In the mid to late 90s, I acquired my first camera—a Kodak APS Advantix F350, equipped with a panorama feature, perfect for capturing landscapes. The anticipation of collecting developed photos from the local shop a week after submitting the film was always exhilarating, though often disappointing when most images turned out unusable.

Fast forward to 2005, I purchased my inaugural digital DSLR camera, a Canon EOS 350D, from the camera store where I worked part-time on Saturdays. It was one of the earliest DSLRs available at the time. A few years later, I acquired a second-hand Canon EOS 20D. Transitioning into the digital realm brought immense satisfaction; I relished the freedom to snap countless photos and learn from my mistakes without the waiting time and expenses of film development. Mastering the intricacies of manual mode became my goal as I delved deeper into the world of digital photography.

PHOTOGRAPHY

While I've had some experience with wedding photography in the past, I must admit it wasn't my forte. As an introverted person, being amidst a crowd of people made me feel out of place. Interestingly, all the couples whose weddings I photographed have since divorced. Perhaps my discomfort mirrored the fragility of their relationships, just as the role of a wedding photographer didn't quite fit me.

One of my most memorable paid assignments was capturing the arrival of royals at the christening of Dutch Princess Cecillia de Bourbon de Parme in sunny Piacenza, Italy, back in 2014. I remember feeling incredibly nervous that day—it was a whirlwind experience. From flying from Amsterdam to Milan for the shoot, then immediately returning home afterward, it felt like a glimpse into the life of a paparazzi. While thrilling, I knew it wasn't a career path I envisioned for myself.

Another enjoyable project was photographing 40 recipes for a cookbook published in 2012. This endeavor suited me better as it didn't involve the pressure of being surrounded by people like in weddings or the paparazzi gig. However, I discovered that I feel most at ease when I'm outdoors with my camera, away from the hustle and bustle of crowds.

Me on the left at work in Italy with the women on the left being Princess Margarita and on the right former Queen of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrix. Piacenza | Italy | 2014

NEW JOURNEY

The Netherlands, known for its high population density, began to feel too congested for me.

Upon visiting Scotland in May 2019, I immediately fell in love with its charm and decided to make it my new home later that year.

Captivated by Scotland's breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes, I made the decision to relocate. Having grown up in the Low Countries where hills and mountains are scarce, I'm thrilled at the prospect of experiencing them daily amidst Scotland's stunning scenery, which offers endless opportunities for photography.

It was time to immerse myself in this beautiful scenery, to explore my newly adopted country and capture its essence through photography.

Thus, the concept of BRAWSCOTLAND was born...

BRAWSCOTLAND

BRAWSCOTLAND originated from my renewed interest in photography upon relocating to Scotland in late October 2019. One of the earliest Scottish terms I picked up was "braw," conveying sentiments of excellence and beauty. This inspired me to dedicate my landscape photography exclusively to Scotland, leading to the creation of the name BRAWSCOTLAND by blending the two words.

CRAFTING IDENTITY

Leveraging my extensive background in the graphic industry, I've undertaken the task of shaping BRAWSCOTLAND's identity. As part of this effort, I've created a user-friendly website that consolidates comprehensive information into one accessible location.

Fuelled by my passion for outdoor photography, my goal is to capture the essence of Scotland's beauty through a thoughtfully curated collection of images. Prepare to be transported to Scotland's picturesque landscapes, which include not only its renowned lochs and mountains but also its enchanting forests, captivating coastline, striking architecture, rich history, diverse wildlife, and vibrant events that collectively define its unique charm.

At BRAWSCOTLAND, we offer a diverse array of photographic products through our online store. Our primary focus is on mounted and/or framed prints, available in various sizes and printed on premium-quality papers. Using a Canon Pro printer equipped with genuine Canon archival quality pigment-based inks, we ensure exceptional print quality in-house. Additionally, we offer an annual wall calendar featuring 12 of my favorite images, each uniquely designed.

Since the start of 2024, we have expanded our services to include holiday let and hotel photography. Scotland is home to many beautiful holiday homes that attract countless visitors each year, eager to experience the stunning scenery and warm hospitality.

While many property owners use their phones to take quick images for booking websites, professional photography offers unparalleled value. High-quality, well-lit, and well-composed photographs capture the unique details of each room, allowing potential guests to envision themselves enjoying their stay. Our images convey the mood and atmosphere of your property, helping travellers make informed decisions and increasing your bookings.

Please get in touch if you are looking to get some new photographs to elevate your business.