“The hotel security came through the emergency exit. The look on his face was priceless! We couldn’t make a run for it cause we were standing on a rooftop” – @vincualize
I first stumbled on the Urbex Instagrammer accounts in Paris, and have continued to search for them ever since. This week I got to interview a guy behind my favourite Urbex Amsterdam accounts… @vincualize.
At first glance, his photography can come across a little bit intense. Gas marks down dark alleyways… not the image of tulips and windmills you’d normally associate with Amsterdam. But the rough locations intertwined with individual insight and dark edits showcase a side of city life that is not to be missed.
Take a look for yourself, and then make sure to go follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
HG: Your photography showcases a really dark side of Amsterdam that isn’t expected when you type in #Amsterdam. What is it about the after-dark shots that appeal to you more than the standard bright Amsterdam you see on the Instagram of tourists and travellers who are new to the city?
Vince: Well, I actually started out with shooting typical Amsterdam shots like canals, bikes, and all of the famous landmarks. I did this for quite a while on a daily base. Eventually when I went to go shoot in the city, I just ran out of inspiration. I felt like I already shot everything in the city so I went looking for a different subject. I still loved shooting Amsterdam so I just went for a different approach to look at the city.
This is when I started out with the Amsterdam Underground series. In the same period of time I got to know some other inspirational photographers from outside Amsterdam whose shots always have been a little bit outside the box! So thats when I decided to actually shoot what I like instead of the stuff everyone expects to see when they look for Amsterdam pictures!
Je Suis Charlie #ig_streetpeople A photo posted by Vince (@vincualize) on
HG: You’re about to go on a Eurotrip – do you think you will see other European cities through the similar dark lens you shoot Amsterdam with?
Vince: Actually the reason for me going on a small Eurotrip is to find cool locations that match my photography, and to meet up with some Instagrammers who have a similar style as I do. First we will go to the southern part of Belgium to go to some abandoned churches, villas and other Urbex (urban exploration) opportunities.
After that I will fly to Vienna. I really have no idea what Vienna is like, but I’ve seen some guys whose shots have the same underground/dark feel as mine, so that made me decide to ‘just go for it’ and meet up with them. After that Paris is on the list. Paris has a really big system of tunnels underground that most people don’t even know about. They usually won’t go further than L’arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. My plan is to avoid these places and look for ‘the other side’ of Paris.
HG: Any thoughts on what you think will be the best part of your upcoming trip?
Vince: I really love Urbex. The feeling you get when you are standing in an abandoned castle that somebody used to call home… No feeling is like it! Seeing Vienna will be cool since I decided to not plan anything on this trip. I literally haven’t even Googled it so it’ll all be a big surprise for me! I love unplanned trips! That way you visit more places that are off the typical tourist route.
HG: So I have to ask… why do you wear masks? Is it to stop the police knowing who’s prowling around the rooftops after dark?
Vince: Actually I just think they give my pictures that little extra that matches the feeling I want to give my followers when they go through my gallery. If the mask comes off, you will see, I’m actually a real normal guy…. Really! I like the question though, I’ve been in numerous situations where I wish I had a mask on! But the whole mystery it adds to the picture is the main reason. Train tracks and rooftops just look cooler with someone with a gas mask on it.
Worst of two worlds A photo posted by Vince (@vincualize) on
HG: I would be quite nervous to bump in to you and your friends in masks after dark – have you ever scared the life out of someone and had to apologise?
Vince: There was a night when me and a friend were standing on a rooftop holding a bright torch shooting some pics. While we were busy the hotel security came through the emergency exit. The look on his face was priceless! We couldn’t make a run for it cause we were standing on a rooftop, so it was even funnier when we showed him what we were doing. He really liked the pics so he gave us 5 minutes longer to finish what we were doing!
HG: As well as your fans in hotel security, I’m not the only who’s noticed you on Instagram – but have you also found friends or mentors through the platform as well as fans of your photography?
Vince: When I lost inspiration in shooting canals and stuff, I went looking for people who did something different. Thats how I met some people just as crazy as I am. This opened up a whole new level of inspiration in a type of photography I never even knew about. So friends yes. Mentors? Not really, nobody really teaches you how to stand on a rooftop. You just go out and explore with likeminded people!
HG: You put out a request on your Facebook page for portrait models. Who would be your most interesting subject and where would you want to take their picture?
Vince: This is a hard question… I don’t think I can name a certain person. I would love to shoot portraits of people with a story that shows in their face, in their own surroundings. I think a portrait should show a person from the inside. Notorious Amsterdam legends like Willem Holleeder in a back alley at the red light district would be cool to shoot, to name an example.
My resolution to #makemoreportraits ! | meet @marsley_ | this dude makes sick pictures! Gotta love his feed so check it out! | A photo posted by Vince (@vincualize) on
HG: I moved to Amsterdam a month a go, and I haven’t found a side of the city I like as much as in your photos. Aside from avoiding bumping in to Willem Holleeder in a back alley at the red light district, how would you suggest a new expat gets to know the real Amsterdam?
Vince: Well, most expats wouldn’t want to know the side of Amsterdam I take pictures of. I can see why because Amsterdam is beautiful, with its canals and stuff.
However I don’t think you’ve met Amsterdam until you’re stood on a rooftop where you aren’t supposed to be. The feeling you get up there.. Looking down at tourists who think they have seen it all… it’s indescribable. When are you coming with me, Hostelgirl??
HG: Soon!
Rooftopping with @jimiduchamp #streetdreamsmag #rooftopping A photo posted by Vince (@vincualize) on
HG: Of course, I have to ask… will you be staying in hostels when you’re in Europe?
Vince: I chose to go for AirBnB. I don’t have any experience with it yet, but I’ll travel with a lot of equipment and just want to leave everything in a private room. I like the idea of staying with a local as well!
I’ve got to say a huge thank you to Vince who was far sweeter than the gas masks would suggest (hope that doesn’t ruin your street cred Vince!) and was a fabulous interviewee. Have a spectacular Eurotrip and make sure to tell us all about it when you get back!
p.s. to keep up to date with Vince’s photography you know what to do…
Lots of love,
