behind the sea’ns
l’m Maaike
I am a photographer, content creator, and designer who turns travel experiences into stories you can feel. I have stood in moments so breathtaking that no photo or story could ever do them justice.
But what if they can?
I aim to capture that exact moment - that moment where you pause, take it all in, and realise the world is bigger, wilder, and more beautiful than you imagined.
good day,
I believe the world is meant to be explored, and the right story can inspire people to seize it.
mission
I help people see that the world they admire in photos and videos is real: full of landscapes, cultures, and experiences waiting to be explored. Through my photography, storytelling, and design, I bring my travels to life so others can feel what it’s like to step into these moments themselves.
vision
I want to create a movement of bold, curious travellers who turn dreams into real experiences. By connecting people to the beauty and diversity of the world, I aim to inspire a community that chooses adventure, embraces new challenges, and actively creates a life that feels fully lived.
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I embody the idea that life doesn't have to follow a conventional blueprint. You have the freedom to create your own path.
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I believe the world is meant to be explored.
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I connect with the people behind the dream to understand their why, bridge the gap, and make their dream life feel less like a fantasy and more like a plan.
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My work is purpose-driven. I am not just creating content, I am trying to move people to actually live their lives by showing it’s within their reach.
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I don't just share the breathtaking view; I share what it took to get there. Real stories close the gap between "someday" and "why not now?”.
my values
My goal is to inspire people to explore beyond the familiar and to realise that living a life that feels fully lived is not just possible - it’s within their reach.
I love working with…
travel brands that believe in more than pretty photos - the ones who want to capture the thrill of new places, the magic of small moments, and the feeling that makes travellers want to pack their bags and go. If your goal is to move hearts as well as feet, we will make a great team.
I am not into…
rushing, starting projects without a clear vision or spreading negativity.
For me the most productive and motivating way to work is to start off with an inspiring idea, communicate clearly (nothing is too crazy!), and have fun along the way.
you can find me…
near the ocean, on the road or at a cafe. I love my flat whites, a good sunset and spontaneous adventures.
I live life fully when…
I am living in the present moment. Watching the waves of the ocean with the people I love - not knowing what the next day will bring. Not caring what other people think of me. Just me, my friends and my silly life :)
daily rituals
journaling, running, drinking flat whites, capturing moments, editing photos and watching sunsets.
I am (remotely) based in…
Australia and The Netherlands, working from wherever the light is good ;)
The story behind Plan Sea
In 2016, I was following a couple on Instagram who were travelling the world in their own van. Every day, I was amazed by the beauty of the places they saw. At the same time, it felt like a lifestyle far removed from my own. Until I realised that what was possible for them, could also be possible for me.
I started looking for beauty closer to home, using photography. For me, photography is a way to notice beauty in things you would normally walk past. It’s a way to pause, to really look around, and to see what’s already there. That’s when I found my passion.
I began taking more photos and applied for several (master)classes in photography. In 2020, I decided to study Communication and Multimedia Design to expand my skills - not only in photography, but also in videography, communication, creative thinking, storytelling, and creating meaningful concepts. That last part is especially important to me: not creating just for the sake of creating, but creating with purpose.
In 2023, I joined a minor called Project van je Leven (Project of Your Life), where I started building my own business in communication and photography. During this minor, I realised how important a positive mindset is, as well as having a clear vision of who you are and what you want in life. I truly believe that anything you want is possible, as long as you go for it.
After finishing my studies, I decided to go after the life I want and really live it. I moved to Australia, further explored my passion in photography and really started living. That is when I felt there is so much more to life than following a plan that’s made for you. By looking within and go after that plan that fills you with joy and passion, everyone can live a life that is fully lived. That’s when Plan Sea was born.
Plan Sea stands for choosing a path that is truly yours - free from others’ expectations and your own limitations. When you look beyond the obvious Plan A or Plan B… what’s your Plan Sea?
