Monday, November 3rd, is my birthday.Last year, I was packing for my dream trip to Antarctica, a journey that truly felt like once in a lifetime.This year, I’m home in Norway. My childhood friend visited last weekend, and we had such a lovely time. We showed her around the area, visited the Nobel Peace Center, and enjoyed good food together.

Last June marked twelve years since my mother passed away. A quiet anniversary that finds its way into my days, even when I’m not expecting it. Over time, grief has changed. It no longer arrives with sharp edges or overwhelming waves. These days, I still feel her. Not in big, dramatic signs, but in gentle details: the way sunlight spills across the floor, the glint of dew on a leaf, or a song that plays. Grief hasn’t left. It has simply become part of how I see the world. It shapes the way I slow down, the way I notice, the way I photograph.

In my latest article on Natuurfotografie.nl, written in Dutch, I share a deeply personal story about the healing power of nature photography. After losing my parents, spending time in nature offered more than comfort. It gave me direction, inspiration, and a way to process my emotions. 

Somewhere between the chaos of your inbox and the low hum of a restless mind, there is a place where the wind moves gently through tall grasses, where light dances on the surface of a quiet lake, and where the silence doesn’t scream - but soothes. You’re not there in body, but somehow… your nervous system responds. Your breathing slows. Your shoulders ease their grip. And all you did was look at a photo.Healing nature photography isn't about pretty pictures. It’s about creating a doorway.

Some images seem to breathe - alive with quiet motion, as if constantly reshaping themselves. Gold and Silver is one of those works: a dance of flowing lines and textured light that unfold like a living organism. The warm golden and silver tones evoke echoes of Gustav Klimt, while the soft contrasts create a dreamlike atmosphere.

Dit is waar onze reis begint. Maak kennis met ons bedrijf en wat we doen. Wij staan voor kwaliteit en goede service. Sluit je aan, terwijl we samen groeien en succesvol worden. We zijn blij dat je hier bent om deel uit te maken van ons verhaal.

Dit is waar onze reis begint. Maak kennis met ons bedrijf en wat we doen. Wij staan voor kwaliteit en goede service. Sluit je aan, terwijl we samen groeien en succesvol worden. We zijn blij dat je hier bent om deel uit te maken van ons verhaal.

There’s a moment - familiar, quiet - when I realize I’ve been holding my breath all day. That my thoughts are racing, shoulders tight, the to-do list louder than my own voice. And so I do what I’ve learned to trust: I go outside.Not to escape, but to return. To land. To remember who I am beneath the noise.

Have you ever felt that hollow ache after a loss? Or a restless mind, searching for something to hold onto? Loss comes in so many forms. The death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the closing of a life chapter, even the goodbye to a familiar place. It can feel like the ground disappears beneath your feet - and time stands still. In those moments, finding comfort isn't easy. I know, because I’ve been there too. Yet again and again, nature - especially through the lens of photography - has offered me a quiet, healing space to begin breathing again.

Dit is waar onze reis begint. Maak kennis met ons bedrijf en wat we doen. Wij staan voor kwaliteit en goede service. Sluit je aan, terwijl we samen groeien en succesvol worden. We zijn blij dat je hier bent om deel uit te maken van ons verhaal.

One moment I’ll always remember: a cold morning in the forest.I was walking with a photo friend — no plan, no rush, just open eyes and quiet presence.And there, resting on a tiny branch covered in dew, something delicate caught my eye:a soft reflection of light, almost hidden, in the shape of a heart.

A photo for those in the middle of change

What if nature isn’t asking you to fix things, but simply to pause and be?

A look back at a meaningful moment in 2022

And so,a rainbow of small lights.When things feel dark.Comfort Colours invites usto gently find light, colour, and strength within.

A look back on a chapter filled with connection, loss, and love

“Abstract photography can be very therapeutic,” Iris Depasse said, as a guest on the Beeldpraat podcast by Lia van Beest. That struck a chord with me. It immediately resonated. Yes, that’s exactly what I often feel while photographing. It’s hard to put into words, but abstract nature photography touches something deeper. It’s not just about what you see. It’s about what you feel.

A week ago, I received a message that took me by surprise:“One of your photos has been selected for the upcoming National Geographic exhibition in the Netherlands.”

In 2017, during a photography course in the Netherlands, my attention settled on a quiet, easily missed moment: a faded bouquet, long past its prime. Yet in the interplay of light and fracture, it seemed to breathe again. That single image marked more than a creative spark - it became a turning point. The beginning of Circle of Life, my first artistic series, inspired by a line from Paulo Coelho.

Creativity is a deeply personal journey, and it often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. In photography, embracing creative techniques can elevate your work and allow you to express emotions, ideas, and stories in a unique way. Here are some tips that have helped me foster creativity in my own practice.

Flowers have long been symbols of beauty, growth, and life. In my Healing Flowers project, I use flowers as metaphors for emotional resilience and personal transformation. Through underwater photography – a natural evolution from my earlier work with frozen flowers – I capture the delicate yet powerful nature of blooms, reflecting on how they can inspire self-reflection and support the process of moving forward in life.

A month of soft greens, slow mornings, and seeds of change. May brought a quiet kind of beauty. The trees burst into green, birds returned, and the light lingered long into the evenings. In that stillness, inspiration arrived.

Art-Based Learning (ABL) is an innovative method that merges art with personal reflection. It creates space for deeper insights, emotional processing, and personal growth. While ABL can be applied in various fields—from education to mental health—I primarily use it in the context of grief and loss. Through creative exploration, it helps individuals connect with their emotions and experiences in a meaningful and often healing way.

They arrive quietly, shimmering with morning dew - dandelions, nature’s soft messengers of spring. From golden blooms to fragile seed heads ready to drift away, they carry a story of resilience and transformation.But it’s the faded ones that draw me in most. The fragile, dew-covered heads that seem to whisper:“There is beauty in letting go.”

Today I’m celebrating a quiet but meaningful milestone: seven years since I officially registered my business with the Chamber of Commerce in 2018. A lot has changed since then - my work, my focus, even the country I live in. But what hasn’t changed is the inner fire that drives it all: the desire to create, to connect, and to offer something that touches the heart.

Art has always had the power to touch emotions, stir memories, and offer healing  - and nowhere do I feel that more deeply than in Fountain of Life. A dreamy, almost surreal image: red and pink flowers suspended beneath the surface, surrounded by soft bubbles, dissolving into liquid poetry. This artwork, featured in Kunstvitamine Magazine and the Artists Yearbook, has grown into something much more than a single photograph. It became the seed for a new series, and a gentle reminder of what art can be in times of sorrow and transition.

Grief, farewell, and remembrance are moments filled with deep emotions. I’ve experienced these moments myself and seen how much the environment can affect our emotional state. A space can either feel like a warm embrace, a place of comfort and peace, or it can feel cold and distant. What happens when a space feels impersonal or lacks warmth? How can we create environments that offer support and evoke serenity?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself unexpectedly grounded in the Netherlands. It was supposed to be temporary, but I’m still here, our lovely home hasn’t found a new tenant just yet. And while that brings some logistical challenges, I’m also enjoying this unexpected pause. The weather has been beautiful, the garden is blooming, and the cat is grateful I’m here.

In today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, it’s easy to lose touch with who we truly are. We rush through our days, responding to endless demands, while something deep inside quietly fades: our inner voice, our sense of calm, our connection with the natural world. Yet nature still holds the key to our healing and authenticity. This is the essence of Earth Embrace.

Moving to a new country is more than just a change of scenery. It’s an emotional journey. As I build my life in Norway, I find myself drawn even more to the healing power of nature. Through long hikes or quiet moments behind the camera, I see how deeply my photography is connected to this transition. Just like nature’s cycles, moving abroad comes with growth, reflection, and letting go.

📌 De Nederlandse tekst vind je hieronder.

A man reaching out to help a young girl as they collect litter together - it was a fleeting moment, quiet and almost unnoticeable, yet full of meaning. I captured this photo during a local cleanup two years ago, and it still resonates with me. That simple gesture - one hand reaching for another - says so much about how real change begins: close to home, in small steps, and through connection.

Nature has always been at the core of my work as a photographer. Not only as an endless source of inspiration, but also as a sanctuary for peace, comfort, and connection. Recently, I’ve become more attuned to the powerful healing qualities of nature, especially forests. It prompted me to delve deeper into the science behind this unique experience.

📌 De Nederlandse tekst vind je hieronder.

Grief is not something to be processed and left behind. It becomes part of us, woven into the fabric of our lives. This profound perspective, shared by clinical psychologist Manu Keirse, deeply connects with me. I had the opportunity to attend one of his lectures at the crematorium in Tilburg. His words, his presence, and his wisdom reaffirmed the idea that grief does not need to be 'resolved' but integrated into who we are.

After returning from Norway, something shifted. The quiet of the mountains, the whisper of snow-covered trees, and the rhythm of nature invited me to slow down. I came back to the Netherlands with a clearer mind and a heart full of inspiration.

Grief is a deeply personal and often unpredictable journey. The loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, leaving us unanchored. How do we find comfort and strength in these difficult times? How do we take small steps toward healing?

📌 De Nederlandse tekst vind je hieronder.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sorting through my belongings, both in Oslo and at my home in the Netherlands. With a new tenant moving in soon, it’s time to clear out, sell what I no longer need, and donate items to give them a second life. Since moving to Norway, I’ve naturally embraced more color in my wardrobe, letting go of the all-too-familiar black that once dominated my closet. Books and papers have been sorted, and surplus supplies are ready to be sold.

Healing Art is more than just visually pleasing - it profoundly impacts our emotions and well-being. It evokes feelings of safety, comfort, and healing. Zuyderland Hospital describes it as: “Art that has a clear, positive message and evokes a feeling of safety is considered healing art.” I have personally experienced this power of art to soothe and heal.

📌 De Nederlandse tekst vind je hieronder.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature. Yet, even brief moments with nature images can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health.

📌 De Nederlandse tekst vind je hieronder.

I’m proud to share that my work on Therapeutic Nature Photography has been featured in the latest issue of Natuurfotografie Magazine! It’s an honor to have been invited by this wonderful platform to share my vision and story. The magazine is now available in Dutch bookstores. For those who don’t speak Dutch, I’ve translated the article into this blog. I’ve also curated a selection of the featured photos, which you can now find in my online shop. If you know of any organizations or platforms that might be interested in this article, I’d love to hear your suggestions!Additionally, I’m working on a more in-depth Masterclass and (e-)book that explores this topic further. If you’d like to stay updated, feel free to send me an email. More to come soon!

📌 De Nederlandse tekst vind je hieronder.

Het is bijna een jaar geleden dat we naar Noorwegen verhuisden. We genieten hier nog steeds en hopen langer te blijven, maar onze toekomst is nog onzeker. Daarom voelt het nog niet goed om onze fijne plek in Nederland te verkopen. We hopen in elk geval nog minstens een jaar in Noorwegen te blijven.

After an unforgettable week filled with northern lights, sea eagles, and stunning snow-covered mountains in the Lofoten Islands, we are back home in Ski (Oslo). This trip reminded me how deeply connected I feel to nature - the quiet beauty of the Arctic, the rhythm of the seasons, and the way light transforms the landscape inspire my work. We love living in this beautiful country, but our future here is still uncertain.

Sinds 2018 schrijf ik fotoblogs voor Nature Talks en interview ik verschillende fotografen. Hierbij een overzicht van de verschillende artikelen die ik heb geschreven.

Voor Nature Talks sprak ik met onderwater- en walvisfotograaf Tony Wu over zijn liefde voor de zee. Lees het in deze photo blog.

For the Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY) Contest I'm writing photoblogs. Immediately after the award ceremony, I talked with winner Csaba Daróczi's about his winning image Jump! Read the full story here.

In dit artikel heb ik voor natuurfotografie.nl Karin Van Couwenberg geïnterviewd over het fotoboek “The Magic of Hope”.

Voor natuurfotografie.nl schreef ik deze Wildlife & Conservation-special. Vier natuurbeschermende fotografen uit de Lage Landen komen aan het woord.

Voor natuurfotografie.nl schreef ik deze Wildlife & Conservation-special. Vier natuurbeschermende fotografen uit de Lage Landen komen aan het woord.