul had a terrible period in his childhood; he lost his parents at the age of 12 and lived completely alone for several years. He literally felt: 'I do not belong to this world'.

Fortunately, about a year ago, after another family took him in and mistreated him, a mother with seven other children took him into her home. She offered him work, a bed, but most importantly 'a home'. As one of the beneficiary families within the project, she is able to provide her household with clean water. It is a tough but small paradise there, where they can grow food for themselves and to sell. Gradually, the boy returns to this, their, our, and my world. And the new beautiful memories replace the old bad ones.

After my meeting with Paul, I visited another family within the project. I find it an interesting thought that if you remove all material and political context and only look at the individual with their loved ones, our two worlds might not be so different after all. Clean drinking water helps to bridge the gap between these worlds and helps us realize that this world is for all of us.

What was it like for you to shoot this series in such an unfamiliar place?

Beforehand, I did feel tense about the time frame and the promised images, because you do agree beforehand to deliver both documentary and autonomous work. It was hard and focused work; we visited many different areas of the project. I had to wait a lot in between because of the Ugandan rains and therefore had limited dry periods to shoot. And it was dark early. But that waiting also brought me the unplanned and beautiful moments that I otherwise would not have experienced.

When are you satisfied with your work?

Oh, that's a difficult question. I think when my work has an extra layer. When the photograph is not just "pretty" or aesthetically pleasing. When you ask yourself, "Who is that? What is his or her story? After all, I don't want to tell or explain too much about the people I portray. Ideally, there is an element in the image that reminds you of your own experiences and feelings, your childhood, your own thoughts. And satisfaction also has to do with time, the shelf life of a photograph; I am satisfied if I myself can still look at the image with curiosity after a long period of time.

How did you feel about visiting Uganda?

"I have been to Africa several times before this, but Uganda was new to me. Apart from the large amount of rain, the experience was comparable. I like the pace there and feel at home. Such trips do me good.

The lack of luxuries and even electricity, the people you meet, the physical sensations of the elements and the fact that you are really away from home for a while makes for a good balance in my life. The best choices I've made in life have been after trips like this."

What was it like visiting the clean drinking water project?

"It was remarkable to see that relatively simple and small things make such a big difference; through education, micro-credit and awareness of responsibilities. What amazed me was the fact that water is in fact so much more than just water for drinking. People in the villages see access to water as a blessing; it is a valuable resource that we are not always aware of in Western society. It is needed for drinking, for washing, for raising livestock, but it also creates many opportunities for work and income. For growing vegetables or for making bricks from clay, which in turn can be sold. Most importantly, when the basics such as hygiene, food and a house are met, one can focus on other important things in life such as development, school, work, or so caring for others, like Paul. As a photographer, it is also refreshing to use water as a starting point. You see the element in everything; in the light, in the air, the puddles, in the kitchen. You see it everywhere."

What do you take home from this experience?

"That water is actually the basis of everything. It has never been as clear to me as it is now. When the basics are right, people can develop to higher levels. And it all starts with water."