In this episode, we explore the captivating world of macro photographer Marit van Ekelenburg, whose imagery transforms everyday natural subjects into stunning micro-landscapes. Marit shares how her love for nature evolved into an artistic calling, revealing the patience, technique, and curiosity behind her unique visual storytelling. From photographing intricate insects and delicate flowers to navigating light and composition at a microscopic level, Marit takes us behind the lens to uncover the quiet beauty and unexpected drama living just beyond the naked eye. Whether you’re a photographer, nature enthusiast, or a creative searching for inspiration, this intimate conversation offers fresh insight into process, passion, and the power of perspective.

✅ What We Discuss

• Marit’s creative beginnings and early artistic influences
• How she discovered macro photography
• The technical challenges of shooting at tiny scales
• Working with light, texture, and depth in nature
• Ethical considerations when photographing flora + fauna
• What inspires her most in the natural world
• Storytelling through detail and magnification
• Advice for aspiring photographers

Keywords:
macro photography • nature photography • floral photography • insect photography • creative interview • visual storytelling • post-processing • lens techniques • photography inspiration • fine art photography • biographical artist interview

BIO
Marit van Ekelenburg is a macro photographer who specializes in photographing insects and spiders in their natural habitat. She seeks out her subjects in the early morning light creating colorful backgrounds that compliment each creature. Marit works as an editor and enjoys combining her skills as a writer and photographer to tell stories. But photographing insects is her favorite occupation. Marit was born in Udenhout, The Netherlands in 1988 to Henk, a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur, and Olga, a gardener. She has an older sister, Kim, a psychologist, and younger brother, Thijs, who is an architectural draftsman. Marit was educated at Utrecht University, and Leiden University where she earned her Masters in Russian Studies and History. Her interest in photography developed a few years after graduating, and in 2018 she realized her true passion was learning the habits of the smallest of earth’s creatures and capturing them in larger than life images. Marit will be showing her work in an exhibition entitled Design by Nature at the State Museum Muiderslot from March 16 - May 12, 2024. Marit lives in Delden in the east of The Netherlands.

Marit’s website: https://www.macrobymarit.nl/
Marit on Instagram: @macrobymarit

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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Marit’s playlist:
Sting // Fields of Gold - When we Dance - If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
Keane // Bedshaped - Somewhere Only We Know
Dire Straits // Money for Nothing
Coldplay // Trouble - God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
Fleetwood Mac // Little Lies - Dreams
John Mayer // Vultures - Stop This Train
Enya // Lazy Days - Wild Child
Fleet Foxes // Ragged Wood
Saybia // 7 Demons - Fool’s Corner
Muse // Supermassive Black Hole - Pressure
Elderbrook // Old Friend

Marit’s favorite female artists:
Alison Pollack
Carlijn Kingma
Kristine

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