Behind the Camera: Set and Interior Photography at Bijlmerbajes

Two months ago, I had the opportunity to work as an Assistant Camera on the set of a Dutch feature film. The experience was intense—ten long days of shooting with hardly any rest—but overall, it was a great adventure. Despite the exhaustion, I made sure to carry my camera with me throughout the shoot, even when I wasn’t required to take any photos. On some days, I barely had the energy to click the shutter. But luckily, I brought my camera to the set on exactly the right day, capturing moments in the fascinating Bijlmerbajes.

The Bijlmerbajes, once a prison complex, has been repurposed into a hotel, restaurant, and climbing spot. Despite its new life, several areas remain untouched, preserving the eerie remnants of its past. As part of my set and interior photography, I aimed to capture the haunting, almost surreal atmosphere that this transformation has left behind.

During a guided tour of the facility, I was struck by how some of the rooms—now converted into stylish hotel spaces—were more comfortable than a vacation room you’d find in Thailand. Yet, even with its modern amenities, the Bijlmerbajes retains an undeniable sense of creepiness and emptiness. The juxtaposition of this dark, abandoned past and its vibrant present provided the perfect setting for my photography.

The pictures featured here reflect both the eerie, atmospheric energy of the former prison and the beauty that comes with its new life. It’s a fascinating blend of set and interior photography that brings you inside this unique space, showcasing the duality of its transformation.