Over Travelmarks - Travelmarks Photography

Mark Brands – eigenaar en oprichter Travelmarks Photography!

Nice to meet you!

I'd like to introduce myself; it's nice to get a sense of the person behind Travelmarks-Photography. My name is Mark, welcome!

Mark Brands is the driving force behind Travelmarks photography, where his passion for photography and travel meet. Growing up in Tegelen, Limburg, he developed an early love for nature and culture, and for capturing special moments. These days, he thoroughly enjoys life with Marlou and their three dogs. Hiking and camping in the most beautiful places are his greatest hobby and pure relaxation – always seeking peace, adventure, and new discoveries.

Mark Brands – World traveler & Visual storyteller

His work reflects a deep admiration for the beauty of our planet and the people who live there. Inspired by his philosophy “The world is art, the photographer the artist… let your imagination guide you to capture it your way,” Mark approaches every destination with an open mind and creative freedom. His images are more than just photos – they are stories, fueled by curiosity, respect, and imagination.

World traveler in heart and soul

Traveling the world holds a special place in my life. I remember sitting at my grandmother's table as a young boy and telling her I'd travel the world. It was already a reality back then, but it was temporarily put on hold. A life-changing event in 2014 changed that. It gave me new insights, for which I'm truly grateful. Now I can say I'm doing what makes me happiest: combining two passions: photography and travel! The most wonderful thing is sharing that with fellow enthusiasts during trips and workshops. I love contributing to a better world for all of us; respecting local life is my top priority, and that opens many wonderful doors!

Mark Brands

nairoshi-foundation-travelmarks-photography-duurzaamheid-kenia-fotoreis-2

milkyway-fotoreis-lightpaint-travelmarks-photography-melkweg-astro-portugal-2

Joost Smeets - photography guide at Travelmarks-photography

Joost: “Photography is capturing the beauty of life.”

Joost Smeets is a 41-year-old passionate semi-professional landscape photographer from the Netherlands, currently based in Nazaré, Portugal. After a long creative break, he rekindled his love for photography in 2021 — and hasn’t looked back since.

For Joost, photography is more than just taking a picture. It’s about the entire journey: preparing the gear, traveling, finding the perfect moment and location, immersing himself in nature, and finally seeing the result displayed on someone’s wall. Every photograph tells its own story. Beyond the artistic aspect, photography also serves a therapeutic purpose. Nature brings peace, calms the mind, and relieves stress — a quiet power that’s reflected in his work.

visual-workshop-staalwol-lightpainting-landschaftspark-duisburg-travelmarks-photography-fotografie-avond-cursus-1-2

Diana Venis-Kerkhoven – photography guide at Travelmarks Photography

Diana – Photography guide with an eye for peace and detail

Diana is a guide at Travelmarks Photography, where she shares her love of landscapes and night photography with passionate travelers. With her calm approach and years of travel experience, she puts photographers at ease and inspires them to deepen their creativity.

Whether capturing the soft light in beautiful nature or capturing magical evening scenes – Diana patiently guides participants and attaches great importance to a pleasant group dynamic.