Van Dijk Photography - Introduction

My name is Maarten van Dijk. I am originally from Warmond, Holland where I attended
the Royal Academy of Arts in Den Haag. As a professional photographer, working mainly
in the San Francisco bay area, I specialize in weddings, portraiture and events.

I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet. I love my job. This is
important, because - and here's a secret - the most essential aspect of photography is
love. This, believe it or not, is what all good photographs strive to capture.

Think about someone you love, or have loved - be it a first girlfriend, your fiancé, a dear
family member, or your newborn child - and think about those moments in which you've
really *seen* that person.

You'll probably be able to recall any number of times that you were struck silent by the
incredible beauty of some amazingly unique detail: the quirky curve of a smile, that
unruly hair lick catching the light just so, the drop of an eyelid, the flex of a shoulder, or
whatever it was that pinned, in that moment, the entire essence of the person in your
gaze.

This is what photography is about. And this is what I am constantly seeking in my
images. It's an extraordinary goal to work for, and the people I've met and worked with
as a result have taught me so, so much about it.

I am looking forward to having you as one of my teachers!