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.

Healing Art is much more than something beautiful to look at; it has the power to heal, comfort, and restore peace, especially during challenging times. But what makes it so powerful? How does it help our emotional well-being and recovery? In this blog, I will explore the essence of Healing Art and its potential to transform our emotions and lives.

A place that has touched me to my core. Not just any wilderness, not merely a distant, inhospitable corner of the world, but a realm of its own. Pure, silent, untouched. Here, you don’t just encounter nature - you encounter yourself.

The Stardust series, a collection of 8 unique artworks, takes you on a poetic journey through time and space. From the darkness of the universe to the birth of stars and an explosion of light and color – each piece tells a part of this fascinating story.

What I find so special about abstract nature photography is that colors, shapes, and light are not just visual elements - they carry emotions as well. Colors can bring calm, ignite strength, or evoke deep memories. They reflect feelings that are often hard to put into words and can help with reflection and healing.

Research shows that even just looking at nature images reduces stress and brings calm. For those who cannot go outside, photos provide a valuable alternative to experience the positive impact of nature.

2024 in a Nutshell & 2025: Diving Into the New Year!

Wishing You Warm and Joyful Holidays!

This is my last blog before I depart for Antarctica – an adventure I’m incredibly excited about! My journey starts on Sunday, November 3rd, and I’ll be back in December, hopefully with some stunning photos captured under magical lighting conditions. As I prepare to explore this unique part of the world, I’d love to share some exciting developments focused on the healing power of nature and nature photography. This theme is central to my work, and I hope it inspires you as well.

The rugged beauty of a Norwegian glacier, captured during our recent road trip. A prelude to the icy wonders awaiting in Antarctica.

Last Friday was filled with insights, inspiration, and connection at the Diversify Nordics Summit. Chisom Udeze, founder of Diversify, opened the day with a powerful quote: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, you have not spent the night with a mosquito." This message echoed throughout the day, reminding us how small steps can spark big changes.

I often get the question: "What do you actually do all day now that you're living in Norway as a trailing spouse?" I heard this question quite frequently before we moved to Norway, and last weekend in the Netherlands, it came up again. I was there for the La Vita è Bella art exhibition at De Nispenhoeve in Prinsenbeek, where I exhibit my work alongside more than 20 other artists. It was wonderful to see my family and (photography) friends again after nearly half a year.

What a wonderful weekend it was to be back in the Netherlands! I thoroughly enjoyed the photo weekend and the chance to reconnect with so many dear people during the art exhibition at the beautiful 'De Nispenhoeve', perfectly organized by John Heller and his wife Wilma.It was special to meet old friends and connect with new faces—from my childhood friend to the manager of my very first job at Philips nearly 20 years ago. Current colleagues and other (photography) friends were also present, such as: Jolanda Pikkaart 👒, René Hogenes, Miranda van Krugten van Dijk, Jacinta Kogelman, Helga Nuchelmans, Mark Heller, Mark Dankers, Mascha van Velzen en Ankie Wetzels.One of the visitors described the exhibition as a unique experience: "It felt like I was being drawn into the work, making me take my time to absorb it all. With the story behind it, it comes even more to life." These kinds of reactions touch me deeply, as this is exactly what I aim for in my work: inviting people to pause and let themselves be carried away by the story. And hopefully, it brings some comfort too. By the way, the exhibition will be open for two more weekends.What stood out to me was how new connections were formed, both personally and through my work. It was a weekend full of warmth, connection, and gratitude. Alongside the exhibition, I also enjoyed lovely breakfasts and dinners with family and friends—it was great to see so many people again.Since last night, I'm back home, and I have to admit, I need a little time to recharge. Now I’ll slowly start preparing for my long-awaited dream trip to Antarctica in six weeks. If you missed it, I shared more about this in my first LinkedIn newsletter.

Is your camera gathering dust? If you’re a nature lover who wants to dive back into photography, this might be the perfect opportunity! In this newsletter, I’ll be sharing some valuable insights from my very first macro photography workshop.

It's storytime! I’m excited to share a bit more about myself and my journey, giving you a glimpse into the passion behind my work. I’m also delighted to invite you to my upcoming Stardust exhibition in the Netherlands. On top of that, I’m thrilled to announce that a lifelong dream will come true in November when I embark on a journey to Antarctica! Keep reading to find out how you can follow this new adventure.

Over the past two weeks, we’ve explored more of our beautiful new homeland – Norway – and soaked in everything this breathtaking country has to offer. Majestic waterfalls, shimmering lakes, awe-inspiring glaciers, winding mountain paths... And yes, we even came face to face with wild reindeer! My camera was working overtime, and with nearly 3,000 photos to go through, I’ve got my work cut out for me. But here’s a sneak peek!After almost three weeks of vacation, I’m excited to get back to building my business. For example, I’ve joined 1x (.com), a platform for high-quality art photography, where photos are reviewed by experts and, if good enough, published and potentially even awarded. The first photo is already uploaded, so I’m eager to see the results.The coming month is packed with exciting activities. In just 2.5 weeks, I’ll be traveling to the Netherlands for the art exhibition 'La Vita è Bella' at De Nispenhoeve in Prinsenbeek, where I’ll be showcasing my work alongside more than 20 other artists. I’m really looking forward to seeing my family and (photography) friends again after nearly half a year.At the end of September, I’ll be attending the Diversify Nordics Summit in Oslo, the very first conference on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. There will be 100 speakers from various disciplines, and I’m excited to be volunteering for the event.In addition, next week I have my second session with my business mentor, and I’ll be participating in the National Geographic photo competition. A few years ago, it was my dream to have my photos published in National Geographic. While that dream has shifted a bit as I focus more on using my (nature) photography to contribute to health and well-being, it would still be amazing to see my work in that iconic magazine. Who knows what the future holds!Want to stay updated on my journey and projects? Sign up for my newsletter (https://lnkd.in/e5cSneG7)! The first edition will be out next week.

Join me and over 20 other artists at the art exhibition ‘La Vita è Bella', which means 'life is beautiful,' at the stunning Galerie De Nispenhoeve and Sculpture Garden in Prinsenbeek. The Nispenhoeve chose this name for the expo because it is beautiful and inspiring, reflecting the beauty we add to the lives of many through our art. For three weeks, I will showcase several works from my "Stardust" series. Traveling all the way from Norway, I will be present for the opening weekend on September 14th and 15th.

Healing arts encompass diverse forms of expression, including dance, music, writing, and visual arts, each with profound effects on healing and wellness. For me, the focus is on the transformative power of visual arts, particularly photography, on health and well-being. Art has the remarkable ability to divert thoughts, offering solace not only to patients but also to caregivers, healthcare providers, loved ones, and visitors. Nature-inspired artworks, such as serene seascapes or tranquil heaths, possess a particularly soothing and therapeutic allure. My artistic endeavors draw inspiration from the beauty of nature, aiming to provide support and instill hope, strength, and serenity.

Here’s another look back at our past six weeks. There have been plenty of developments and news, so we hope you enjoy the read :-).

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.