What if the world is wrong?
On September 26, 2014, we are launching our new brand. In the past this only involved a fresher looking website and getting rid of expired business cards. This time, it's a whole different game.
Tanja and I have been working on this rebranding with the enormous help of our coach Jeff Jochum and mentor Meg Courtney, who we both can't thank enough for their patience and help. Six months of soul digging, cursing, crying, pounding on the wall, wash, rinse, repeat. The journey taught us more about ourselves than we could have imagined.
In the days leading up to September 26, we'll share 3 blog posts (starting with this one) that will give you a clearer picture of why we are making this transition.
Four years ago
Four years ago, I didn't live in Vancouver. I was a junior lawyer, sitting in an office in Ghent, Belgium. I spent my days doing legal grunt work and staring at everlasting traffic jams. Staring. And dreaming about a different kind of life.
To the outside world I had everything to be happy: a wonderful girlfriend (now wife), a great apartment, a decent enough income and a future as a lawyer. Only, I didn't feel happy. I felt miserable. Every single day I felt a noose tightening around my neck. Choking me. The noose, was a question: "is this it?"
Until one day in Spring of 2010. I was staring at another traffic jam when I suddenly thought: "What if the world is wrong?"
I could hardly accept it: I was told that my unhappiness about work was part of life and should be accepted as such. And I had always assumed that my environment was telling me the truth. But the words lingered.
"What if the world is wrong."
Months passed. Tanja shared the feelings of unhappiness and in our discussions on what to do about it, we toyed with the idea of moving internationally. Just for the heck of it, Tanja took a Canadian immigration test and found out she qualified. Of course, we buried the idea as soon as it came up. We couldn't move internationally, let alone to the other side of the world. Or could we?
The answer came to us during our road trip through the US in the Summer of 2010. As we cruised from one national park to another, the long car rides made us reflect on life and the thought of moving to Canada came up again. So on a whim, we decided to check out Vancouver. There on the beach of English Bay, looking at the ocean, Tanja and I had our deepest conversation.
It's then that I had my second epiphany: I realized I hated my job.
I didn't want to be a lawyer anymore. Ever. Again. I was done with it. I had never asked myself if that was what I wanted out of life. It wasn't.
The thought led me to another one: how much did I live under the weight of the expectations of others. Society, my social environment, friends and family. Every single one of them told me in some way or another what they preferred for me. But when did anyone genuinely ask me: "What do you want?"
It had led me to not asking myself that question anymore. Which in turn had made me a captive of my own life.
At that point, I knew that I had to get back in touch with myself. To have attention for my thoughts, feelings and preferences. And to allow myself to express them to the world. No more polishing my words into something I thought my surroundings wanted to hear. Only pure and raw thoughts. Unfiltered.
Shortly after my epiphany on English Bay Beach, for the first time in years, I spoke my mind freely to my (former) boss: "I'm quitting my job and am moving to Vancouver, where I'm becoming a wedding photographer."
Kaylyn & Andrew's Whistler Sliding Centre wedding
Without knowing each other, they grew up in the same small village in Ontario. Only years later, they met each other at work in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and fell in love. A couple of years later, they were standing in the Whistler Sliding Centre and promised each other shared custody over the tv's remote control. Under a gorgeous sun the officiant declared them husband and wife.
In the last days of Summer, I had the pleasure of second shooting for the amazing Mathias Fast at Kaylyn and Andrew's wedding in the Whistle Sliding Centre. The couple had the sweetest and most personal wedding vows, which reflected their wonderful personality.
Thanks again to Mathias for having me assist him. Be sure to check out his photos of the adorable Kaylyn and Andrew!
Want to check out more work photographed in the mountains? Check it out here!
Winter road trip through Alberta
As I took the last photos of Pyramid Lake, Tanja started the car. Our next stop was Maligne Canyon. We walked from the deserted parking lot to the canyon. The snow crackled under our feet. When we looked into the dizzyingly deep ravine we could see waterfalls becoming icicles.
The cold hurried us back into the car for what would be our most dangerous drive yet: Alberta's infamous "most deadly highway". At least that's what we heard afterwards. Endless kilometres of highways covered with snow and ice are fine, crazy drivers and speeding trucks not so much. Driving in the dark was off the table after that stretch.
We both felt relieved when we arrived at Iris & Rolf's home. The peaceful atmosphere and wonderful time with Iris and Eli the dog was the best remedy for our fatigue. Not to mention we finally got to enjoy some decent coffee after days of nothing but unmentioned-donut-serving-Canadian-store-chain-brand-coffee.
The next morning we drove to Head-smashed-in Buffalo Jump. Hearing the name, we had to go. The museum (we were the only visitors) told us how native people would lure the buffalo into a stampede that ended in a ravine where the buffalo would crash. Amazingly, artefacts had been found on the site dated as far as 10,000 BC. Who said Canada lacks history?
As the sun set over the prairies, we finished our day.
When we started our way back to BC we took a short break to watch Frank Slide. The outskirts of the tiny village got swept away by a massive landslide in the early 1900's. Most of the millions of tons of rock haven't moved since.
From there on Crowsnest Highway convinced us to slow down, and take in all the scenery. It confronted us with the vastness of British Columbia and how little we've seen of it. For instance, Christina Lake. On the map, it's but one of the numerous lakes in BC, but when you're looking over the water at the surrounding mountains you feel humble.
Near Osoyoos, we left the highway and drove up a mountain to silently enjoy the view of the sun sinking away into the mountains.
Jelger pressed the 'home' icon on our gps system, but not before halting in Manning Provincial Park where Tanja had a ball with some unspoiled ice crystals. The perfect ending to our vacation.
Thanks to Iris & Rolf and Sophia & Murray for hosting us.
Paris: the finale
You probably know by now that in June we made a trip to Paris, and that we took a lot of photos there. We could actually make a couple several more blogposts with the material that we gathered (which is hard to believe even for us, since our visit lasted only three days). But that would be overkill. So today will be the grand finale of the Paris theme on our website. Promised! Let's get to it!
Guess what these folks where up to?
Exactly! Pointing at the top of the pyramid of Le Louvre. But not us, we had way too much fun looking at them!
Oh, and there was a bride. Again.
Peter & Cyndy's engagement session in Stanley Park
Peter and Cyndy, are some of the amazing people we have met lately. When they told us the location they had in mind for their engagement session, we got very excited, because Stanley Park is one of the most gorgeous places Vancouver has to offer. The night went by in a breeze, but kept the best for last: one stunning pink sunset! So we just had to finish at third beach with this wonderful couple.
Peter and Cyndy, thank you for a great night. We can't wait to photograph your wedding day!
3 weeks of Europe
Today's our last day of a three week journey through the country we once called home. Words are lacking to express how we feel right now, so we'll show you some of our impressions that we collected in instagram.
A trip down memory lane: city views of Ghent
Tanja and I used to live in the fair city of Ghent. Since moving to Vancouver in October 2011, we haven't returned, until now. And for the first time, we were able to appreciate its visual beauty, and not just take it for granted.
This photo could be taken in any small village in Belgium. Bricks galore!
The Aula Academica is the University of Ghent's most formal building. Both Tanja and I received our master's degrees here.
We had our very own medieval castle in the center of the city (torture room included).
Protein-lovers, gather around: on the left is the old fish market, on the right the butcher's hall.
But the city's true beauty, shines at night.
Turning 30 in an airplane
Today, I'm turning 30. And it makes me think. Not just about my age, but about my life and where I'm at. For some turning 30 is no more than "meh, what else is new", for others it's the coming of the rapture. During the last weeks I was going back and forth between the two. On one hand I knew it was just another (birth)day, but then again there was this nagging voice in my head that kept repeating I'm already 30. So I better start taking life more seriously, because that's what you're supposed to do at that age. But really, is that true?
When I turned 20, I felt as if I was going to conquer the world. Being 20-something would be a never-ending string of parties, popularity and succes. Wait, no, that was what I wanted it to be. Instead, I was an introverted and shy sophomore in law school, who felt surrounded by nothing but confident, eloquent students. Oh how I longed to be in my thirties, all mature and full of worldly wisdom.
The next important event was 3 years later: graduation from law school. This time, although I still wasn't Mr. Confident, I was ready to take over the world. After all... I was a lawyer! "Heed me, injustice, for here I come!" Little did I know...
It's a funny thing, how law students, seem to share this picture-perfect image of the attorney-life. Think John Grisham: fancy office, big fat pay check, respectful clients and maybe even a good work-life balance. But then life catches up and all that remains is either the royal wage (for the 'happy few' that get to slave away in the Big Firms) or ... uhm ... nothing. More than once, I wished to be in my thirties; a senior lawyer with at least a taste of the John-Grisham-package. Things turned out differently.
On August 31st, 2011, I closed the door of the law firm behind me. I was 28, completely burned-out, and clinging to the thought that 36 days later, I'd be moving to Vancouver, where I'd start chasing my newfound dream of becoming a wedding photographer. For the first time in my life, I didn't wish I was in my thirties.
Restarting my life and career in Vancouver has been without a doubt the toughest thing I've done, but also the best (well, second best: I married my wife). It forced me to go back to square one and rethink what I want in life. Get ready world, I'm here to conquer you!
Let me add this: the choice to change lives, is a double-edged sword. There's the bliss of rebuilding life consciously (experiencing a lot more quality) but at the same time it postpones events such as having a stable income, children or owning a house. Still I wouldn't want to change a thing. Twenty-something symbolizes my transition from who I was, to who I am today.
- I am (a lot) healthier and leaner;
- Life experience has brought me confidence and a more positive self-image, which I'm only starting to discover;
- The opportunity to move internationally has given me strength and resilience, not to mention: wonderful friends over the whole world;
- Most important: I found my wonderful wife, Tanja. She is the most amazing, loving and understanding person in my life, and without her, I would be far from where I am today.
So in conclusion: does it matter that I'm turning 30 today? Not in the least! I'm right where I want to be in life, as well as in location: sitting next to Tanja in an airplane that's taking us to Belgium, where we'll be visiting our friends and family for three weeks.
On the left photo, I was 21 years old; the right one was taken yesterday.
Natalia & Doug | Vancouver couple shoot
Natalia & Doug, what an amazing couple! The couple shoot with you two was such an incredible experience. What else can we say than this: thank you so much!
Too many what-ifs
When Tanja and I started our business together a year ago, both of us decided to combine it with our day jobs. Evidently, it would take time to generate enough income to live off of.
Shortly before, I had started working at Starbucks, which seemed like the perfect place to start. "Really? Starbucks?", you might ask, alluding to my previous career as a lawyer. But think about it: those five years at the bar were a constant brain marathon, in a stressful and negative setting. Now, think of a coffee shop, where the atmosphere is upbeat and the conversations are limited to small talk. Consider it a break, one that I direly needed. Of course, I also had some romanticized ideas about it through my travel experiences in the States. Nonetheless, it served its purpose. It reinvigorated me with positive thoughts and a can-do attitude. Not to mention unlimited amounts of caffeine. Until…
In December 2012 I got promoted, which involved working more hours and at odd times of the day. Tanja and I hardly shared any time (my weekends overlapped with her working days and vice versa) Both our personal and business lives were suffering. So one day, we sat down, and decided it couldn't go on like that. Back to square one: we needed jobs with more stable hours, and most important weekends off (so we can have photo shoots). With my experience, I started looking for a job in an office setting. However the more we looked, the more both of us realized this was not what I wanted. We did not move here to replicate our lives in Belgium. We want to be successful photographers!
Luckily, the solution found us on the brink of disaster: while shopping for dressed pants… (insert dramatic music)
Tanja and I were checking out the new Crate&Barrel at Oakridge shopping centre when lightning struck us: "I should leave Starbucks and start working full-time for our business"
Lightning was followed by thunder: our gut feeling, which we hadn't felt in a while, told us this was the right path to follow.
The thought is frightening and leaves us with a ton of questions: "what if we don't get enough work? What if we spend all of our savings? What if we make a mistake? What if we are on the wrong track and this is not the way to make our business work? What if it turns out we can't make this dream come true?"
And we have but one, albeit very strong, answer: our gut feeling tells us it's right. If restarting our lives from scratch in Vancouver has learned us one thing it's this: follow your gut. Always. More so when the thought scares you.
So today I have told my manager that I'm quitting to pursue my dream job. Watch me fly!
How I lost and found my rhino
Today, I'd like you to tell a story that I was recently reminded of while rummaging through the treasure pocket of my Moleskine notebook. It's the story of how I lost and found my rhino.
It all began a couple of years ago, in February 2008 to be specific. Tanja and I knew each other for only 2 months and decided to explore our relationship by taking a trip to beautiful Barcelona.
On a given night during our cultural splurge, we were meandering through the maze of Barcelona's streets looking for a fun club, which was not the easiest of quests. During our nights before, we had already experienced how many a Barcelonian was roaming through the streets, dressed up for partying; yet that seemed to be all they ever did. So far we hadn't encountered a single party location. "Must be us, surely this magical city can't be club-less" we thought. And so we started our quest for fun.
Now, before I continue the story, you should know that back then, I was quite an OCD type of person a different type of person. I wouldn't even think 'city trip' without having at least a travel guide for the location within reach. Tanja on the other hand was the exact opposite: she didn't require so much as a spare set of underwear to travel, figuratively speaking of course. However, a new couple as we were, behavioural cross-pollination hadn't settled in (yet). Which explains why long before I had packed my suitcase, I had already studied Nat Geo's Barcelona guide, a book I'd curse more than once during our trip because of its outdated information. Nonetheless, the guide had learned me that Barcelones have a different way of going out than what we were used to. Rather than heading straight for the clubs, they would pick up alcohol in a grocery store, and roam through the streets until deep into the night (the benefits of a warm climate) after which they'd crash some friend's party. So in short: no clubs. Tough luck all you party-desiring tourists. Go have a beer on the Ramblas, and let it be the highpoint of your vacation. Which is exactly what I suggested to Tanja after hours of unsuccessful strolling through the alleys of Barcelona, looking for adventure, and whatever would come our way.
However, Tanja wouldn't give up just yet, putting aside the book's advice (looking back I agree with her, it wasn't the most reliable source) and instead thought we should ask some locals for a good place to party. "Uhm. Yeah... sure... go ahead... That involves, like, talking to an unknown human being... Go ahead! You do it" was my answer (as I said earlier: I was a different kind of person), but I didn't stop there. Instead I added: "care to make it more interesting?" "Sure" she said (every single day, I love how audacious Tanja is. So we made a bet: my "there's no club in this city part" versus Tanja's "the locals will know a party place within one block from where we are right now". And the stake? One... rhinoceros.
Tanja was brave. Very brave. She asked several locals but just couldn't get a satisfying answer. Because there wasn't one. That night, she gave me my rhino.
Now, the story doesn't end there, as a matter of fact, it's only halfway. Ever since Barcelona, I've carried my rhino in my wallet like a sacred charter. Which to me, it is.
The story continues a year and half later in Rome. Tanja and I were on a memorable camping trip through Italy. To save money, we camped on a camping site that was within city limits and took public transit the city center. Halfway through our stay in Rome, after a long day in the sweltering city, we hopped on a bus that would take us back to our camping site. It was never a pleasant experience: busses were constantly overcrowded, which forced the passengers to squeeze together like sardines in a can. Nothing could be wrong with that. I thought.
Shortly after we had gotten back to the camping site, I discovered that my wallet was no longer in my pant pocket (full disclosure: I had stupidly enough put it in the thigh pocket, lesson learned) Immediately, I knew who had stolen it on the bus, because there was only one person who had gotten close enough to me. Panic took a hold of me: cash, credit cards, driver's licence, id, everything was gone. The loss of all of this was very inconvenient, but not irreplaceable. What saddened me the most, was the loss of my rhino.
We rushed to the nearest police station, which in itself was a caricature. The station was little more than the ground floor of a run-down apartment building where a sweaty, rather 'plump' police officer with a too-small-for-his-body shirt was reclined in a chair, feet up on the counter, watching cartoons. Any other language than Italian was unheard of, but after hearing the word 'pick-pocket' he briskly gave me a standard form (type copy-of-a-copy times 10) on which I checked off what had happened. The choice went between 'pick-pocket', 'purse snatch' and 'cut open backpack'; what do you mean theft is a plague in Rome. After finishing the form the officer stamped it (with a stamp that literally fell apart in front of me) and then got back to his cartoons; the sign for me to leave. And that was that I guess.
After the incident, we continued our vacation by using Tanja's credit cards (her wallet was safely stored in the car on the camping) Once back home, I replaced all the lost cards, but was still mourning for my lost rhino (which Tanja tried replacing with a hippo, but it wasn't the same) Luckily, time did heal the pain.
And then, about six weeks later, the mailman delivered a thick manilla envelope with a header of the Belgian embassy in Rome. I ripped it open, and couldn't believe my eyes: it was my stolen wallet, with contents (except for the cash) The credit cards had been cut (by the embassy) but were still there, as was the pile of personal papers.With trembling hands I ruffled through the papers until I found it: my rhino. Needless to say that I was ecstatic. How it found it's way back to me, is amazing. Just think of it: the pick-pocketer must have taken out the cash, thrown it in some back alley, where it got found, brought to the police, who gave it to the embassy, who sent it to me. But somehow the stars lined up right, and I'm eternally grateful for that.
Shortly after that, I got my first Moleskine notebook with the signature inside pocket. I made it into a treasure pocket, where I keep the rhino and other scraps Tanja gave me throughout our 5 years together. To anyone else, they're just pieces of paper with scribbling on them, but to me they mean the world.
Interview with Nero Belgian Waffle Bar
When Tanja and I first moved to Vancouver we thought we'd have to say goodbye to some of our favourite Belgian delicacies such as waffles. Of course, you can find waffles here, but they're just never as good as we were used to. Until we heard that Jan and Eilnaz, our friends and fellow Belgian immigrants, were starting out a Belgian waffle bar right here in downtown Vancouver! From the moment Tanja and I walked in and were seduced by the heavenly aroma's and flavours of authentic Brussels and Liege waffles. Meanwhile the place has become favourite location for our business or client meetings. So why not put the place and its owners in the spotlight, we thought. And that's exactly what we're doing now. Without further ado, we present you: Nero Belgian Waffle Bar.
Jan and Eilnaz, before you moved here, you were living in Antwerps (Belgium) Tell us, how did you end up in Vancouver?
In the spring of 2011 we visited Eilnaz's parents who were living in Vancouver. The city really got to us, and made us think about emigrating out of Belgium. Three weeks later we decided to take the jump. From there on, everything had to go fast, since Eilnaz's status of permanent residence was about to expire. We had about three months to pack up our lives and relocate to Canada. However, as you can see we succeeded.
You certainly did! What would you say is your life philosophy?
Jan: Every single day, enjoy your life to the fullest.
Eilnaz: Enjoy the smaller things in life.
- J&T: Much like us they lived stressful lives in Belgium which kept them from sharing time together
Perfect! Now, let's talk a little more about Nero Belgian Waffles. How did you get to starting up a waffle business?
Back in Belgium, Jan worked in the food and hotel business. Eilnaz was a consultant in a travel agency. Once we got here, it turned out to be a lot harder to find equal jobs. That's when Eilnaz started to work on realizing her dream of having a small coffee and waffle bar. At first, Jan helped out with the practicalities of launching a business, but soon enough we decided to run it together.
Sounds quite like how Jelger and Tanja Photography came to exist! In what way does Nero Belgian Waffles distinguish itself from its competitors?
Our waffles are authentic and top quality, which we guarantee by creating our waffle batter from scratch every single morning with fresh ingredients. If we can't find the right ingredients locally, we import them from Belgium.
The same goes for our equipment: our waffle irons were imported from Belgium because we couldn't find the right ones in Vancouver.
And last but not least: we run the complete business ourselves, which means every waffle is made with passion.
What are the specialities of Nero Belgian Waffle Bar?
First of all: all our waffles are available for eat-in as well as take-out.
Our savoury waffles (Brussels waffle with a selection of toppings such as brie and walnuts or a Belgian chicken and mushroom chowder) are quite unique, because you won't find them in Belgium.
Of course we also offer several sweet options such as Belgian speculoospasta (ginger snaps spread) fresh fruit or chocolate drizzle.
New toppings (and combinations) are constantly added to our menu, depending on seasonal availability.
Finally, on weekends we open at 9 AM, so come on down for a delicious waffle-brunch!
We sure are! Jan and Eilnaz, thanks so much for this interview!
Couple shoot: Gigi & Jeff
A session of sandcastles, tree climbing, splashing waves and a small snake.
Gigi and Jeff, thank you so much!
