Yeray Sabandar

A self-taught photographer with a sharp instinct for the unfiltered, Amsterdam-based Yeray Sabandar captures the world in its most honest form. Drawing from his Spanish and Moluccan roots, he brings a raw, intimate aesthetic to every project. 

We spoke with Yeray about the honesty of fatherhood, the daily transition between rural and urban Amsterdam Noord, and how riding his Veloretti helps him notice moments we often overlook.

In what ways do your personal, cultural or family background show up in how you see and photograph today?

Growing up between different cultures has shaped how I look at the world, and that naturally feeds into my photography. I’m always curious about other cultures and use photography to get closer to them. For my latest project, GOMUTA, I travelled to the Basque Country, where my mother is from. I spent time with a group of young people who practise Jai Alai, an ancient regional sport that has lost popularity over the years. Their love and passion for this almost-forgotten sport were incredibly inspiring, and I tried to translate that into images. This ultimately became the book.

What does photography mean to you when you think about the generations before and after you? How does that idea move with you over time?

For me, photography feels like a way of holding on to things that might otherwise disappear. It’s also a way to relive a moment, even if you weren’t there yourself - almost like a memory. I hope my work has that effect.

You’ve recently focused on your own journey as a father. What unexpected insights have come up, both as a parent and as a photographer of that process? How has documenting fatherhood changed the way you look at your family and yourself?

Fatherhood has mainly taught me that you can’t control everything. Traits like impatience came to the surface, but that’s exactly what made me more aware of how I want to show up. By documenting my own fatherhood, I’ve learned to look more attentively - not just through the camera, but beyond it too. It has helped me slow down and accept that it’s not about the perfect photo, but about the moment itself.

What role does your culture play in your role as a father?

My background is a mix of Spanish, Moluccan and Dutch influences. I think I pass on a lot of what matters to me without really realising it. Family and togetherness are central, as is food as a way of being together. Those cultural layers aren’t so much about conscious decisions, but rather about how we share everyday life.

When you’re working with your camera, which moments do you feel compelled to capture - and which do you let pass? What guides that choice?

My way of working is very intuitive. I usually know quite quickly how I want to photograph someone or something, but also when it’s not going to work. At that point, I let it go. I probably miss some beautiful images because of that, but it’s part of my process and feels natural to me.

You live in Amsterdam Noord, where a bike ride can quickly shift from very rural to very urban. How does that environment influence your work and life?

When we moved to Amsterdam Noord, it initially felt quite far away - even though in reality it isn’t at all. Now I really enjoy that daily transition from village to city and back again. My daughter’s school is on the way to the ferry, and just a short bike ride away. And yet, every morning is hectic, haha.

Your favourite song for on the road?

Summer Breeze by Larry Heard - sunshine and 25+ degrees for the full experience.