A Love Letter to Everyone who Supported me in 2023

As we find ourselves at the close of another year, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the incredible journey that 2023 has been. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I owe it all to the amazing individuals like yourself who have supported me.

The Studio

At the start of 2023 I found myself in a difficult situation, the desire to enhance the photography experience and to offer you more has always been there. With a distant dream of perhaps one day having a studio. 

On a rainy day in January I just decided to start calling around ‘’ just to see what is out there!’’. Before I knew it, I found myself in a place thinking that my dream might become a reality sooner rather than later. After lots of encouraging words from friends, a pep talk from my amazing partner, a few emotional breakdowns (okay okay maybe more than a few),‘’Marieke Captures Studio’’ became a reality!

Over the months so much love has been poured into this space to make it exactly the way I had envisioned it to be. The space has become my active place of creation. It feels amazing to be able to provide you all with a warm and safe space when you decide to book a photoshoot with me.

To this day I find myself running around the studio with so much joy, being able to offer you a warm and welcoming space. Every single day in this space is still surreal! I’m so thrilled to have been allowed to welcome the doors to so many of you this year.

Full Time

Your enthusiasm was growing and so was my excitement. The bookings came in faster and faster. I was finding myself working most evenings and weekends; with so much love and joy. But I was working a ‘’normal’’ job alongside it, becoming more demanding in its own way at the same time. There was no more time left for loved ones so it became very clear I wasn’t able to keep this up for forever, and something had to give.

 In September I decided to take the leap of faith, after even more encouraging words, and another breakdown or 2 (or 3… or 4) to go full time with photography. Leaving the comfort and stability of a job behind. But knowing that I would be able to welcome so many more of you, while giving you even more attention and time; the decision was made. 

And wowee never in my wildest dreams did I think this would become a reality. But YOU have made it a reality, and I’m beyond thankful.

I still find myself at a loss for words how incredible it is to have all my focus on creating and on giving you the best experience possible.

Boudoir

So many of you have decided this year to step onto the path of celebrating yourselves in front of the camera. We’ve created so much incredible art together! Every single one of you have told me your story, and why you’ve decided to invest this time into yourselves. 

There is so much trust involved in this kind of photography. You’ve all impressed me with your courage, your strength and your journey. 

Thank you for allowing me to be your photographer, and to hear your stories.

Adventure Boudoir
The Adventure Boudoir Sessions were raised to a new level this summer! Hills were climbed, waterfalls were embraced, some sessions were rescheduled many times because of the incredibly wet summer that we’ve had, only for that photoshoot to end in the rain with so much laughter and joy. 

There have been muddy feet and leaves in our hairs, and many midgies have been waved away. 

At the same time so much tea has been drunk, towels have been made dirty and stories have been shared.

I can’t wait to see what the beauty of Scotland has in store for us next year!

Maternity

There is something so magical about the anticipation of a new life. Pregnancy is such a remarkable transformation, both physically and emotionally. In which every day brings new changes and discoveries. 

I’ve had the honour of listening to so many of your stories of what has brought you here. I’ve seen countless loving glances between partners, bellies loving caressed and showered in heartfelt words. 

Some of you have welcomed me into your homes for a warm and cosy session, others have embarked into the wilderness of Scotland, while others I’ve been allowed to welcome into my studio.

Thank you for allowing me to document this magic!

Birth

Where do I even start with birth… it is just WOW! There is something so powerful and beautiful about being allowed to document new life coming into the world. 

The beauty of it can be felt in the air when you step into someone's birth space. I’ve been allowed to witness so many incredible moments that still have left me utterly speechless in the best way possible. 

This year I’ve been allowed to capture some beautiful births and I’m so grateful to each family for allowing me to be there at such a precious time. All of you have been a massive supporter of my work and want to spread the love of birth photography yourselves.

I cannot wait to see where this path leads me in 2024!

Newborn

Then the moment is there when you finally have your little one in your arms! The beautiful tiny little toes and fingers, the cute little sounds but also the very difficult days with so little sleep.

I’ve said it to every parent, and I will keep on saying it; you have my utmost respect. The work, the love that you are all able to give to your little ones is admirable.

A massive thank you to all of you for welcoming me into your homes, for sharing your powerful stories, allowing me to come close to document such tiny little features. All to be remembered for generations to come.

None of this would have been possible without YOU

However, none of this would have been possible with you. Every single one of you that has booked a photoshoot with me, but also the ones that have liked and shared my content. 

Thank you for traveling all over the UK to be in front of my lens

Thank you for allowing me to make, create and share art on a daily basis

Thank you for allowing me to celebrate all of your amazingness

Thank you to all my amazing friends for always having my back, for listening, and for always being so patient with me.

Thank you to my wonderful partner, for loving me, for always supporting me in my crazy dreams and for putting up with all my emotional rollercoasters in this journey

Thank you to Everyone for allowing me to Capture Connection in Every Way

Wishing you all a beautiful and happy 2024!