Interview
Roos Van Rij
Amsterdam-born photographer and creative director, Roos Van Rij is well regarded and widely known for her analog take on fashion photography, creating pictures with a vulnerable yet sensual vibe. She sat down with Others Mag to discuss her photographic roots and what inspires her work. Here is her interview accompanied by one of her last series with Hannae Edwinson for Hunken Moller.
When did you first pick up a camera?
The first camera I got was for my 18th birthday. It was an Olympus Pen Mini. And before this I was mostly shooting on disposable cameras.
Do you have specific influences in your work?
I certainly do have specific influences in my work. I’m mostly intrigued by my own reality in life. I’m trying to visualize my mind, my fantasy. Therefore I’m trying to always scout the right women who can translate my mind and fantasy and convey the same temperaments and vision as my own. I give them my life film script. And together we visually create my vision on freedom, romance, seduction, sexuality, adventure, love, humor, sarcasm and all the other emotions.
What would you say is your signature as a photographer?
My signature is analog/film, seductive, adventurous, attitude, romantic, sarcastic, sexual, free and mysterious.
How did you get started?
It all started very naturally but big. My first big job was for American Apparel and it immediately got placed on billboards throughout Los Angeles. I’ve never forced my work into the world, it has been a natural process for me. And I’m mostly proud of this part. I’ve always stayed very close to my heart and pureness.
What’s been the most surprising element of your job?
The most surprising part of my job is that you never know which clients wanna collaborate. It’s a huge rollercoaster with no security. But I’m made for this certain freedom and insecurity, it gives me adrenaline and excites me. Not knowing what’s next, not knowing where I’m flying next, which beautiful countries I may visit. But I’m always taking my creativity and creative mind with me as the thread in my life. And sometimes I’ll go a little nuts from the insecurities because we do have our responsibilities in life but the excitement of the unknown wins over those insecurities about responsibilities. I love taking risks.
Any other artistic medium you are interested to explore?
Yes, I would like to start filming as well.
What gets you off - literally and figuratively?
I find so much peace and adrenaline in photographing - this is my high. It sounds very dramatic, but I’m very vulnerable for all incentives in life… and sometimes I get a little depressed or lost… but the healthy peace I find when I’m behind my camera is amazing and so unique. It really calms my mind and gets me in another dimension.
What city inspires you the most? What makes it a special place for you?
The city that inspired me the most is Los Angeles. It’s the precious excitement, rush, darkness, ambitious, chaotic, endless, destructive, creative, mysterious, addictive, hate and love I have as a human being. And I will always adore Paris, for its romantic, free, artistic, stylish, funny energy and amazing architecture.
Film or digital?
Only film.
If you could choose any era to work in which would it be? Why?
I would have adored the 90’s era as a 30 year old photographer. Most amazing work has been made during this period in film and photography.
Who or what would be your dream subject to shoot?
Difficult question but for sure I would adore to photograph iconic Rihanna. I love her attitude and sexuality, her confidence and mystery.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Overrated virtue for me is people trying to be lucky/happy/satisfied/on point/successful constantly. We’re living in a digital age, that is showing a lot of one-sided emotions and stories. We only want to share our successes and ‘perfect life.’ It’s an illusion. And I don’t quite understand why we are so afraid to show our darkness and fears. The opposite of happiness and luck, why are we so afraid to fail? And for whom are we showing off…Who do you need to convince your life is valuable? You are breathing, you are alive - this is enough.
