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Freelance Fashion Photographer. Creative Director. Beach-Lover.

Prior to joining the 8-Week Digital Photography Bootcamp with IOC, Sofieke already knew that she really enjoyed taking photos — but she’d spent years second-guessing whether she was “good enough” to take it seriously. It was time to find out. She spent some time looking for a course that aligned with what she wanted to achieve, something that helped her with the areas she had always struggled with.

“I always avoided the technical side. Especially editing. It just felt really overwhelming.”

She was stuck between loving photography and being held back by what she didn’t know — especially the tools, like Lightroom, that felt too complicated to learn on her own. But within the first few lessons at IOC, something shifted.

“During the course, It was like a wall came down. Suddenly I understood what I was doing — and I could see how to build my own style. The lessons were just amazing!”

For Sofieke, it felt like she had found the missing pieces of the puzzle, and finally had the self confidence - She finally she felt “good enough” and was equipped with the technical skills and business skills she was previously missing.

From e-commerce job to full-time freelance

After the bootcamp, Sofieke spent two summers photographing at surf camps in the south of France — experimenting with light, movement, and her creative voice. That led to a full-time role as an in-house photographer for a Dutch fashion brand, where she shot e-commerce product images and campaigns in a more structured, commercial setting.

It was great experience, and she learned a lot about working with models, studios and agencies — but something was missing. So earlier this year, she left the job to dive into working freelance in her own photography business full-time.

“I realised I didn’t want to just shoot in a studio every day. I wanted to create work that felt more like me.”

Now, she’s focusing on swimwear, fashion, and lifestyle shoots — often leading the styling and creative direction herself. She’s worked with skincare brands, model agencies, beach clubs, and fashion labels — and recently shot her first campaign in Majorca, with another trip lined up soon.

The turning point

One of her biggest early moments was reaching out to a professional model she admired to see if they could work together — and hearing YES. “That gave me so much confidence. Just the fact that she trusted me to create something with her.”

Before this moment, she was struggling a little with Imposter syndrome and self belief.

“At first, I was so scared to reach out to people - to a model or a brand. I really had to switch this in my mind and say okay, fuck it. I have no nothing to lose.”

Another big moment for Sofieke was shooting for Brunotti, a well-known Dutch fashion brand. That project gave her a glimpse of what was possible — and reminded her she was capable of working at a higher level.

What she learned from IOC

Sofieke credits the bootcamp with giving her a real foundation — not just in photography, but in the mindset of being a working creative.

“I left feeling like I could actually do this as a job. Not just creatively — but professionally.”

She also learned how to see and shape light in a whole new way — something that continues to shape her work today.

“The way I use light now — especially natural light — that’s something I really took from the course.”

Sofieke picked up a lot of new skills during the digital bootcamp to help shape her future as a freelance photographer, but she continues to learn and grow and develop her style as she goes. Not only that, but she now really enjoys editing her images - something she always found too hard. Sofieke continually analyses other photographers work and trying to understand how they achieved certain looks - always looking to improve.

Her advice for new photographers

Looking ahead

Right now, Sofieke is focused on refining her portfolio, booking more destination shoots, and doing more of the work she actually enjoys — shoots with movement, sunlight, emotion, and a sense of place. She’s also slowly moving into more creative direction and styling, and shaping a photography business that gives her both freedom and fulfilment. “I’m not where I want to be yet but I know I’m on the right path. And that started with the course.”

To check out Sofieke’s work, head to her website www.sofiekemaria.com and be sure to give her a follow on Instagram here @visualbysoof