In the mid to late 1990s, I acquired my first camera, a Kodak APS Advantix F350 with a panorama feature, perfect for capturing landscapes. Collecting the developed photos from the local shop a week after submitting the film was always exciting, though often disappointing when most images turned out unusable.

By 2005, I purchased my first digital DSLR, a Canon EOS 350D, from the camera store where I worked part-time on Saturdays. A few years later, I acquired a second-hand Canon EOS 20D. Transitioning to digital photography brought immense satisfaction, as I could take countless photos and learn from my mistakes without waiting for film development. I focused on mastering manual mode and exploring the full potential of digital photography.

If you’re curious about my current equipment, you can visit my Gear page to see the cameras, lenses, and accessories I use for my photography today.

Although I have some experience with wedding photography, I quickly realised it was not my forte. As an introverted person, I felt out of place in a crowd. Interestingly, all the couples whose weddings I photographed have since divorced. Perhaps my discomfort reflected the fragility of their relationships, just as the role of a wedding photographer did not suit me.

One of my most memorable paid assignments was photographing the arrival of royals at the christening of Dutch Princess Cecillia de Bourbon de Parme in Piacenza, Italy, in 2014. I felt incredibly nervous that day, flying from Amsterdam to Milan for the shoot and returning immediately afterward. It was a whirlwind experience, like a glimpse into the life of a paparazzi. While thrilling, it was not a career path I wished to pursue.

Another enjoyable project was photographing 40 recipes for a cookbook published in 2012. This suited me better, as it did not involve the pressure of working in crowds. I discovered that I feel most at ease when outdoors with my camera, away from the hustle and bustle of people.

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

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

On 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 was thrilled at the prospect of experiencing hills and mountains daily—something rare in the Low Countries. It was time to immerse myself in this scenery, explore my new home, and capture it through photography.

Thus, BRAWSCOTLAND was born.

BRAWSCOTLAND originated from my renewed interest in photography after moving to Scotland in October 2019. One of the first Scottish words I learned was “braw,” meaning excellent or beautiful. This inspired me to dedicate my landscape photography to Scotland and create the name BRAWSCOTLAND by combining the two words.

With my background in the graphic industry, I have shaped BRAWSCOTLAND’s identity and created a user-friendly website that provides comprehensive information in one place.

Driven by my passion for outdoor photography, I aim to capture the essence of Scotland’s beauty through a curated collection of images. These include not only the well-known lochs and mountains but also forests, coastline, architecture, history, wildlife, and events that collectively define Scotland’s unique charm.

At BRAWSCOTLAND, we offer a variety of photographic products through our online store. Our main focus is on mounted and framed prints in various sizes, produced on premium-quality paper. Using a Canon Pro printer with genuine Canon archival pigment inks, we ensure exceptional print quality. We also offer an annual wall calendar featuring twelve of my favourite images.

Since the start of 2024, BRAWSCOTLAND has expanded through Highland Stays Photography, offering professional holiday let and hotel photography.

Scotland is home to many beautiful properties, and while many owners rely on quick phone photos, professional images make a real difference. High-quality, well-lit, well-composed photography highlights each room’s unique features, helps guests imagine their stay, and can increase bookings.

If you’re looking to elevate your business with new property photographs, please feel free to get in touch.