I’ve always been a very visual person, and an affinity for visual art runs in my family.
Photography has been my passion since I was able to use a (digital) camera. I started taking pictures of flowers and my cats, in and around the garden. Soon after, I started using my sister as a model. We styled her in the most outrageous outfits and applied crazy make-up. It ignited something in me.
I studied graphic design which taught me a lot about composition, color, art, and how to create striking visuals. During my studies I was required to find an internship. I got lucky and got an internship with photographer Ursula van de Bunte. I will forever be grateful for the things she taught me and the opportunities she has given me. During this internship I got to dive deeper into photography, developed many useful skills, got better at retouching and learned how to shoot in a studio and use light.
More than just a photographer, I am also a creative director, in the sense that I can take on the process from ‘some ideas’ to fully realized image by myself. From the very beginning I did a lot of the make-up and styling for my models and clients. My interest in fashion and make-up had a chance to grow and develop into something I could really use in my images. I shoot a lot of self portraits where I take on the role of creative director, photographer, make-up artist, hair stylist, stylist, and model. I am however very happy when I work with other make-up artists and stylists. It gives me space to focus on the other parts, and I love how each person just brings more passion to pour into the project.
It is important to me to empower my audience, clients and models. So many people have to deal with pressure and insecurities in their daily life, and I want my work to be something exciting, inspiring and empowering. You will always see diversity in my portfolio, as I find it important to make as many people as possible feel represented and I see so much beauty in all kinds of people.
I find inspiration in everything around me. A conversation, a beautiful dance performance, a flower, a walk while I daydream, or listening to music while taking a shower. At any given time, inspiration can strike and ideas for new images get stored in the back of my head. A shoot is a creative process. Of course on many occasions everything will be planned out beforehand, but when a creative team gets together, creative juices start to flow and beautiful things happen. To me, it is very important that everyone that’s part of the team gets to put a part of themselves into the image. I will always try my hardest to make sure you get the images you have in mind, with a little extra.
I do most of my work from my studio in Nijkerk, but have no problem adjusting to a location of your choice.
Do you want to know more? Do you need me and my for one of your projects ? Just give me a call or send me an email!
(+31) 6 15 17 14 09
info@josefienhoekstra.com
KvK nr. 72117842