After moving from cityside to the countryside: now from our own woods at Ruigeweg. I see opportunities to play, experiment, and create. That’s how our artistic playground was born. 

Ruigeweg means ‘rough road’: it’s the name of the road we live on, and also our own path. Not the predictable path, but flowing with what comes, meeting challenges with openness and embracing the unexpected gifts along the way. Each one a reason for gratitude.

Welcome in our woods, Voornaam abonnee

Sometimes there are those years where everything turns out a little differently than planned — but exactly right. This was one of those years. So take a moment (sit down, or go for a walk), here we go.

From bunker to studio (yes, really)

I moved.
Not my home, now my workspace.

My desk moved from the bunker to the studio. More daylight, more space, and significantly less “where did I put that thing again?”. My studio, with its large greenhouse door, is a big wink to our neighbouring farmers.
This year I had great joy in hosting cyanotype and mobile photography workshops for entrepreneurs in this space. Lots of blue hands, focused gazes and creative aha moments.

The B&Bunker itself was finished at the end of July!
And since then, many guests have already enjoyed a wonderful stay there — from lovers of silence to people who, upon leaving, asked if they could cancel their agenda and move in.

The yurt also ran at full capacity this year via Airbnb and Natuurhuisje, welcoming guests:
– from the forests of Germany to our forest
– cycling all the way from Amsterdam
– and even from Australia, some of whom found it even more beautiful here than back home.

Mindful Photowalks (slowing down is a must)

Not chasing perfect pictures, but slowing down. Looking. Breathing. Seeing what is already there.

With phone in hand, we headed out into nature. Not to make beautiful photos (they happened naturally), but to be present. For many participants, these walks turned out to be surprisingly powerful moments of calm, playfulness and clarity.
To be continued, because this definitely left me wanting more.

Cyanotype // Blueprint

Cyanotype (cyan = blue), one of the oldest photographic techniques, took a big leap forward in my offerings this year. What started as a workshop grew into Blueprint reflection sessions in various forms.

Together with systemic coach Kim Hovenkamp, I’ve been working for 1.5 years on our card deck LICHT KRACHT. The test print? More powerful than we expected. One of those this-is-bigger-than-us feelings. We’re now fine-tuning the final details and hope to launch the deck on February 16.
And yes — the 1/1 unique original cyanotype prints from the deck will also be available for purchase in my shop.

A few highlights:

• My first 1:1 Blueprint Art session, with mother and child

• Since my Blueprint Retreat launched on Thanks for the Trip, I’ve had the privilege of guiding two beautiful retreats
  💙 https://thanksforthetrip.com/jouw-blauwdruk-retraite/

• A wonderful meeting with Janet from Planet Janet led to the Blueprint Reset programme for teams
  💙 https://www.planetjanet.nl/retreat/blauwdruk-reset-nederland-het-gehele-jaar-door/

• And my Blueprint Essence Journey is currently in development…

🎂 And more…

I’m already gathering memories, because next year I’ll be celebrating 20 years of freelancing as a photographer and creative entrepreneur. TWENTY. (How?!)

As a little pre-celebration, I’ve booked a photography week in a beautiful gîte in the French Alps this June. Camera packed, head empty, heart full. I’m counting down.

To be continued! Because this story is clearly not finished yet.

For now, I feel deeply grateful for these beautiful, meaningful, powerful points of light.
Of course, there are shadows in my life too — just like everyone else. I’ve found great support in our own life on this extraordinary place of strength. In my husband Joost, who time and again lifts the core and the true priority out of everything that unfolds. And also in the books The Artist’s Way and Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” and “Let Me” Theory. Have a look…

I wish you beautiful holidays and a year filled with light on your path.

Want to stay tuned to this creative estate adventure? Follow me on Instagram @ruigeweg or sign up for the newsletter at www.ruigeweg.nl.

Our latest Rough news… (in dutch, I’m sorry)

“Photography, to me, is a journey of insight, awareness, reflection, energy, and vision. People, our surroundings, and the spaces we create inspire me to bring meaningful work to life. It flows straight from the heart. I value durability, quality, and timelessness — to give you something that continues to enrich and resonate over time.”

L O V E
Marjon Hoogervorst