Antoinette Hertsenberg, known for her role as the host of the popular television program Radar, has emerged victorious in the latest season of Het Perfecte Plaatje, triumphing over fellow finalist Pauline Wingelaar. Hertsenberg, who received the highest score possible for her final shoot, was tasked with capturing stunning photographs of the native inhabitants of the Atlas Mountains, alongside model shoots set against the backdrop of Morocco's wilderness. Such scores are rare; this was the first time a finalist received a perfect 10 from the jury throughout the series.
The competition has not only showcased the photographic talents of its participants—celebrities from various fields—but has also provided them with the opportunity to improve their skills under intense pressure. Hertsenberg reflected on her experience, stating, "Het heeft echt moeten indalen dat ik gewonnen heb. Het was zo vaak kantje boord voor mij. Ik was allesbehalve de gedoodverfde winnaar,” (Original quote in Dutch: "It really had to sink in for me to understand I have won. It was so often on the edge for me. I was by no means the supposed winner.”).
This remarkable finale concluded with Hertsenberg stating she felt the competition kept her sharp and agile, as competitors were required to present their best work weekly without much preparatory time—akin to performing at the Olympic Games. "Je kunt nog zo hard getraind hebben, als je op het moment suprème niet scoort, lig je eruit,” she said (Original quote in Dutch: "You can train as hard as you want, but if you don’t score at the superb moment, you’re out.”).
Despite some initial concerns about how well she could measure up to her competition, Hertsenberg earned high praise and valuable feedback from the jury. "Natuurlijk telt de smaak van de jury mee, want aan die kritische commentaren had ik wat,” she remarked, noting her previous lack of experience as a photographer and her reliance on automatic settings for her camera. Her newfound approach to photography has sparked renewed enthusiasm, prompting her to purchase new equipment and explore the artistic world of photography once more. Schmunzelnd, she shared, "Ik gebruikte mijn camera altijd op de automatische stand" (Original quote in Dutch: "I always used my camera on the automatic setting.”).
Returning to her winning experience, Hertsenberg expressed satisfaction with the type of photography she enjoyed. "Ik heb gemerkt dat architectuur en auto’s vastleggen niet mijn ding is. Mensen en natuurlijk licht daarentegen, daar ligt mijn passie,” she noted (Original quote in Dutch: "I have realized capturing architecture and cars is not my thing. People and natural light, on the other hand, is where my passion lies.”). Her atmospheric photographs taken during the Moroccan finale sparked excitement not only for her success but for her upcoming photography exhibit at the Fotomuseum Hilversum, which will run from December 19 to early February.
The anticipation is palpable as she prepares to share her work with the public, alongside her fellow contestants—each of whom contributed to what the museum deemed the best collection of photographs. "Gelukkig óók de plaatjes waar ik het meest trots op ben,” she said, relieved to see her favorite shots included (Original quote in Dutch: "Fortunately, also the pictures I am most proud of are there.”).
Interestingly, Hertsenberg's newfound recognition as the winner of Het Perfecte Plaatje may shift perceptions of her public persona. She has often shied away from appearances on typical reality shows, stating, "Ik word regelmatig gevraagd, maar als ik bondjes moet sluiten dan pas ik” (Original quote in Dutch: "I’m often asked, but if I have to make allegiances, I’ll pass.”). This cautious approach stems from her long-standing commitments with Radar and her desire to maintain her professionalism within her role.
Reflecting on her experience, Hertsenberg still considers her authenticity and the artistic integrity of the competition as central to her participation. "Ik snap dat je het programma niet bij me verwacht had, maar toen ze me hiervoor belden was ik dolblij,” she conveyed (Original quote in Dutch: "I understand you wouldn’t expect the program from me, but when they called me about it, I was overjoyed.”). For her, the competition emphasized talent and skill rather than celebrity status.
Now, with the experience firmly embedded and the prospect of her photography blossoming, Antoinette Hertsenberg has set her gaze on her future endeavors. She foresees continuing her exploration of photography, driven by her achievements on the show and the prospect of sharing her work with a broader audience. Her participation may inspire wider engagement with the art form, showcasing the joy and challenge of improving one's craft.
The finale and victory of Het Perfecte Plaatje not only mark the triumph of one participant but also promote the narrative of empowerment through artistic expression. This season's strong competition pushed to explore new concepts, aesthetics, and personal styles, aligning perfectly with Hertsenberg's own admission about self-discovery through practice and challenge. The closing echoes the ambitions not just of the winning candidates but of Sophie ensures photography blossoms with renewed vigor and passion—adventurous, explorative, and filled with promise.
