The full story

When I grew up as a child I always told my artistic mom that I would not become an artist like her. I was convinced that my dream job would be a hairdresser. Little did I know.. Soon enough the eagerness to draw, to create and to work with my hands was too big to ignore.

During my study to become a graphic designer a minor in photography sparked my interest. From there on the path was clear: I want to be a photographer. I went to the Willem de Kooning art Academy in Rotterdam there I learned how I could use my interest in people and their stories to create narrative portraits.

Ever since my studies, a recurring photography subject has been the idealized Western beauty standard. Through my acquired knowledge, and my daily experience of portraying people, I discovered how often people are negative about their own appearance.

This knowledge is always in the back of my mind. That I, as a portrait photographer, have the responsibility and most important, the chance to change a little of this high standard.
By directing people in their pose I help them to feel confident while taking the photo’s. Resulting in a strong and honest portrait where they recognize themselves in and feel good about.

I’m at my best when I work from my intuition. I enter the job with a heavy backpack full of gear and a rough idea for the photo. During the photo shoot, I make the determine choices that create the final image. This leaves room for creativity and creates the chance to transcend mainstream portraits. Resulting in photos that are bright, vivid, tell a story and if the situation occurs have a little humor in them.

Based in Amsterdam, I divide my time between personal projects and commissioned work for clients throughout the Netherlands.