ASTRID SCHUTE 03.06.1958 I bought my first camera when our daughter was born. I immediately fell in love with photography—and I had a wonderful little model to photograph. Years later, we visited friends who had emigrated to South Africa. Especially for that holiday, I bought my first Nikon camera. When we went on safari there, the wildlife photography bug really bit me. Back home, I had my film developed—more than 30 rolls—and I already saw the storm coming: this was going to cost a fortune. When my husband went to pick them up, he was absolutely shocked. Since then, I’ve made many wonderful trips to distant countries. I choose my destinations based on the animal or bird species I want to photograph. Through a photography club, I ended up at CCC Fotostudio. I have a small home studio and already knew quite a bit about lighting and such, but during the workshops I attended there, I learned a great deal more. Photography has become my great passion. In addition, I love doing DIY projects around the house—painting, wallpapering, making things myself; I enjoy it all. I photograph purely for myself and share my best photos on Facebook. Of course, it’s nice when your photos get noticed and published. One of my photos appeared in the National Geographic tear-off calendar, and two of my photos were published in bird books. I also once won the weekly assignment of Het Perfecte Plaatje. In addition, photos of mine have been used at the polar bear enclosure in Diergaarde Blijdorp in Rotterdam. At the moment, I have fully switched to the Nikon Z series. Photography remains a wonderful hobby, and I hope I will be able to enjoy it for a very long time. There are still many beautiful places I would love to visit.