Interviews / Stories
Photographer Roy Ensink (Netherlands)
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Roy Ensink and I am a 25 year old photographer from The Netherlands. I live in a normal size town in the East of The Netherlands, where it is very quit and peaceful. I regularly visit bigger cities for inspiration like Utrecht and Amsterdam. In my spare time, besides photography, I like to cook and meet with my friends.
How and when did you get into photography?
My interest in photography started when I was around 11 years old. My grandfather and I used to go on small trips where we made photos with a Polaroid camera. The more often we went on a trip, the more fascinated I became on photography and the more I wanted to learn about all the different techniques that can be used while making a photograph. I bought my first digital camera when I was 16 years old and since I’ve been taking lots of pictures and photos.
I always wanted my own business and when I was 20 years old I got the opportunity to start my own photography business. It is hard work, but now, many years later all the experiences pay off. In my photography I can see that I have learned allot the past years and that I have worked hard to be where I am today. However, sometimes in my spare time I am still that little boy trying to learn more and make pretty photographs.
What does photography mean to you?
Every project that I work on is a new rollercoaster of emotions. First the excitement of the new project. Then I start selecting the right team of people; a stylists, a makeup artist, an assistant and of course the models. It is all about the right combination of people. I always brainstorm with the client to get an idea of what they are looking for in the photos. I love the creativity in this process! Most of the times we make a storyboard, so everyone gets the idea and feeling we want in the shoot. I always try to challenge myself with new techniques and a different feeling in the photography. When the day of the shoot comes closer I still get nervous sometimes. It is always toil for the whole team, but the satisfaction of the results feels amazing!
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My photography style is urban- fashion. I am always looking for a surprise effect and love to be creative in such way that I surprise the client with the final results. I love to do black and white too because it gives a more sturdy look to the photography.
Where do you get inspiration from?
This is a really hard question, because inspiration is something really personal for me. I always get inspiration from different moments or things. I for example love to go to museums and (art) exhibitions. But I also have a nice collection of photography books where I can get lots of inspiration from. However, most of the times I get inspired by people. I love to meet new people in town, because talking to them and sometimes hearing their stories inspires me for a new project or gives me new insights in ideas that I already have for other projects.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
In advance I think I know for 90% what I want in the picture. And this of course has to do with the team of people I bring together for the shoot, the type of models, the brand and the location. However I also get allot of inspiration from the moment itself. Therefore I love to be creative in that moment and try something that wasn’t scheduled but always surprises the team in a positive way.
Studio, on location or both?
Location, no doubt about that! I love to travel and I love the challenge to work with different light settings and different feelings that come along with the location. However, for some projects studio photography fits better and then I always challenge myself by creating the perfect light and environment.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Definitely a paid professional because of the experience I have and all the equipment of which I know how to work with it. My photography is more that just a hobby for me.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Again a hard question, because I really love allot of projects I worked on. The most recent memorable project was a shoot I did in October on Ibiza. It was a shoot for the summer collection from a children’s fashion brand. Ibiza is a beautiful island with beautiful locations and we had a great crew to work with. The models were Spanish and therefore it was extra funny trying to communicate with them and to keep them enthusiastic. I am still thankful for that fantastic moment.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
Then I still have to say the people I meet and the people I work with. And I’ve always been a huge fan of Helmut Newton, his work inspires me for my own projects.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon and I am really attached to my 2.8, 24-70mm, because this lens is nice to work with in different situations. Also i like my portrait lens 1.8, 85mm, this one is so sharp! (or not haha)
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Know that having your own business is hard work. You do not only have to be a good photographer, but you have to do business as well. That is an aspect of my work that most people often forget. It can be a tough world and you have to know how to deal with that. When it comes down to just photography; follow your hearth, get inspired by everything around you and be creative!
What do you think of our new magazine?
Amazing ! I really love the fact of getting to know someone and see his/her work this big! It is something different.