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THROUGH

THE

EYES

THROUGH

THE

EYES

RUBEN VISSER ‘T HOOFT / AMSTERDAM

Running on Inspiration Through the Eyes of a Lifestyle Photographer

Ruben Visser ‘t Hooft, lifestyle photographer

Hi, I’m Ruben, a lifestyle photographer and avid runner based in Amsterdam. Photography and running might seem like two different worlds, but for me, they’re deeply connected. Both require rhythm, patience, and adapting to the unexpected. When I run, I’m completely present. When I shoot, I chase that same flow.

Man with backpack entering a black vehicle.

Stumbling Into Photography

I never planned to be a photographer, but looking back, it feels inevitable. My grandfather was a photojournalist, and his stories of travel and capturing history as it happened left a lasting impression on me. Still, it wasn’t until I was 21 that I decided to take my own photos. 

I started experimenting with GoPros and digital cameras, but everything clicked when I got my first real camera—a hand-me-down from my father-in-law. From that moment, everything I was exposed to as a kid aligned with my new passion. Suddenly, photography wasn’t just about happy snaps. It was about observing and finding meaning in everyday moments.

Person organizing camera equipment in a bag with a bird tattoo on their arm.

I realized I didn’t just want to take pictures.

I wanted to tell stories.

People diving into the sea near an island.

Creating Without Constraints

I’m drawn to raw, natural moments that aren’t forced. I don’t overly plan my shots. I prefer to be in the moment, adapt, and let the environment guide me. That unpredictability keeps my work fresh and it keeps me engaged.

My biggest inspiration is other creators. People who dedicate themselves to making something out of nothing. Photographers, sculptors, dancers, athletes—anyone who channels their energy into creating. It’s less about the specific medium and more about the mindset.

A person walking through tall grass, wearing a black backpack and beanie.

That drive to bring something new into the world—that’s what fuels me.

The Intersection of Photography
and Running

Running is physical first, and mental second. Photography is the other way around. Both take effort, but they hit differently.

Photography has a certain rhythm to it. When everything clicks—the light, the movement, the timing—it just works. It’s the same with running. That headspace where everything else fades? That’s what keeps me coming back. When I run, I’m not thinking about my next shot. I’m not even thinking about photography. But somehow, it influences the way I see the world.

In a literal sense, running has inspired my ideas for shooting locations. Some of my favorite places were first discovered on foot. Het Twiske in Oostzaan, for example. I ran there one summer morning and knew immediately it had potential for a shoot. I still have to act on it, but it’s high on my list.

Runners gather at the starting line, preparing for a race, with one runner giving a fist bump.

For me, both running and photography are about pushing into the unknown and challenging yourself. Last October, I ran my first half marathon. Next up? A full marathon, then maybe an Iron Man. It’s a big unknown to me! But that’s the thing about running—it teaches you that every impossible goal is just a series of steps waiting to be taken (pun intended).

On the photography side, my next goal is to rebuild my studio again—something I had for two years and really miss.

Every impossible goal is just a series of steps waiting to be taken.

Being Present in
Two Worlds

Photography is about capturing moments. Running is about being in them. The trick is knowing when to stop overthinking and just be in it.

The rhythm of running reminds me of the timing
of a perfect shot—that flow state. That’s why running isn’t just about fitness for me. It’s something I truly enjoy doing. Much like photography, it’s about joy, freedom, creativity, and exploring new parts of the world.

Whether it’s through a lens or on the road, my work is about movement. Capturing it and experiencing it. When you pay attention to light, space, and the rhythm of things, you start seeing the world differently. You start seeing moments worth capturing.

Man running on a forest path surrounded by trees.

That state of flow, behind the camera or mid-run, is what I chase.

Why I Lace Up While Traveling

It’s one thing to scout a location on Google Maps; it’s another to run through it on foot. I always try to run when I travel. It’s a way to see places differently, beyond the usual tourist spots. 

Running through the dunes in Egmond, down the streets of Barcelona, or along the coast in Lombok—every location has its own energy. Urban runs give you the pulse of a city. Nature trails strip everything back to just you, the elements, and the odd squirrel judging your pace.

A person standing on a rocky mountain overlook with cloudy sky and distant peaks.

A run I’ll never forget was in Bali. I wasn’t training for anything, just exploring. No expectations, no set route—just running until the path ended. That’s something I try to bring into my photography too: less control, more instinct.

Another run that stands out was in Taormina, Sicily. The route zigzagged down from the hills to the ocean, and the views were absolutely breathtaking—literally, since the incline was no joke. I didn’t have my camera at the time, but the moment stuck with me. Later that day, I went back to capture the landscape. 

That’s another way running and photography connect for me—it’s about chasing moments, even if it means retracing your steps.

Group of people running on a rural trail with buildings and trees in the background.

Running in new places reminds me why I fell in love with it in the first place.

What’s in My Pockets

(or Not)?

Honestly, I carry almost nothing when I run. I have a belt to stop my phone and keys from bouncing around. For long runs, I bring water and the occasional energy gel, but that’s about it.

In general, when it comes to my everyday carry, I keep it simple—if it’s built to last and doesn’t weigh me down, it makes the cut.

That’s what I love about Ekster’s gear like the Cardholder Pro Pine. It’s about having an adventurous spirit while minimizing excess. Pine trees symbolize the outdoors, and that’s my favorite place to be. A wallet that reminds me of that? That’s a solid add-on.

Man running on a trail in athletic gear, surrounded by bare trees.

Getting Into the Runner’s Mindset

Physical activity has always helped me reset, but running has a unique way of blocking out the noise. When you’re out for 30 minutes or more, there’s a shift—it’s like your thoughts get to breathe. 

If you’ve ever thought, ‘running isn’t for me,’ trust me—I’ve been there. But what I’ve learned is that it’s not about being fast or running the longest distance. It’s about finding your own rhythm, your own way of experiencing the world.

Man jogging on a forest road, wearing a white shirt and black shorts.

I don’t have any strict rituals. I follow my Polar running program to structure my training, but mostly, it’s just about putting on my shoes and going. Whether it’s a slow jog or an all-out sprint, every step counts.

So here’s my advice: ditch the headphones, leave the phone in your pocket, and just run. See where it takes you. It’s all about patience and persistence.

Person wearing pink running shoes with orange laces and socks on pavement.

What Running

Has Taught Me

The biggest lesson running has taught me is that if you allow yourself the time, you can achieve big things. That lesson has shaped more than just my running—it’s changed the way I approach photography and life in general. 

Good things take time, and the more you trust that, the better the journey becomes. Whether it’s building endurance or developing a creative vision, patience is key.

If you allow yourself the time, you can achieve big things.

OWN

THE

UNKNOWN

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