Looking back on 2021

It’s time for my annual recap post. A tradition that I’ve been keeping up with since 2014(!). It’s a tradition that I’ve started to keep you updated on all that has happened, but that turned out to be just as important for myself, as making a recap of my year ensures that I take some time to stand still, to appreciate and to be proud of everything that I’ve done. Every year I struggle to write this post, and feel like I want to procrestinate, but: every year I pull through and it turns out to be worth it. So let’s do this.

PS: if you don’t want to read but would rather look only at the photographic highlights, just scroll a bit to the photo series with some of my absolute favorites that I’ve shot this year.

 

On beginning and ending the year in Costa Rica

I am writing this post from Playa Grande, Costa Rica. And that’s kind of special in itself because I started 2021 in Costa Rica as well, as Erik and I were traveling for seven months through Croatia, Portugal, Costa Rica & Mexico. April 2021, we got back and before we went officially home to our home in Santpoort-Noord, we ended our world trip on Ameland (an island in the north of The Netherlands). We spend the summer at home and did lots of surfing, I shot 7 weddings, and got to do some fun shoots. I coached a lot of creative entrepreneurs and helped them work towards their goals – something I’ve been doing for a while now and still enjoy to the fullest. And: in October, we left for Mexico again and spend 6 weeks in the Yucatan area, followed by a month in Costa Rica – which will forever feel like my second home. I love it here. So much. Also a big highlight of the year that recently happened is that I got engaged! Erik asked me during sunset on one of my favorite beaches in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, and I said YES.

 

Photography learnings

My relationship with photography continues to grow. I’ve been shooting for 10 years already, and I still learn so much. This year, and especially in the second half of 2021, I feel like I tapped into a whole lot of new creativity. The creative juices were more than ever flowing during my editorial shoots and personal work, so that’s definitely something I’m looking forward to continue in the new year. In weddings, I focused more on storytelling than ever and I am só proud of the work I got to create for my clients.

PS: for Dutch photographer reading this: I share a lot of my learnings every month on my platform Storytellers – you’re invited to join!

 

Ending 2021 and starting 2022

A lot has happened this year on both a personal and business level, and it’s way too much to lay it all out in this blog. I do know that I feel happier than I’ve ever been. I love the people (and pets) around me, I love our life and the freedom Erik and I created. I love what I do and can’t wait for another year of all of it. But first: we’re flying home for Christmas to celebrate with our families. I feel sad to leave Costa Rica, but am confident that we’ll be making the most out of whatever is next. I’ll keep you posted.

Have a beautiful day today, enjoy the last bits of 2021 and I’ll see you in the new year!

With love,
Raisa

 

PS: Some of these pictures are / will be available in my Print on Demand shops on Society6, Artfully walls, and Fy.

And: all photos are edited with the Raisa Zwart Presets.