Photographer Feature

In Focus: Raisa Zwart

Kolla Photographer Feature
Posted on 30/10/2018

Raisa Zwart is a fine art film photographer from the Netherlands, who likes to travel as much as she can.


Kolla Photographer Raisa Zwart


You could call Raisa a beach lover, a big dreamer and a sucker for yoga pants, traveling and Moroccan food.

We had a chance to do a quick interview with her to learn more about her passion for culture, and what keeps her hustling.

Images: The Green Wave (left), Green on Coral Part II (top), Hello Hello (bottom)

 

Who are you, where are you from, what do you do?

I am Raisa Zwart, 26 years old, from a little coastal town in the Netherlands. I a hybrid photographer, which means I shoot both film and digital, and shoot weddings, editorials and also love to document my travels. You could call me a beach lover, a yogi and I am obsessed with food.

 

Who or what is influencing your photography the most right now?

Tough question! I don’t follow as many photographers as I used to. I do visit photo galleries and treat myself to a nice photography book from time to time. But I think my inspiration comes, now more then ever, from life itself. From the people I meet and the places I visit. I try to see the adventure in everything, and that sense of adventure is what drives my photography at the moment.

Besides that, I’m always drawn to certain color palettes, like warm pastel colors on walls or in skies, deep greens and blues of lush plants and the ocean, I just can’t get enough of it. Color is a key element for me, it’s one of the reasons I love shooting film, there something about the richness of the colors that just does it for me.

How does your approach differ between your personal and professional work?

It used to be further apart than it is now. It took some time for me to realize that I could shoot both paid and personal work at the same way, and thinking about it that way really works for me.

I try to stay playful and curious for both types of work and found out that if I just say ‘yes’ to the right clients, which is luxury I’m so thankful for that I can now afford, I can shoot how I want to, even on client jobs.

Sure, there are times at for example a wedding where you would have wanted just a bit more time or something like that, but for the most part, my approach on both types of work are the same. 

I do think that personal projects are SO important. It fuels my creativity and time and time again proves to be worth it. 

I do really love the fact that we’re back to printing more pictures - and think we need to fuel this even more as an industry. Raisa Zwart

Image: Misty Morning at the Beach

 

Describe the last time you were stopped in your tracks to take a photo.

When I was in Marrakech 2 weeks ago, that happened like 15 times a day. As a photographer, I find that my mind is always looking for images. Even when I don’t have my camera on me: my mind is processing my environment in compositions, colors, lighting situations, there’s just no off switch.

So when I’m in a place like Marrakech, my camera doesn’t leave my side. I stop to photograph pretty alleys, patterns and colors, people, anything that catches my eye and I just can’t let go. Which doesn’t mean I photograph all day though, because I shoot film, I’m very selective with what I shoot: if I shoot 20 pictures a day when traveling, it’s a lot. I also just take one or two photographs per setting.

 

What photography trend interests you at the moment?

I do really love the fact that we’re back to printing more pictures - and think we need to fuel this even more as an industry. Photos should be printed, not just live on harddrives and the internet ;-). 

 

What is one thing you're obsessed with right now? 

Food. Not just right now, but I think forever. Italian cuisine, Moroccan food, the Indonesian Kitchen (and so on…), I love eating in or out with family and friends and trying out new recipes myself when the low season hits. I guess it’s a good thing I’m kind of obsessed with Yoga and Crossfit as well, to balance it out ;-). 


Embrace the adventure - Shop Raisa's collection today.

For more interviews like this, as well as promotions and special offers, sign up to Photography Art News by Kolla. We'll knock 10 % off on your first order.


You may also like

Kolla
Photographer Feature

In Focus: Maurizio Palumbo

Maurizio Palumbo - an artist who calles Naples, Italy home - is one of our many talented Kolla...

Read more
Wall Art with Scandinavian Design
Curators

Tonhya Kae

Tonhya Kae made the move from Seattle to New York, and has hustled ever since.

The Top Knot, her...

Read more