From a young age, Stijn Rademaker has been collecting images, a practice he continues to this day, and one he ultimately turned into his profession. After initially working for several years as a nurse, he graduated in 1996 from the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague (KABK). Since then, he has worked as a photographer, specialising in portrait and documentary photography.
Capturing the reflection of life is no easy task. Photography is a fleeting medium: each frozen moment has already passed the instant it is captured. Rademaker’s mission is to reveal the extraordinary within the ordinary. Translating a single moment into an image is a creative process and his way of expressing himself. He draws inspiration from everyday situations, whether working on a reportage or a portrait.
In his work, he strives for simplicity with a keen eye for detail, atmosphere, beauty and human connection. His strength lies in visualising people’s personal stories. During each encounter, his curiosity is sparked. By carefully observing and listening, he translates these stories into intimate and respectful images, whether in a single photograph or a longer series. He considers his work done when he is able to convey to the viewer what he himself has seen.
