1. What’s your favourite Amsterdam neighbourhood to shoot?
While most of my non-photographing friends tend to avoid this area, I love to dive into the busy streets on and around De Wallen: de Zeedijk, Damstraat, Warmoesstraat, the small alleys. Not only because it’s always crowded and things change all the time, but also because of the feeling of being an island in the middle of a swirling sea. I like that contradiction, it calms me down in a weird way and makes me observe better. My favorite spot is Waterlooplein, always. I used to live in that neighbourhood and it never disappoints me.
2. Which secret spot would you recommend (now not secret anymore)?
It’s not so secret, but every now and then I go to Buikslotermeerplein and the Boven ’t Y shopping area. The architecture is not pretty at all, but that’s also what attracts me, especially when it’s bathing in sunlight and the market is still there. At the other side of the shopping mall, across the AH XL, is a quite ugly white and green building which provides the best shadows when the sun is standing low.
3. What’s your most memorable streetphotography experience from the past year?
Being at the UvA-protests at the Oude Turfmarkt concerning the genocide in Palestine was really intense and emotional. I felt an inescapable urge to capture what was happening, all the emotions, the soothing power of being together and also the inevitable confrontation with the police. My camera really felt as a shield and weapon at the same time.
4. Which type of images are you currently shooting?
Currently I find myself shooting a lot of ‘moody’ and dark images, especially since Amsterdam was, for many days, hidden under a thick layer of grey mist. Trying to capture some (artificial) light on these dark days, without avoiding the darkness, also helps me to cope with the winter blues.
5. Which (street)photographer inspires you?
There are so, so many. My all time favorites are - a true cliché, I know - Joel Meyerowitz and Saul Leiter. Also really admire the work of Mary Ellen Mark, Alec Soth, Harry Gruyaert, Ernst Haas, Fred Herzog, Nan Goldin, William Eggleston, Alex Webb - to name a few.
Randy is featured in the 5th edition of State of Amsterdam
Copyright of each photo featured belongs to Randy Fokke
