Gijs van der Most is 33 and is a Dutch photographer specializing in portrait & documentary photography. He also thinks he’s a DJ because he’s got impeccable taste in music and a killer iTunes collection.

MOSSLESS: What brought you to New York?
GIJS VAN DER MOST: I came to New York because my wife is from here. We were dating long distance for a couple of years, but like her mom says, “You’ve got to shit or get off the pot!” So we got married, and now we split our time between New York and Los Angeles. I’m completely inspired by the USA. There are so many nooks and crannies in every day life, so many states here. It’s almost like the states are like their own countries. Shooting in Holland is and will always be fun too, it’s home. But there’s just something about being in New York, and just driving upstate. It’s like a whole different place.

ML: Tell me something about your Amsterdam South East project.
GvdM: I actually had an assignment to photograph something hidden. There really aren’t ghettos in Amsterdam, we’re really fortunate. But this part of the city is poor. I went to some cultural parade there one day, and came across a bunch of churches and services going on in parking garages. They rented out small spaces hidden underneath parking garages. It was the most amazing thing ever. There are so many different religions, and not enough churches, so these people have to worship in a garage. And they’re more then happy to be there. I went to a mass one Sunday, just to check it out. I asked the pastor if his congregation would be ok with me taking portraits of them. He announced me as “Brother Gijs” to the church that Sunday, and I was welcomed with open arms the next time I was there! It was amazing. That series really speaks to people. I have to go back and see what’s going on there.

ML: Do you use the same equipment for most of your shoots?
GvdM: Yes, in almost all of my shots I use my good old Canon 5D and a Lumedyne flash. I love my gear. It’s light and mobile. Perfect for if you have to move around a lot and make quick decisions. I also love to use my Mamiya RZ. I just wish that the budgets nowadays were a little bit higher so I can actually afford to use it.

ML: What’s the best thing about being Dutch?
GvdM: The best things about being Dutch? EVERYTHING! Well, one thing I’ve noticed being in America for roughly a year, when I tell people I’m Dutch, they always smile, and usually ask me what part of Sweden that is! Just kidding. I love hearing people’s stories about their trip to Amsterdam, and then they usually ask me if I know this “coffee shop” they went to, even though there are over 200 coffee shops, it’s always a nice ice breaker. On the business side, I feel really unique in my style here, and Dutch people have a good reputation and are hard workers. And that’s true, there’s no overtime for us, we just work till every thing’s done. Oh, and the cheese. Cannot forget the Dutch cheese!