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 Welcome to Menschel Applied Photographic Art. My name is Sven Menschel, a Wageningen-based photographer specializing in portraits and events. I have been working as a professional photographer since 2012, initially for the university and various newspapers. Over the years, I have specialised in conferences and PhD defences. Every year, I photograph 100+ PhD defences at WUR and dozens at UU, UvA, VU and RU.

I came to Wageningen in 2008 to do my PhD research in microbiology. However, my love for science did not last. I have always enjoyed art and being creative, and eventually I found that I could express my creativity much better by photographing my colleagues than through my own research.

After completing my PhD, this hobby quickly grew into a serious profession. I am happy to say that I have turned my hobby into my career. And as a photographer at conferences and PhD defence ceremonies, I still get my daily dose of science.

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I have now photographed more than 800 PhD defences. I know how a candidate feels on such an important day, what questions they may have and what I need to pay attention to. I work discreetly and efficiently in the background, while also helping to make sure that everything runs smoothly throughout the day.