1. What’s your favourite Amsterdam neighbourhood to shoot?
I live in the old city center. So when I see that the light is beautiful, I step outside. I follow the sunlight — but only in the old center. I don’t go beyond the Singelgracht. Well, I do go there, but I never take photos.
2. Which secret spot would you recommend (now not secret anymore)?
The first curve of the Zeedijk, coming from the station side. But only in the morning, when the sunlight spreads beautifully through the bend.
3. What’s your most memorable streetphotography experience from the past year?
September 2024. I am standing on Beursplein in the morning. Between the stock exchange and the parking garage is the Pepenbrugsteeg. I have stood here so many times because the morning sun can shine beautifully in this spot. But this light is unpredictable — it is more often absent than present. Then suddenly, the sun appears at its best. A narrow beam of light shines through the alley. Only part of the street is visible; the rest is in darkness. I don’t have much time, as the sun disappears behind the parking garage within minutes. Then I see a woman in a white blouse, a red skirt, and a bag in her left hand confidently walking into the Pepenbrugsteeg, through the beam of sunlight. A short series of photos follows. I have returned many times since, but I have never seen this light again.
4. Which type of images are you currently shooting?
I am a street photographer who sticks to a fixed walking route in the old city center. Every day, I follow the same route (Dam, Damrak, Zeedijk, Waterlooplein, Rembrandtplein, Rokin, and back to the Dam). And yet, photographically, no two days are the same. If the light is good, I go out. I look for contrasts in color. For me, context is the most important thing. My photos must show that it is Amsterdam. The people are actors in my Amsterdam street theater. Am I a street photographer or a dramaturg?
5. Which (street)photographer inspires you?
My inspiration mainly comes from painting, especially Carel Willink. The light he paints, the buildings, the way people pass by — fascinating. But if I have to name a photographer, it would be Ed van der Elsken. By looking at his photos, I learned that photography is not just about using a camera — it’s about personality and presence. Van der Elsken had boldness, he directed, and he knew exactly what kind of images he wanted to create — and what he needed to do to capture them.
Michiel is featured in the 2nd edition of State of Amsterdam
Copyright of each photo featured belongs to Michiel van Mens
