Looking at a city through the lens of a local
I discovered Sandra Uittenbogaart’s work during an exhibition at the Panorama Mesdag museum, where she was part of a The Hague-based photography collective. A beautiful series of Scheveningen, the beachside, with amazing candid moments. I reached out when I move here and I’m proud that she’s taking part and hosting a Photowalk during PEOPLE PLACE & PHOTOGRAPHY, our first photography exploration in The Hague from 27-29 January. Let’s find out more about her through this interview!
Hi Sandra, how long have you lived in The Hague and when did you decide to become a photographer?
I am originally from Rotterdam and have been living in The Hague for 20 years now. I didn't know anyone in this city when I moved here, but I knew I would be in the right place. This is the city of politics and royalty, with a rich history of ceremonial and tradition (I love history!).
But also a city with lots of nature and the sea close by. During the first 10 years that I lived here I was not involved in photography at all, I worked as an editor at various ministries and was busy with music in my spare time. It wasn't until I started a blog about my own city that photography became more important to me. I bought a good camera, took workshops, and put myself on the path. My love for the medium turned out to be very strong, I continued to develop myself and since 2020 I have been working as a professional photographer.
How would you describe your photography and what are you after capturing?
I am an allround photographer. I make documentary work and work as a photojournalist, but I can also be hired for events or family shoots. I find it all interesting: in the end, it's about the same thing: capturing the right moment in the right frame with the right light.
And with a bit of humor, if that fits the story. I loved and still love to do street photography, wandering through the city and being surprised by what crosses my path. I especially like to capture change. The changing city. Time and zeitgeist play an important role in my work. I have recorded all the changes in The Hague during the two years of Covid. That was my most beautiful and biggest project to date.
You have exhibited quite a few times in The Hague, could you share a few highlights?
In 2020 I had an exhibition about the seaside resort of Scheveningen, together with three other street photographers at the Panorama Mesdag museum in The Hague. Two years earlier I self-published a photo book about the seaside resort, which turned out to be a great stepping stone to the exhibition. A year later I exhibited a series of 100 photos of The Hague during the pandemic, in the Historical Museum of The Hague, and partially in the public ‘tram tunnel’ in the center of the city. I still want to make a publication of all my Covid photos, because it has been a really important period in our contemporary history.
Next to people, do you also publish photography in Art form?
I am a member of an artist collective in The Hague that organizes exhibitions several times a year. In addition to my documentary photography, I make fine-art photography in which nature plays a major role. I have made two series in recent years, and am now working on a third series. I have these works printed and framed and I sell them in limited editions. These are also photos that I have taken 'on the street', often on the way somewhere or during another assignment.
See here my work: https://www.sandrauittenbogaart.nl/
What inspiration would you like to share with fellow photography enthusiasts? Why should people join the photography exploration and your Photowalk?
It is a very nice combination: getting to know a new city and new people and enriching your own photography. I myself did a multi-day exploration in Brussels a few years ago and I still have contact with the people from then! In addition, I really enjoy telling people about my own city and getting them to take a closer look at their surroundings.
It all comes beautifully together this weekend. And you can ask me anything during a Photowalk, from camera technology to the history of the district we are walking in.
Thank you for your time Sandra Uittenbogaart and this wonderful Q&A. All images in this interview are photographed by Sandra.
Want to see more of her work?
Website: www.studio-uittenbogaart.nl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_uittenbogaart/
Interested in exploring the city of The Hague together with Tom and other enthusiasts?
Sign-up for our first photography exploration from 27-29 January 2023.
