Credits original photo; Robert van de Velde
1. What’s your favourite Amsterdam neighbourhood to shoot?
Oost, there is so much diversity in all the different sub-neighbourhoods, Transvaal, Indische Buurt, Watergraafsmeer and Dapperbuurt for example.
2. Which secret spot would you recommend (now not secret anymore)?
Also in Oost you have Sciencepark, a combination of student buildings of the UVA and families in the apartments. Close to the A10 motorway you have Spark Village, a residential complex for young people. The terrain with the container homes, businesses and large parking lot gives a separate settlement when it is quiet.
Amsterdam, Science Park, Spark Village (shot with Kodak Brownie No2 Model F)
3. What’s your most memorable streetphotography experience from the past year?
Well... of course starting these State of Amsterdam zines together with Daan. Although I already had my other street photography initiatives like Dutch Street Magazine and Street Zines. It made sense to do more, especially on paper and on a personal project in Amsterdam. But it's not just the publishing, doing this collectively is a lot of fun. You get in touch with like-minded people and you learn from each other to steer you in the right direction for your own image making. Seek those who fan your flames!
4. Which type of images are you currently shooting?
For a long time I avoided close range photography (1 meter zone focus) because it felt wrong to be in someone's space. Since then I've tried some other things. But was not fully happy with it. And now I appreciate getting closer again. Although it can be frustrating... I'm glad it changes all the time, otherwise I would have stopped this passion a long time ago.
I usually shoot dark black and white but also switched to do some more cheerful color work … it’s not my thing.
Since the last two weeks I get the feeling getting back on track again. Ah well … tomorrow it’s different again.
5. Which (street)photographer inspires you?
Fan Ho, Eric Kim, Dante Sisofo, Daidō Moriyama, Evgeny Bondarenko, Marek Walchetseder, Bouwe Brouwer, Aaron Berger and Garry Winogrand
Dennis is featured in the first 5 editions of State of Amsterdam
It all started as our own initiative to show our work as well. That's why I had my work in the first 5 editions.
From edition 6 onwards I'm giving my spot away for someone else and perhaps coming back in another edition.
Copyright of each photo featured belongs to Dennis Sewberath Misser
