“This Is My Way of Giving Back to the City” Interview With Local Street Photographer
Follow Dillen's story — how he works the camera with a vision impairment to follow his passion and create communities.
In the heart of Groningen, Dillen van der Molen captures unassuming cityscapes and vibrant street moments through his lens. A dedicated street photographer, Dillen transforms the city's raw and unscripted scenes into compelling art. His journey as a photographer was not meticulously planned but unfolded naturally over time, driven by passion, perseverance, and a desire to connect with others.
Dillen’s path to photography began in 2011 when he bought his first camera. Initially inspired by a colleague’s nature photography, it started as a casual hobby. However, by 2016, photography had become a central part of his life. Before fully immersing himself in photography, Dillen worked as a care worker in the healthcare industry. His career came to an early end due to chronic physical illness, which led him to explore new avenues to channel his energy and creativity.
This turning point brought him to Inspire Media, a Groningen-based organisation that supports individuals with physical or mental challenges who are unable to work in traditional environments. At Inspire Media, Dillen balanced his photography hobby with his daytime activities as part of the program. There, he began experimenting with street photography while contributing to De Riepe, a magazine that highlights urban life in Groningen, Leeuwarden, and Assen.
After leaving Inspire Media three years ago, Dillen transitioned to working independently, photographing the vibrant cityscape of Groningen on his own terms. “I work from home now and go out almost every day to photograph in the city centre,” he says. This independence has allowed him to focus on his passions—street photography, cityscapes, and even floral and macro photography.
“I wanted to do more solo work,” Dillen shares. “It gave me the flexibility to manage my time and concentrate on the aspects of photography that I love most.”
The Challenges and Inspiration Behind the Lens
What sets Dillen apart is his ability to turn challenges into art. Living with STAR, an eye condition that causes grainy and pixelated vision, Dillen’s unique perspective is central to his style. “The grainy, sandy texture you see in my photos mirrors how I see the world,” he explains. This distinct aesthetic has become his creative signature, inviting viewers to experience the world through his eyes.
Dillen’s mood and environment heavily influence his work. Overcast skies or personal struggles might result in moodier edits, while brighter days bring out vivid, energetic tones. “Colours are a feeling,” he shares. “The way I feel while capturing and editing a photo often shapes the final image.”
Building a Photography Community
Dillen’s impact goes beyond his photography. Recognising a gap in local photographer interaction, he founded Instameet Groningen, an annual event that brings photographers together to share ideas, collaborate, and explore the city through their lenses.
The event, organised in partnership with FotoSipkes, Visit Groningen, and Tourism Groningen, started small but quickly gained momentum. “It’s amazing to see how Instameet has grown,” Dillen says. “Now, we even have a WhatsApp group called Photo Buddies, where about 30 photographers from the northern Netherlands connect, plan photo walks, and share their work.”
This sense of community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of Dillen’s journey. “Photography isn’t just about the pictures—it’s about the people you meet along the way,” he reflects.
A Personal Mission
For Dillen, photography is more than a creative outlet; it’s his way of giving back to the city that supports him. Unable to work a traditional job due to his health, Dillen dedicates his energy to capturing Groningen’s charm. “This is my way of contributing to the city,” he explains. “It gets me off the couch, out into the world, and interacting with people. It’s my thank-you to Groningen.”
Planning his shoots around his health, Dillen has found a balance that allows him to stay active and creative. “I can go out when I feel my best, and that freedom is invaluable,” he says.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
For those hesitant to start their photography journey, Dillen offers words of encouragement: “Do what feels possible for you. It doesn’t have to be grand—just start small. Take a walk, bring your camera, and see where it leads. Inspiration comes while creating.”
Dillen believes in the power of slow progress. “You don’t have to rush. Even if you only go out once a week, that’s enough to build momentum. Over time, you’ll naturally find your rhythm and style.”
His philosophy is simple: photography is about passion, not perfection. “The beauty of photography is in its unpredictability. Sometimes, a shot you didn’t plan turns out to be your favourite. Embrace those happy accidents.”
As Dillen continues to document the streets of Groningen, he inspires others to see the beauty in the mundane and to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles. “Slow progress is still progress,” he says, a motto that resonates deeply in both his life and work.