How this all started….

Some of you might already know this, some of you may not. Anyway: seemed like a good idea to share my journey to where I am today, with you.

The background story
I grew up in IJmuiden, the Netherlands. I lived there, with my parents, my (nowadays not so little) brother and our dog Paddy. Our summers were spent at our holiday home on the beach, where when I got older, I also got a job at a beachclub waiting tables. The beach is, and will always be a big part of my life; whenever I have some spare time and the weather is nice, it’s where you’ll find me! After I attended high school, I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to be, or what to study. Actually I struggled with it, and admired people who had such a clear vision about their future. Me and my best friend decided to take a gap year to work and travel – and I somehow hoped or maybe even expected to suddenly have it all figured out. Newsflash: I didn’t.

Law School
I decided to just choose something, and went to Law school in Leiden. I managed, did not enjoy myself but continued anyway. In the second year of my study I picked up a DSRL (reflex camera) for the first time, and starting to shoot as a hobby. I noticed I liked photographing people, and friends, family (and then their friends and family) started asking me to take their pictures. From that point, it still took me about 2 years to realize that this was what I wanted to do, and to allow myself to believe that I could photograph for a living, and could be my own boss.

Creating the life you love
I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be able to pursue my dreams, to work from my cozy home in Santpoort-Noord, to travel and to capture so many beautiful love stories. I just don’t have the words. I am so happy I was given opportunities, and took these chances – and to have the sometimes much needed support from my boyfriend, family and dear friends. Of course there are times when I failed, fallen, and had to pick myself back up, and this post is a very short version of my story. I will however be sharing more personal stories and thoughts on this blog, so if you like it, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter.

Lots of love,
Raisa