In conversation with: Suus Waijers

We’re back with a new edition of In conversation with, our ongoing series where we chat with friends of REYÈM about their creative worlds, personal style, and what inspires them most.

This time, we’re featuring Suus Waijers, an Amsterdam-based photographer who captured our current collection campaign, and the upcoming one, which we can’t wait to start sharing with you soon.

In this conversation, Suus takes us behind the lens, sharing the stories and inspirations that shape her work, from nostalgic memories in a family darkroom to the creative collaborations that have defined her path. She also lets us in on her go-to shoot day outfits, favorite songs, and more.

Read along to get to know Suus a little better. 

Have you always been drawn to photography, or did you find your way here unexpectedly?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been busy with art: drawing, painting, and fashion. At first, I wanted to be a designer, but that idea evolved when I went to art school and started to combine it with photography. The ability to create and visualize my own world felt really special.

REYÈM Spring / Summer '25 outtake, photographed by Suus

If your photography style were a playlist, what three tracks would define it?
I would say these three tracks capture the vibe and energy of my work:

Donato Dozzy – Vaporware 01 → Experiencing this live was intense! It pulled me into a trance-like state, and that has influenced my work ever since. It mirrors how I build atmosphere and emotion in my images.

Cube – Concert Boy → Full of energy. It reminds me of capturing those in-between, honest moments.

Don Melody Club – Zontimenteel → Warmth, nostalgic, and fun!! (Everyone should listen to this band this upcoming summer.)

Is there a campaign you've shot that will always hold a special place in your heart?
Definitely the campaigns I’ve shot for ELEPH. Over the past few years, we’ve worked with the same team, which created a deep sense of trust and a lot of creative freedom. It felt like we truly grew together, both creatively and professionally.

What’s your earliest memory of holding a camera?
I have vivid memories of the darkroom my older brother set up in our attic, where he developed his photos and made handprints. He was studying photography at the time and was always taking pictures of me. I think something awakened in me back then, and it all fell into place when I went to art school.

Can you think of a photo that instantly makes you feel nostalgic? What memories does it bring back?
Yes, a photo of my grandmother in Portugal. I took it while she was sitting in her kitchen, surrounded by the everyday objects that made the space so uniquely hers (and mine). The warm, natural light, the quiet atmosphere - it all captured her essence perfectly. That image will always have a special place in my heart, not just because of the moment itself, but because she was one of my biggest supporters. This photo feels like a piece of that connection - something I will cherish forever.

Who (or what) is your ultimate muse? What fuels your creativity when you're shooting?
I don’t have one specific muse, but I get really inspired by energy - especially when something unexpectedly shifts on set. I’ve experienced moments where a certain enthusiasm sparks within the team, and suddenly, everything clicks. That kind of synergy is what fuels me the most.

What’s one camera or tool you can’t live without?
My Mamiya! Aka my baby. I will never let her go - she’s been with me to so many special places. (Only downside: she’s heavy!)

What’s your go-to outfit for a shoot day?
All black with flats or sneakers. Oversized jeans, a shirt or pullover, and my hair in a long braid.

Where can we find you on a typical Friday night?
Having drinks with friends or doing a dance at Club Raum!

What’s your drink of choice when you’re out?
Moscow Mule, for sure.

If you could photograph anyone, living or dead, who would be your top three, and what kind of setting would you create?
My grandfather - He worked with horses in the Portuguese military. The photos I have of him are these very special ones where he’s standing beside his horses, and I’ve always dreamed of capturing him in that same setting. Him standing next to his horse, the bond between them visible in every small gesture. It would be a way to reconnect with him, to preserve that part of his story in my own way.

Cate Blanchett – Her presence is so transformative, almost shape-shifting. I’d love to photograph her in a minimal, moody setting. Just her, a simple backdrop, and soft daylight that highlights her expressions. A series that captures both her strength and vulnerability in the most stripped-down, timeless way.

Björk – She has such a unique, otherworldly energy that fascinates me. I’d love to collaborate with her and step into her world, creating something that feels like one of her sonic landscapes—with organic shapes that blur the line between reality and a dream.

What’s your favorite REYÈM piece?
The Halter top in Black. I’m planning to wear this one all summer.

‘Stretch’ can mean so many things; what’s the first thought or image that comes to mind when you hear the word?
The first image that pops into my mind is from my series Nica for Wül Magazine. That story explored the body and how material molds into different shapes through movement and stillness.