1. What’s your favourite Amsterdam neighbourhood to shoot?
Because I like to work with reflections in shop windows, the Leidsestraat and the Utrechtsestraat are my favorite streets to photograph. When the sun is shining, one side of the street is often beautifully lit and the other in the shadow. These are perfect conditions and outside of that there are no parked cars.
2. Which secret spot would you recommend (now not secret anymore)?
I don't really have a 'secret spot' but because I like reflections, I often look at the advertising displays on Rembrandtsplein.
The colours in the advertising displays change regularly and the people on the terraces reflect in the glass. You can make beautiful images with that. A funny side effect is that the terrace visitors are having a great time because of the 'crazy photographer' who is there for 20 minutes photographing the advertising displays and you can see that in the images.
3. What’s your most memorable streetphotography experience from the past year?
Every now and then I meet other photographers and a nice conversation arises about photography, the equipment you work with and each other's work. I always like that.
4. Which type of images are you currently shooting?
I like somewhat more complex images and try to build a photo from multiple layers. Foreground, reflection, views... everything can serve to make a beautiful image. I see the city as a moving painting of colors, light and shadow and the people who move through it and try to capture some of those moments. The more abstract way of photographing appeals to me the most, I also like to make images with long shutter speed on the street.
5. Which (street)photographer inspires you?
Saul Leiter and Ernst Haas are still in first place. Of the contemporary photographers especially Sarah van Rij and her partner David van der Leeuw, both from Amsterdam as far as I know. Also Jack Davidson, Gustavo Minas and Nicolaus Armani.
Karen is featured in the 5th edition of State of Amsterdam
Copyright of each photo featured belongs to Karen Schlotke
