1. What’s your favourite Amsterdam neighbourhood to shoot?
l don't really have one preferred neighbourhood where I like to shoot, but I have a soft spot for "ugly" neighbourhoods . For me that means a lot of concrete, asphalt, high and chilly office buildings and not too crowded with people. Those kinds of neighbourhoods have something alienating, which I find very interesting. In Amsterdam I therefore like to visit Sloterdijk, the Zuidas, Bijlmer-Arena and other neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city
2. Which secret spot would you recommend (now not secret anymore)?
From Sloterdijk station, you walk straight into the harbour area. Another interesting area with colourful warehouses, sea containers, railways and small and bigger industry. If you walk long enough, you can even take the ferry to the Hembrugterrein in Zaanstad.
3. What’s your most memorable streetphotography experience from the past year?
Actually, it's all the times I get into ‘ the flow’. When I suddenly see good photo's everywhere and manage to take them too. That will always remain magical, and maybe that's why - unfortunately - it doesn't happen too often.
4. Which type of images are you currently shooting?
I've always been looking for grip and balance by placing strong lines and areas of colour in my compositions. Lately, I've been trying to become a little less strict/tight in this, as it tends to come at the expense of spontaneity. So I try to work a bit more intuitively.... some attempts more successful than others I must say, haha.
5. Which (street)photographer inspires you?
I'm inspired by a lot of photographers and other artists. Harry Gruyaert, Saul Leiter, Stephen Shore, Gordon Parks, Joel Meyerowitz, Jeff Wall, Martin Parr and Edward Hopper to name a few, very difficult to choose one as my favorite.
Thomas is featured in the 5th edition of State of Amsterdam
Copyright of each photo featured belongs to Thomas Kessens
