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As a photographer and maker I document queer nightlife and LGBTQ identity in Rotterdam. This project grew out of a personal need to connect with my queer identity when I moved to Rotterdam — working at Ferry Rotterdam and documenting that journey along the way.

Queer nightlife scene in Rotterdam, 2024 — documentary photography by Luca van Ruiten Documentary portrait from Rotterdam queer scene, 2024 — photography by Luca van Ruiten Portrait of Kristupas Vabalas in queer nightlife setting, Rotterdam 2024 — Luca van Ruiten photography Portrait of Faye Ferry, drag performer at Ferry Rotterdam, 2024 — photography by Luca van Ruiten Faye Ferry photographed at Ferry Rotterdam queer night, 2024 — Luca van Ruiten

In this project I isolate subjects in the studio or shoot on location to give images context. The goal is to showcase queer joy and highlight acceptance rather than tolerance.

Faye Ferry — studio portrait, queer photography Rotterdam 2024, Luca van Ruiten Faye Ferry — queer documentary portrait 2024, Rotterdam, Luca van Ruiten Mandy McCandy — drag performer studio portrait, Rotterdam 2024 — Luca van Ruiten photography Mandy McCandy — drag performer portrait 2024 — photography by Luca van Ruiten Mandy McCandy — close-up drag portrait 2024 — Luca van Ruiten Visa — queer portrait 2024, Rotterdam — photography by Luca van Ruiten Cashmere — drag performer portrait, Rotterdam 2024 — Luca van Ruiten photography

As a maker, I deeply appreciate the art of drag and love capturing its magic. The atmosphere of transformation and performance is something I strive to convey through imagery.

Mandy McCandy — drag performance documentary 2024, Rotterdam — Luca van Ruiten Cashmere — drag artist portrait 2024, Rotterdam — Luca van Ruiten Queer nightlife documentary photograph, Rotterdam 2024 — Luca van Ruiten Wine — queer scene portrait, Rotterdam 2024 — photography by Luca van Ruiten Kristupas Vabalas — portrait in queer nightlife setting, Rotterdam 2024 — Luca van Ruiten

Ongoing and never ending