Join us in this exclusive interview with talented Dutch photographer and our dear friend, Wieteke. We discuss her journey of blending a love for travel with her dream job, the challenges she faces on the road, and her tips for enjoying Amsterdam and beyond. Join us as we dive into Wieteke's world of adventure and creativity.
Wieteke – thank you so much for taking time out of your busy life to talk with me! You have been our campaign photographer for six campaigns now: Guatemala, Jordan, Aruba, Lanzarote, Mykonos, and Amsterdam. Even listing these now, I’m getting some serious envy! Talk to us, how have you made incorporating your love for travel into your dream job?Â
First of all, I want to express how much of a dream it is to collaborate with Kinga Csilla. I'm incredibly grateful that we've already worked on so many successful campaigns together. Interestingly, just three weeks ago, I stumbled upon my poetry album from when I was 11 years old, and I had listed "Ghana" as my favourite country. At that age, I had no idea where Ghana was located, but looking back, I believe it was the beginning of my passion for travel.
Years ago, I traveled to Morocco with my roommate, and there, we began creating photographs together. I found the experience immensely enjoyable and realised my desire to continue capturing stunning images around the world. Not long after, a swimwear brand approached me to shoot their campaign in Cape Town. Despite not knowing the person behind the brand and having never been to Africa before, this was a remarkable opportunity. For the first time, I embarked on a solo journey outside of Europe, and it turned out to be the best decision of my life. From that moment, I knew: this is what I want to do. I built my brand around my passion for photography and travel.
Being self-employed and able to visit all these bucket list-worthy locations sounds incredible, but honestly, there must be some tough times on the road. Lugging around samples, feeling unsafe, missing flights—give us some of the less glamorous examples of your job?
Absolutely, being self-employed and traveling to amazing destinations is a dream come true, but it's not all glamour. There are definitely tough times that come with the territory. Here are some less glamorous aspects of my job: Missing flights, delayed flights, canceled flights—they're all part of the journey.
I've also had instances where I've had to be hyper-aware of my surroundings, constantly keeping an eye on my equipment and belongings to prevent theft or damage. Also, lugging around samples and equipment can be physically demanding and tiring. It's not just about carrying cameras and laptops; there are often props, clothing, and other necessities that need to be transported from one location to another.
Weather can be incredibly unpredictable, especially when shooting outdoors. I've experienced everything from sudden rain showers to extreme heat waves, which can disrupt the entire shoot schedule and require quick thinking to adapt and find alternative locations or solutions. Also, it's not uncommon to find yourself working late into the night. So, it's hard work and not only glamour.
When you’re not jet-setting, your home is Amsterdam! Were you born and bred in Amsterdam?
Actually, I was born and raised in a small village in Noord-Brabant, which is in the southern part of the Netherlands. Amsterdam became my home later on for four years, but as I was missing my hometown, I've decided to go back to my roots. Â
With Euro summer upon us and so many of our customers migrating to soak up that summer sun, can you give us some local knowledge about things to do, eat, see, and shop in Amsterdam?
Absolutely! Amsterdam is such a vibrant city with tons to offer. So, first things first, you've gotta explore the canals. Whether you're taking a boat tour or just strolling along the water, it's such a beautiful way to see Amsterdam.
When it comes to food, you've got to try some Dutch street food. I'm talking stroopwafels, those caramel-filled waffles, and bitterballen, these amazing deep-fried meatballs. They're seriously delicious. And if you're up for a sit-down meal, Amsterdam has some incredible restaurants serving up everything from traditional Dutch dishes to international cuisine.
As for sights, you can't miss Dam Square and the Anne Frank House. They're such important parts of Amsterdam's history and culture. And if you're feeling adventurous, take a stroll through the Jordaan district or maybe even check out the Red Light District. Each neighbourhood has its own vibe and is worth exploring.
When it comes to shopping, Amsterdam has you covered. The Nine Streets are perfect for boutique shopping, and you can find everything from vintage clothes to unique gifts. And if you're into markets, you've got to visit Albert Cuypmarkt. It's this bustling street market with all sorts of goodies. So, whether you're into sightseeing, eating, or shopping, Amsterdam has something for everyone. It's such a cool city to explore, especially during Euro Summer!Â
While we’re getting your hot takes—are there any hidden gems that should be on everyone's list to visit this Euro Summer?
There are so many beautiful countries in Europe. My favourites are Spain, Italy, and Greece. The food, the scenery, and the overall vibe of these countries are incredible. Each one offers a unique cultural experience that's hard to beat.
In Spain, you have the vibrant energy of cities like Barcelona and Madrid, along with the delicious tapas and paella. Italy is a feast for the senses, with its stunning architecture, rich history, and mouthwatering pasta dishes. And Greece, with its breathtaking islands and ancient ruins, has a charm that's hard to resist. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, lounging on pristine beaches, or indulging in local cuisine, there's something magical about each of these countries that keeps drawing me back.
A few quick-fire questions for you:
-
#1 Bucket List Location: Japan
-
Favourite Destination: South Africa
-
Death Row Meal: Sushi
-
Can’t Live Without: My loved ones (and my camera, of course)
-
Quote You Live By: "Do what makes you feel the most alive, as tomorrow is not given."
Okay, make us jealous… where are you off to next?
Paduuummmts! My next trip will be to Italy! Bring on those pasta dishes, haha ;)