Thomas van der Zaag’s Grown Up Girls

In the work of photographer Thomas van der Zaag, we’re given an insight into what happens when the dreamy, languid girls who populate Flickr grow up. Gone are the wistful sidelong glances and carefree days spent wading in shallow lakes; these women are more hesitant, ponderous and adult. They bite their nails and appear resigned and tentative, but just as beautiful.

Van der Zaag doesn’t make a lot of demands of his subjects—”As long as the person isn’t self-conscious in front of the camera I am happy,” he says. “There is nothing worse then a lame pose and fake smile.”

His focus on spontaneity is what makes van der Zaag’s work so evocative; with each image, the 27-year old psychology graduate invites us to observe and reflect on private, candid moments to which we wouldn’t otherwise be privy. Despite his vast catalog of captured moments (“I never stop taking pictures,” he told us), there are still ones that were left behind.

“Every single photo shoot there is a moment I wish I had captured. I also wish I had taken more pictures of my dad before he died.”

Details

• Art by

  Thomas van der Zaag